330 GOODBYE ROYAL FAMILY

Queen Wiktoria seemed to be affected as her feet staggered backward. Zoe observed the combat again and noticed that the Hous together with the remaining troops of Lord Vigo were finally gaining ground.

Zoe's lips curved up in response. But they didn't last for a minute as a new challenger came into the scene, which somehow halted the ongoing fierce battle.

"I thought you can handle this situation, Wiktoria." It was Bo Zhiang and his son Koby. They came together with a group of armed men. 

They were about to fire their guns at their allies, when they noticed her in the corner with her wounded arm.

"Zoe? What are you doing here?" 

Raigon, who was also in the middle of the action, quickly rushed over to Zoe's side as soon as he saw the new intruders.

She together with the other ladies where adjacent to a wall and were being protected by the other members of the Hou Clans. 

"And I thought you're a decent man. Why did you put my niece in this terrible situation?" 

Bo Zhiang glared at Raigon whose head lowered in response. All the guards paused as the generals talk out.

Zoe stood up and answered for him. "Stop acting like you really care, Mr. Zhiang. And it is not his choice but mine to come here."

Raigon pulled her aside and whispered to her. "He's right. I shouldn't have allowed you to come back."

His eyes darted to her arm and then glanced away. 

"Should we just allow ourselves to be defeated then?" Zoe replied with a disappointed tone. 

"But it is what is already happening now. He couldn't even protect you or his own family." 

Koby smirked while Raigon's shoulders dropped as he looked around. 

Sensing Raigon's hopelessness, Zoe pivoted to face him and whispered to him.

"You said you would rather die with me than live without me. I feel the same way."

"Do you still trust me?" Raigon's eyes bored into hers, which made her lips curve up.

She grabbed his hands and responded to him.

"I do, your Highness. You are the Crowned Prince and the legitimate heir to the throne, my husband and the father of my children in the future. I know you will protect us."

Raigon seemed to be enlightened as his face brightened up and nodded to her in agreement.

He then faced Bo Zhiang and Koby together with their forces. ""I think it is too early to say that. But why are you here anyway? I thought you are already rotting in prison for your crimes."

At his comment, Bo Zhiang's anger seemed to flare up as his pupils dilated. "We may not be blood related, Zoe. But our thought process seemed to wind up together. Just as you want to live here in Terra, we would do the same."

Zoe and Raigon gave a wide eyed glance at each other. 

"Wait, what is going on? Are you a relative of an intruder? Are you the one who let them in then?" Lord Vigo asked Zoe as they watched them throw lines.

Zoe drew in a deep breath as she didn't expect this truth to be laid out in the open like this. She didn't know how to answer. Just as she was abut to speak, King Artair spoke up.

"I believe not as we have seen her lay down her life for all of us a few moments ago. And even if the blood of an intruder runs through her blood, does it matter now? We are on the verge of Terra's destruction!"

"Oh no, we're not. We're actually on the way of gaining the ultimate power in the whole world. Once the Tree has been out in the open, people from all over the world will bow down and even worship us!"

Queen Wiktoria made an evil triumphant smile. 

As Zoe heard her, she remembered how the Tree has helped her numerous times. Her fingers flew to her necklace as she talked to it. 

'Please help us. And I will do my best to save you.' 

"You're right." A feminine voice broke through which made all their eyes glanced at the door of the throne room.

"Lady Veronica and Lady Zhou…" They then went to Bo Zhiang and Koby's side.

"Greetings, Ms. Cheng and Mr. Gao." Lady Veronica chuckled sarcastically at them.

"So our family is ready to move in. Don't worry, mother, older sister. We were just sweeping the house clean." Koby reacted as he embraced them.

"Our family?" Zoe blurted out to Raigon as she gazed in horror at them. 

"I knew it." Raigon glared at them. 

"But you're too late, aren't you? You should have caught us during your investigation. But you get sidetracked with a woman. It's all right. It doesn't matter now." 

Lady Zhou reacted as she signaled Bo Zhiang to do what he has to do. 

Bo Zhiang then ordered their men to ready their guns. 

"Protect the royal family!"

The guards and the Hou Clan formed a human shield to protect the Wangs. But since they only have swords as weapons, they ready themselves to fight to death for the royal family. 

"I will protect you until my last breath." Raigon lifted his sword and stood in front of Zoe. 

King Artair, Duke Andras and Lord Vigo stood in front of Rose, Princess Ara and Princess Taia.

"Forgive me for what I have done, Artair. It's more than a blessing to fight side by side with you today." 

Duke Andras spoke to King Artair, which made the King pressed on his shoulders and nod.

"I hate to say this. But I no longer deem you incompetent, your Highness. You did a good fight."

Lord Vigo mumbled to Raigon, making his eyes widen in surprise. Seeing his sincerity, he also complimented him as he said. "You too."

"So this is it. Goodbye to the reigning monarch of Terra! Ready, set…" 

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If you want to go quickly go alone. If you want to go far go together.