274 THAT WAS ME SAYING I LOVE YOU

Lady Wiktoria's flaring emotion was somehow abated as Lady Thana calmed her down. However it is still not enough for her to dismiss the issue just like that.

"Does the Queen know about this, your Highness?" She asked in a controlled manner as Raigon is still the land's Crowned Prince.

"Yes, madame." Raigon answered curtly, to Zoe's surprise. 

As she recalled, the Queen is still very rude towards her. Her shoulders dropped down as she could imagine herself living in the Castle with her cold shoulder everyday. 

However, it is an insufficient reason for her to give up on their relationship.

"And she agreed to it, your Highness?" Lady Wiktoria continued to interrogate Raigon as she raised an eyebrow in disbelief. 

Raigon paused for a few seconds before he added. "To be honest, she didn't at first. But I know she will soon. The first half of the condition was already met."

'There he was with that word again. I wonder what���s the second half.' Zoe thought to herself as she slightly brushed her hair to her side. 

"How about you, young miss? You know that being wed to the Crowned Prince means being the next Queen of Terra. Can you handle it even with the rumors against your family?"

Zoe gulped as it was a question that she didn't expect to be asked of her. She believes that she can face everything as long as she is with Raigon and she is by his side. But the moment when Raigon would be gone because of unforeseen reasons, she doesn't see the sense of staying and reigning anymore.

Everyone's eyes were on her, including Raigon who was also anticipating her answer. So she responded accordingly amidst her hesitancy.

"I will do my best, Madame Lim." She responded as she bowed down to her. 

"I will also help her." Lady Thana butted in and raised her hand. 

Zoe and Lady Wiktoria gave her an incredulous look as if what she was saying is beyond the bounds of possibility. But Raigon just shrugged his shoulders as he already had an idea about it.

Lady Thana smiled at them confidently as if she was certain of what she was saying.

"I still live in Terra and I love this land to its core. I would not allow it to crumble."

Raigon nodded and stood up. "That said, I hope everything is now settled and this would not be a cause of misunderstanding between our families. With this, I personally invite you to the King's celebration that will be held a day from now."

He then handed out invitation letters to them and gave a courteous bow before leaving with Zoe. Lady Wiktoria was still dazed with the news. But it seemed like Lady Thana could handle it somehow. 

As soon as they went out of the Lim's Residence, Zoe stopped and exhaled a lungful of air. She then inhaled again with her hand to her chest.

"What was that?" She was able to utter after her heartbeat returned to normal. 

"That was me saying I love you, Zoe Cheng and I want to be with you for the rest of my life." Raigon's lip curled into an irresistible smile that destroyed Zoe's apprehension.

"It's not about that." Zoe responded, though this time her voice softened and her cheeks were heightened up. "What I mean is Lady Thana helping me out. Is that necessary?"

Raigon scratched his head as they started walking to the Capital which is just near the Lim's residence.

"I think it will be helpful. Lady Thana knows everything about Terra and what you will need as the next in line. But it's still up to you."

His kind gaze and sweet gesture comforted her. But she still felt uneasy about it. 

"Maybe it wouldn't be too bad if she would visit from time to time. But not frequently. Princess Taia can help me too."

Raigon nodded in agreement with her as they took a turn to the next alley where Lord Hou, Azra and Erin could have been while waiting for them.

"Princess Taia's still young and lacks knowledge yet. You can also rely on Princess Ara… once you two get along."

He added, making Zoe clamped her lips as she contemplated. 'There was also the Queen herself who could help her out. But it was beyond the realm of reason.' 

"There they are." Raigon pointed out to the Hou family and Erin who were checking out some items in one of the stores.

As soon as they met, Zoe filled them in with the details that they weren't able to witness. 

"I think Lady Thana's just too nice. It is unrealistic." Erin crossed her arms as she pondered on the situation. 

Lord Hou rubbed his beard as he so thought about it. 

"Whatever her motive is, I think it will be beneficial to your reputation in Terra. The people will think positively of you for having a good relationship with their expected fiance of the Crowned Prince. Just be careful and don't let your guards down."

Zoe nodded in agreement with him and bowed down to him. "Thank you, Lord Hou. I appreciate it."

"Yeah. As they say, keep your friends close. But your enemies closer." Erin's finger shot up as if she was just lecturing her.

"Should I be closer to her then than you?" Zoe teased Erin as she poked on her.

"Well, not really. Just a little." Erin made a pea size gesture which lightened everybody's mood. 

"All right. I'll keep all your suggestions in mind. Thank you." Zoe bowed to them with an appreciative smile.

"You will allow Lady Thana to guide you. Does that mean that you're already saying yes to being the Crowned Princess?" Raigon's eyes and teeth glittered at the same time.

Everybody's eyes widened as they all darted to Zoe.

"Let me hear the proposal first." Zoe crossed her arms and gave a mischievous smile at Raigon. 

"That's right, your Highness. Don't worry, we'll support you. I know what will lift Lady Asha to the pedestals." 

Erin rubbed her palms as they huddled in one corner, leaving a chuckling Zoe out.

****************************************

"To be successful you need enemies and to be very successful you need friends."