270 AN OBSTACLE COURSE

"At least their feelings are mutual. No coercion is needed."

Zoe lifted her chin and spoke out while smirking directly to the Queen. She would not let her spew out vile things against her mother.

She may not have known how her relationship was with the King then. But from what she has witnessed with the little time that she had with her, she would never force her way into someone else's heart. 

King Artair and Raigon glanced at each other in surprise at Zoe's boldness to contradict what the Queen just said. On the other hand, the Queen put her hands on her waist and continued to hiss at her.

"Feelings aren't important. The future of Terra is. And the King has made a wise decision." 

She then crossed her arm and sniggered as she moved her waist from left to right.

Zoe bit her lips as she knew that it was right somehow. However she contemplated if emotions aren't really important. She has seen the King suffer emotionally too because of his decision and it is what made her hold on to Raigon now. 

"The past also isn't significant. Lady Asha has served our family beyond our expectations and she would receive the honor due her, whether anyone objects or not. And it is final."

The King smoothened his robe and started walking out of the Chamber.

"Now if you have nothing else to do, you can stay here and discuss among yourselves. But Terra is waiting for me."

King Artair added before leaving His chamber, leaving the Queen, Raigon and Zoe behind. 

"Let's stop this now, Mother. This isn't necessary. Let's just get ready for the event. It is only a few days away."

Raigon bowed down and encouraged Zoe to do so.

Zoe was still frustrated at the Queen's remark against her mother. But it fueled her desire to attend the event. She will show her Mother in heaven and to the whole Terra that their generation is not a curse to the land but a blessing.

She bowed down with Raigon and left the room with him. 

As they went out of the Castle and decided to breathe in fresh air, they met Physician Sheng Tun and the other physicians along the hallway. They were also there to speak to the King about the event.

"Your efforts are admirable, Lady Asha. You managed to incur the King's favor towards you just like your Mother."

Physician Sheng Tun sniggered and bowed down to Zoe, followed by the other physicians behind him. 

Raigon was about to speak up and defend Zoe. However, Zoe nodded to him as a signal that she could handle it.

"Thank you, Physician Sheng Tun. I also admire my mother's excellent skills in medicine and her sincerity in treating the people of Terra. I must have got mine from her. I'm proud to be her daughter."

Zoe remarked intelligently and in a respectful manner. She gave a quick look in the sky, secretly wishing that her mother had heard her words. 

She may not be with her now. But she recalled her telling her when she was little,  that whenever she looked at the stars in the sky, she should not feel alone as her ancestors were all watching her. 

Raigon's lips curved up in a proud smile, seeing her undeterred by opposition and nonchalantly spoke up. 

"Now if you will excuse us, we have other important things to do."

Raigon concluded the conversation. He was not worried at all even if they talked with the King. With the King's determination that he witnessed a while ago, he was convinced that he would not let Zoe down.

They continued on their way to Hengcheng Mountains as the Raigon requested her to accompany him in personally inviting the Hous and Erin as well.

However, it seemed that luck was not on their side as they met Lord Vigo who was on his way to the King's. And this time, Raigon's strong walls slightly shook as he recalled him being the cause of the King's heart attack.

"I thought it is clear that you should not be in the presence of the King unless you are summoned, Duke Andras. I guess I misunderstand."

Raigon exclaimed but in a courteous manner as he was still his Uncle. 

Ever since the last meeting that they had, he has not shown himself to anyone. Not until now. Zoe stepped back as she gave way for the uncle and the nephew to discuss the issue. 

"I am here to congratulate my brother's health and express my sincere apology. Am I not even allowed to do that?"

Duke Andras replied in a feigned sympathetic voice as he put his palm on his chest.

However, Raigon is not convinced. He has seen enough to be deceived.

"You can do that on the day of the event, Uncle. Until then, please refrain from coming to the Castle."

A muscle in Duke Andras' jaw tensed at the answer of his nephew as he was more bent on pushing on with his plan. He straightened his shoulder and responded back.

"Certainly, our dear Crowned Prince. I am actually preparing a surprise gift for him and the family. I hope you'll all be excited for it."

Zoe's face tilted up and furrowed her brows as she was bowed down the whole time.

'Surprise gift coming from Duke Andras? That will not be a pleasant one for sure!' 

Zoe thought to herself, quickly glancing at Raigon who seemed unperturbed by Duke Andras' suspicious present.

"I am looking forward, your Excellence. I am certain that it will bring out the radiance of the already glorious King. Until then, Uncle." Raigon responded as he bid his farewell with a confident smile. 

Duke Andra's eyebrows knitted together as he was not expecting that answer from him. But his nephew and Lady Asha were already far from him.

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The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it. So fight hard. Victory is coming.