324 WAR BREAK OU

Zoe's heart drummed inside her chest as she felt that they were nearing the start of a great war. Her anxious eyes scanned the few royal guards who still proved their loyalty to the royal family by responding to Raigon's call.

"Do you think we should call for more back-up?" Erin whispered to her, making Zoe jump up in surprise. 

They were told to stay in Lord Hou's residence. But Zoe couldn't stay still. She was planning to go alone, but Erin caught on her.

"I think so too." Zoe's head bobbed up and down. 

Witnessing the numbers of royal guards who seemed to add up day by day, they would be at a loss if they would be fighting with this group of men only. 

"Why don't we ask for help from the Xianghais?" Erin suggested, making Zoe's eyes brightened up.

However, they instantly dimmed down as she recalled their status. "They were too modest to be involved in a war. We couldn't jeopardize their life."

"But don't you think they will be safe if the war starts? The only thing that's keeping the peace right now is Queen Wiktoria. But I doubt the intruders will still listen to her if the Terrans would rebel against them."

Zoe gazed at the soldiers who were preparing to attack their invaders. 'Can they really win without the Xianghais' help?'

As she was just contemplating, she didn't realize that Raigon had already crept up behind them and inquired about their existence in that dangerous forest.

"What are you doing here?" 

Zoe felt Erin tugged her skirt as she hid behind her back, probably not wanting to face the intimidating presence of the Crowned Prince of the land.

Focusing on the situation at hand, Zoe tilted her chin and answered him with confidence. "We are just trying to find out how we could be of help."

"Yes. And we think of asking for assistance from other people too." Erin peeked from behind her, which Raigon answered curtly.

"From who?���

"From the Xianghais. They were indebted towards us. I'm sure they will not refuse." 

Zoe opened up, making Erin give her a quick glance. She nodded her head, signaling that she agreed to her suggestion. 

She was expecting Raigon to get mad and shove her back to the safety of the Hous gates. But he answered her in a sincere and convinced tone.

"All right. I will ask some men to come with you as you go there. But Erin must go back. I hope you understand. It is not safe for you and your child out here." 

Raigon looked at Erin with an expression of concern on his face, making Erin's head bow down to him willingly.

Zoe was speechless at his remark, which is probably noticed by Raigon as he now paid his attention to her.

"I know you are a strong woman who will give yourself selflessly to a cause that you deserve is worth it. I don't want to tie you down."

He smiled at her, making her heart flutter that she had to inhale a lungful of air before she could breath.

"How did I get so lucky?" She tiptoed and cupped his face, planting a warm kiss on both of his cheeks. 

She just gave her trust and her heart to him, no matter what kind of a man he is. But finding a man who supports her for whe she is and what she is capable of is a catch!

"Just promise me one thing. You will not let yourself get hurt. You know how my vision narrows when it happens." 

Raigon enveloped her in his arms, making Zoe feel his love from his beating heart. "I know. I promise."

"Uh, I'm still here?" Erin reminded them, making Raigon and Zoe chuckle in response. 

Zoe indeed went to the Xianghais and was able to convince Lord Hao Qiang and the rest of the able men to come with her.

However, when they were coming back, they stopped and were about to retreat when they noticed a dead royal guard at the front of the Blackvine Forest.

Zoe's eyes widened in terror as thoughts of Raigon's body drenched with blood filled her mind.

She quickly bolted inside the forest, followed by the other Xianghai men. 

"I should have thought about getting help sooner. I hope I am not too late. Raigon…"

Since the men from Xianghai were also skilled with their swords, they were able to fight off the intruders that they encountered along the way.

Zoe also has a sword just in case someone might try to harm her. 

At last, she caught sight of him. He was also fighting a group of men and defending wounded royal guards whose life is being threatened by the enemies.

One was about to fire a gun at Raigon and in a fraction of a second, Zoe was able to thrust her sword at him with all her might. 

"Zoe!" Raigon saw it and immediately rushed to her side. Zoe was still horrified as she stared at her hands as it was her first time to make another human bleed to death. 

"You must be the Crowned Prince."

Raigon put her behind his back as he encountered another royal guard who seemed to be the leader of this group who attacked them. 

Seeing Raigon's situation, she quickly dashed away so she wouldn't be a hindrance to him. 

"I'm right behind you. Run!" Raigon followed on her as he fought off with the man. 

Zoe ran as fast as she could while praying that Raigon would be safe from harm. The other Xianghai men must have noticed her as they ran to her side.

She immediately breathed out to them. "The Crowned Prince is at the west side of this forest. He is in danger. Please hurry."

They immediately run to the direction that Zoe instructed while some accompanied her out of the forest.

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We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond. – Gwendolyn Brooks