273 MY HEART IS WITH SOMEONE ELSE

"No, I haven't." Lady Thana nonchalantly answered Raigon's inquiry as she took a sip on her cup of tea.

Zoe's eyes narrowed on her. She has no idea what Raigon was asking about. But she knew that it wasn't the answer that Raigon was expecting as she noticed him heaving out a heavy sigh.

"I will just talk to her about it now." He stood up and was about to go to Lady Wiktoria when Lady Thana stood up to stop him. 

"Wait!" 

Raigon froze in his position but he wasn't sitting back down. Azra ready himself to leave anytime the Crowned Prince decided to. Erin's eyes were also on Zoe, waiting for what will happen next.

"Mother will not accept our broken engagement easily. I'm just looking for the right time to open it to her." Lady Thana's head tilted down as she bit her lips. 

Zoe felt bad that she was the cause of this. However, Raigon seemed determined as he replied.

"Don't worry about it. I will remind her that I didn't agree to the engagement in the first place. I already told you the reason for it."

Raigon shifted his glance on Zoe, who quickly darted her eyes away as she felt guilty for being the reason for her shattered hopes. Raigon continued on directing their next step.

"However, I am running out of time. It's either we let her know now. Or wait for her to learn it from other's mouths. And I don't think she would take it better."

Lady Thana inhaled a lungful of air and nodded. "You're right. I'll check if she is done talking with Lord Hou. Then we can talk to her about it."

She bowed to them and left. Meanwhile, the four gathered together and talked about the situation. 

"Is it really necessary that Zoe is here? Who knows what Lady Wiktoria could do to her?" Erin asked as she bit her nails in worry for her friend. 

Raigon bowed down to Zoe in apology. "I'm sorry about this. I thought that Lady Thana had told her mother already about us. I shouldn't have brought you here."

Zoe nodded as she understood. She was really feeling uneasy about her presence in this house.

"Maybe we could shop around the Capital while you guys talk first? What do you think?" Erin raised her arm in suggestion. 

"Let's do that." Zoe and Erin get on their feet and were about to go to the Gate when Lady Wiktoria and Lord Hou entered their location.

"Lady Thana said you want to talk to me?" She smiled at them amicably then seated herself in an empty spot. 

Azra stood up, followed by Erin. "We would just go to the Capital to buy some goods. Grandfather, do you want to come with us?"

Lord Hou nodded sensing that this is a family talk. "We will come back later, your Highness, so you can have plenty of time to discuss what you need to say."

"Are you coming with us, Lady Asha?" Erin inquired Zoe who was shifting glances to all of them.

As her eyes landed on Raigon, he nodded towards her as if motioning her to come with them. But then, the corner of her eyes caught on Lady Wiktoria and Lady Thana. She has no idea what they could do or say to Raigon.

'He will be all alone in handling them.'

Zoe drew in a deep breath and bowed down to them. "I'm afraid I'll refuse. I will just stay here and accompany the Crowned Prince."

Raigon's lips partly opened in surprise as he knew how uncomfortable she is right now. He was about to object. But Zoe's mouth curved up as she nodded her head as if she was telling her that she can handle it.

As they left, Lady Thana and Zoe lifted their chairs so they could stay back while Lady Wiktoria and Raigon talked. Raigon didn't beat around the bush anymore and went straight to the point.

"I apologize for the inconvenience that this could cause you. But I will not be marrying Lady Thana. She is only a little sister to me."

Zoe's knees went weak at Raigon's straightforward words. Although deep inside, she felt thrilled that he was really hell-bent on making her his Crown Princess.

She made a quick glance at Lady Thana who was almost on the verge of tears as she seemed frustrated with the situation.

As expected, Lady Wiktoria flew into a rage as she refused to believe what Raigon was saying. 

"I know you're still young and naive, your Highness. But the royal family don't marry out of affection. We marry to preserve our lineage. And who would you marry if not for Lady Thana?"

Lady Wiktoria uttered in desperation as she pulled Lady Thana to her side. "What do you want that she doesn't have? There is no one else who is qualified to be the next Queen of Terra than her!"

"I know this is very disappointing for you, Madame Lim. I recognize Lady Thana's excellent attributes. I know her future husband will feel proud to be her wife. I sincerely wish her a good married life."

Raigon stood up and bowed down to Lady Wiktoria and then to Lady Thana. And then he continued on pouring out his desired wish. 

"But I'm afraid that I am not that person for him. My heart is already with someone else. And I want to live with her until the day I die."

His eyes darted towards Zoe whose heart would burst out of her ribcage anytime now. Her hand flew to her chest as she was having a hard time breathing. But then his words took her on the next level of euphoria.

Lady Wiktoria's face flinched as she stared at Raigon's endearing gaze to Zoe. 

She was about to speak up when Lady Thana interrupted in.

"It's all right, Mother. I agree with him."

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"I love you" means I care enough to fight for what we have. And I love enough not to let you go.