333 HAPPILY EVER AFTER

After eleven years... 

"Don't go too far!" Zoe's hand stretched out to Raizo as if it would stop him from scouring the lands that he will rule someday. 

"I will, Mother!" Raizo waved his hand gleefully before running off to the forest with his playmates.

Zoe drew in a deep breath as she continued on arranging the utensils for their lunch.

Their families were having a picnic beside the Yangtze waterfall, one of Raigon's favorite places. 

"It runs in the blood. Don't worry, he will come back, your Majesty. Just as his father went to the ends of the earth for his mother."

Erin both teased and reassured her as she helped her prepare their lunch.

Zoe heaved out a deep sigh as she recalled her journey from being a tourist at Lord Howe Island to now being the Queen of Terra. 

After the recent Great Bloodbath, King Artair gave the kingship to Raigon, giving him all the authority to restore Terra back in its place. 

"And his mother did the same too." Princess Taia butted in and smiled at them enthusiastically. She was just at the other end of the table and helping them set the place.

"Sssh! You should not listen to adults talking." Princess Ara, who was just beside her, shushed her. 

"I'm already an adult! And you're listening too!" Princess Taia pointed her finger at her with a knowing look, making Princess Ara's cheeks red in embarrassment.

"I'll go after him, your Majesty. I'll make sure His Highness is safe." Princess Ara raised her hand then ran away. 

"Please take care of my little boy too if you don't mind, your Highness!" Erin shouted with her hand cupped in her mouth. 

"Where is my little boy?" Azra came in with their eldest son. They were with the other men who had just washed off after hunting for their food.

"They're just playing over there. They'll be back." Erin planted a kiss on Azra's cheeks. And Azra kissed her back.

Zoe couldn't help but clamp her lips in amusement seeing how he is greatly influenced by Erin's warm affections.

"She's right, dear. Let him see the king inside him. Trust me. I've been there." 

Queen Dowager Rose, who was sitting in a corner commented in agreement with Erin before giving a glance at the other men of the household who were approaching them. 

"Thank you for your wonderful advice, Mother." Zoe bowed down to her before looking at where her eyes were.

"His Majesty… I mean my brother is responsible for our meager meal today. He probably thought that he's still the King that's why he gave some of our catch to the villagers who were passing by." 

Duke Andras teased former King Artair as he lifted their bags. 

"Say that again and I will add another decade to your sentence." Artair jibed at Duke Andras while they gave the games to the servants that were with them to be cleaned.

"Physician Gao Zemin, I hope you brought some calming herbs for these two energetic boys." Madame Lin called on the head of the royal physicians, who bowed his head in response.

Zoe laughed as she watched them bickering like little boys. But her eyes darted elsewhere. 

"He's beside the stream in the east, your Majesty. We met Chief Lord Adrian Liu there for some instructions for the royal guards. But he told me he'll just stay for a little while." 

Lord Vigo bowed to her and remarked after seeing her apprehension for not seeing her husband. 

"Thank you, my lord."

Zoe bowed her head and thanked him before going to the location that he was mentioning. 

True enough, a colossal man wearing a royal robe was standing on top of the rocks. One need not ask who he is. By his presence and stature, he would be undoubtedly recognized as the King of Terra.

Zoe approached him slowly, drinking in the pleasure of being his queen.

It seemed that he finally noticed her as he turned towards her with a loving smile on his face. He extended his arms as if to welcome him in his embrace, in which she gladly obeyed.

She pulled herself closer to his chest and listened to the familiar tune of his heart beating like music in her ears.

"What are you doing here all alone, your Majesty?" She lifted her face and smiled at him. He returned her affection with his smoldering gaze coupled by his hand on her face.

"I just want to make sure I am not dreaming. I still couldn't believe that Terra is now safe and secured -"

Raigon trailed off as he squinted his eyes to the sky. He was probably trying to see where the invisible barrier is that the Tree must have provided for Terra. 

And then he glanced back at her and smiled. "And that you are here with me as my queen."

Zoe couldn't help but feel a warm feeling within her stomach. They both have indeed suffered a lot before this day comes, that it would be impossible for some to make it happen.

"I guess love wins in the end. Our love for one another, our love for Terra and its love for us."

"I couldn't argue with that. I am truly grateful." Raigon pulled her closer to him so he could give her a tight embrace. 

But Zoe pulled away, making Raigon's eyebrows furrow.

"Yes. We are beyond blessed that He gave us another son in the family." 

Zoe gave him a sheepish smile, making Raigon's eyes bulge out in response. "I am blessed indeed."

He showered Zoe with kisses, making Zoe lift her in his arms and brought her back to the group.

He gave a quick glance at Physician Sheng Tun who nodded his head as he confirmed it, making him beam in excitement. 

Zoe couldn't help but chuckle at his obvious enthusiasm. 

"I'm back, Mother. Just as I promise." Raizo said to Zoe in between breaths. 

Zoe couldn't help but kiss his muddy face after wiping them off with a cloth.

Madame Lin stood up and cleared her throat, giving an impression that they were about to start their joyous meal.

Everyone lifted their hands to the heavens as she led them in prayer.

"Almighty Father, we thank you for your grace and faithfulness to this humble land. We will forever be in gratitude for the victory that you have bestowed upon us. And everybody said.."

"Amen." 

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

A life of happily ever after exists. Thank you for being a part of Zoe and Raigon's journey. I hope you enjoyed My Queen of Terra. :)