272 MEETING THE EX-FIANCE

Because of Raigon's answer, Zoe was convinced to come with Lord Hou, Azra and Erin to the Lim's Residence. 

As Zoe and Erin were in one carriage and the men in the other, they had time to catch up with each other.

"Like mother, like daughter. You're fortunate that Princess Taia took after her father." 

Erin crossed her arms as she learned about her life in the Castle with the royal family. 

"It's bearable. What makes my heart suffer is my grandmother." Zoe sighed as she peeked out the window.

"Yeah, right. Who would have known? But I think His Highness is right. There is a big possibility that she will show up at the party."

At the mention of the word 'party', Erin got all giddy as she wiggled her fist in the air. "You must stand out and let the world know that you deserve to be the Crowned Princess of Terra."

Zoe's lips curled into a half-smile. "Should I? Am I really ready to give up my life as Zoe and stay in this land as Lady Asha, the Crowned Princess of a fantasy land?"

Erin's shoulders dropped. "You still haven't decided, yet?"

Zoe shook her head and clamped her lips. "This is all nice. And I love Raigon so much. But to live here is a different matter. It was like all my efforts to study will all be just in vain as I couldn't apply them all here. Besides, I don't have anyone here aside from Raigon and you."

"And Azra, Lord Hou, Lady Dolores, Lord Adrian and Tristan, Gao Zemin, Princess Taia and even the King!"

"But my grandmother could not live in this land. And there is my Uncle and Cayden on the other side. It's not as if I can travel back and forth easily once Raigon and I become the King and Queen of Terra."

At the mention of the word 'Queen of Terra', Zoe couldn't help but pause for a few seconds. 

'It sounds nice.'

She recalled her childhood when she would always draw herself as a queen in a Castle. And she often daydream of a Prince who would come and take her away to be with him in his kingdom.

Zoe suddenly realized that her childhood fantasy is becoming true! If only she could remain as a child and enjoy this beautiful moment. But now that she is of age, her anxiety for her future and her goal that it took her years to build are getting in the way of her happiness.

"You can think about that some other time. Here we are. Are you ready? Just give me the cue and I'll know what to do."

Erin pulled up her sleeves and showed her biceps, which made Zoe nod and chuckle at the same time.

"I didn't expect that we would have a lot of guests today." Lady Wiktoria greeted them with an awkward smile. However, her face lit up when she saw Raigon. She immediately bowed down to him.

"I didn't know that you would be here too, your Highness. How is the Queen?" 

Since the incident with the arsenic poisoning, she hasn't shown her face to her and even visited the Castle which she was so accustomed to doing.

Raigon also bowed down to her and answered. "She is fine, thanks to the effective treatments of Lady Asha."

He slightly stepped aside so he could introduce Zoe.

Zoe wasn't expecting that but she bowed her head at the speed of light. "It was also through the skills of Physician Sheng Tun and the grace of His Highness to allow me to treat her."

"So she was the Great Lady Asha. I heard she has also treated the King. She looked just like her mother."

Zoe gasped as she tilted her head. "Y-you know my mother, Lady Wiktoria?"

A smile curved up her lips as she answered her. "I did not just know her. We're friends, together with the Queen."

Zoe's eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. So did Raigon, Azra and Erin who gave a quick glance to each other. 

Zoe was about to ask another question when Lord Hou spoke up. "You asked me to go here?"

"Oh!" Lady Wiktoria reacted as if she had awakened from a deep slumber. "I apologize for my manners. Have a seat."

She guided them to the veranda near their mansion. "Lady Thana will be here to assist you shortly. Let me talk with Lord Hou in private if you don't mind."

Lady Wiktoria smiled at them before leaving with Lord Hou to a more private place.

Meanwhile, Lady Thana indeed appeared and bowed down to them. 

"It's been a while."

Zoe immediately stood up and bowed down. And so did Azra and Erin.

"We just accompanied Lord Hou. We will leave right after." Zoe explained in her uneasiness. However, Lady Thana smiled at them. 

"You can stay here as long as you want. Please, have some tea."

Lady Thana seated herself among the four friends and poured tea to their cups herself.

"I heard you were going to be honored at the King's event. Congratulations, Lady Asha. You did a great job."

She smiled at her sweetly. But Zoe gulped as it was impossible for her to act that way after Raigon had confessed his desire to break away from their engagement because of her.

"Thank you. I hope to see you there." Zoe spoke innocently too, responding to the same manner.

"Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Will you be announcing your engagement there too?" She flashed her sparkling set of white teeth as if what she was saying is just a casual thing to say.

Raigon spoke up and deviated the topic so Zoe would feel less uncomfortable. 

"Did you talk to Lady Wiktoria about it?"

He was mentioning his desire not to be engaged to her. 

Everyone at the table awaited her reply.

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The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.