293 IT'S FINALLY OVER

The guests jumped to their feet and bolted to Raigon's side. The King's guards lifted their swords as they dashed forward and fought with the defiant men of Duke Andras.

Some fought with them and were killed. Others lifted their hands in surrender. The King's guards arrested them and brought them out. 

Several of them tried to escape but they weren't able to do so at the hands of the then merciless Crowned Prince as he instructed them to not let a single soul get away. 

"Go to the solar! All of you!" He imposed on the civilians with a wave of his forefinger in which all of them obliged. 

His eyes shifted to Zoe, who was observing everything that is happening with a stricken look on her face.

Her hands were lifted in the air as if she doesn't know if she will run or will stay. Raigon placed his strong hands on her which unbelievably touched her with gentleness given the situation. 

"Zoe..." He called out to her as she looked shocked from what was taking place.

With his touch, Zoe was finally awakened from her dreamlike stance. 

Bits and pieces of her memories flashed through her mind as she recalled the same scenario that happened fifteen years ago.

Swords clashing and blood being spilled on the ground. Helpless screams from women and children who were being slain pierced through her ears which she tried to drown as her hands flew to cover them but it is in vain.

"Zoe, are you all right?" Raigon's face scrunched up as he gazed at her with a scrutinizing look. 

As he was distracted by her, he didn't realize that Duke Andras was about to attack him behind his back. 

Fortunately, Zoe was more resilient than before as she immediately shook her head. As soon as she saw Duke Andras approaching them, she screamed with all her might. "Behind you!"

At a fraction of a second, Raigon swiveled around and tilted his body backward. The sword wasn't able to touch him and also Zoe. 

He was about to fight back when a woman grabbed Duke Andras and pointed a sword at him. 

Both Raigon and Zoe were stupefied to see an elderly woman went amok, attempting to murder a duke.

"It was you who killed my son when you innocently put him to jail. He couldn't bear the humiliation that he committed suicide. I'm going to take your life away too!"

She lifted the sword and was about to kill him when Raigon grabbed her hand to stop her.

"I grieve for your son. But I think he will suffer more if he remains alive and pays for the penalty of his sins until he himself requests to die."

Zoe gazed at him in wonder as it was his chance to get revenge for his father without his hands getting dirty. But then he decided to let him live. Her lips curled up as she witnessed his merciful heart being displayed in front of her eyes.

Duke Andras felt humiliated and angry, but no words seemed to come out at that time. He was defeated, not just by the army but by the people's contempt.

Still, he wouldn't just let go of his dream.

"This will not be the last. Mark my words. Terra will be the most influential part of the world. And I will rule it!"

He growled as the guards came and put his hands in ropes. Together with the others who were caught, they were immediately brought to the dungeons where Lord Vigo is waiting for them.

Seeing Raigon unhurt and all right, Zoe's hands flung around him in relief. Raigon clasped his brawny arms around him in a tight embrace. They both stayed in that position as if the time came to a halt.

Zoe dug her face in Raigon's chest as she can't believe that it's finally over.

Raigon gently pulled her back and tilted her chin so he could look at her intently.

Tears were flowing down her cheeks but her lips were curved up as her hand lifted to touch his face.

"I'm glad you're safe."

Raigon's eyes traced every part of Zoe's face that was screaming with love for him. His heart started beating wildly as it was about to explode. He couldn't contain it any longer.

His head bent down and tasted those sweet soft lips of hers, making Zoe close her eyes and feel its warmness dissolving all her tormenting thoughts away.

Raigon gently removed his mouth from hers as his smoldering gaze bore into hers.

"Let me show you my other gift."

He gently pulled him towards the solar where the other guests are. Zoe scampered with him as she was both excited and nervous at the same time.

As soon as their feet stepped inside, the guests gathered together and curiously asked. "Has the revolt ended, your Highness?"

Raigon and Zoe glanced at each other and smiled. 

"Yes." They both answered. 

The guests' sullen appearances lit up as they clapped their hands. "Terra is now safe! We are indebted, your Highness!"

They all bowed down to Raigon, including Zoe.

To Zoe's surprise, Raigon grabbed her and commanded her to lift her head and stand properly. Zoe's eyebrows furrowed but she obeyed.

Raigon cleared his throat as he scratched his head. "This is not how I planned this. But still, I don't want this day to end like this."

His eyes darted around and searched for Azra. His lips stretched into a nervous smile as he asked him. "Can we still make it happen?"

"Yes, your Highness." Azra nodded as he quickly left. As he did so, Raigon's face beamed as he looked at everyone.

"I want you all to be a witness to this." He then cupped Zoe's eyes in front of everyone. 

The 

Zoe's hands flew to her chest in anticipation of what would happen. All the memories of what just took place were replaced with an eager enthusiasm of what Raigon has in store for her.

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We win justice quickest by rendering justice to the other party.