"What did you just say?" Raigon's anxious voice bellowed through the Castle's private corridor.

He was helping Queen Rose in watering her lush garden. But Azra called him aside with a valuable piece of alarming news that made his blood run cold.

"Zoe went on a cruise to Ball's Pyramid." Azra repeated back to him in a discreet whisper. Prince Raigon had briefed him to appoint a vigilant lookout for Zoe as soon as he arrived back at the City of Terra.

He was apprehensive about leaving her behind the Lord Howe Island alone. He was almost killed by a man recently who had doubtful intentions against Zoe.

But he couldn't linger in the isle because of his responsibilities as the City's Crowned Prince. He had no choice but to go back.

Azra knew some local fellows who were faithful in respect to the imperial household as he. Raigon commanded him to single out one whom he could sincerely trust to thoroughly check on her and make sure she was safe.

It was him that announced Zoe's whereabouts today. He may have seen her boarding a tour boat from Lord Howe Island.

"This is ill-luck." He muttered fiercely as he instantly rushed to the Prince's private chamber.

In a flash of lightning, Raigon changed into his layman's wardrobe and bolted to the extensive stable.

"Secure a canoe. Meet me at the cavern." He hastily ordered before taking off with his n.o.ble horse so he could head out to the outskirt of Terra.

He pierced through the gra.s.sy fields and into the protected forest. 'No one in Terra must lay his eyes on her.'

He leaned forward with his engaged body slightly raised from the saddle as they were galloping. On top of that, he gave the driven horse's hindquarter a quick tap with his crop.

"What happened 15 years ago was enough emotional blow for her. I will not allow that to happen again."

He voiced out through gritted teeth as he used his agile legs to compel the stallion so that he could run quicker.

He distinctly recalled how her family was ambushed in that isle during the Great Bloodbath. They were not supposed to be there.

"And she was not supposed to be here now!" He blurted out in the winds, believing that the G.o.ds of the isle would heed his plea.

Raigon directed the flying horse to the secret cave. It is a s.h.i.+elded tunnel known merely by the royal household.

Their ancestors constructed it as a withdrawal route to pa.s.s outside of the island in case a catastrophe happens in the city.

But before he could catch even a possible glimpse of it, his shrewd eyes quickly caught on a local group of men.

He intentionally slowed down his wild horse before they could glance at him and motioned him to turn back.

Fortunately, he was quick-witted enough to promptly obey his beloved master's direct command. He pivoted and sprinted away as quietly as an engineered mouse.

Raigon at once hid among the mighty trees and carefully surveyed the scene. He was reasonably expecting to see the civil Ng guards who were supposed to be defending the sacred land from armed invaders.

But they were a diverse group of people. He couldn't predict what distinct tribe they represent from as they wore a black uniform which he has never seen in the past.

They were looking at a private boat that was nearing the limitations set by Terra.

'That must be where Zoe is.' He contemplated as he examined the boat from where he was.

There were a mighty lot of pa.s.sengers. But from his specific location, he couldn't find any visible sign of Zoe.

He scrupulously observed the exotic woods if there were other local men around aside from them. While he was still studying the place, one of the men did the unthinkable. He immediately plunged into the seawaters without even making a sound.

"What are they planning to do?" Raigon exclaimed vehemently with dilated eyes.

'There are innocent pa.s.sengers on the boat, including Zoe. Unless they knew someone that could be in there. Do they recognize Zoe?'

Raigon had no more considerable time to lose. He ran nimbly towards the private entrance of the hidden tunnel.

And as soon as he reached the outer part of the cavern, he instantly removed his clothes. With his inner garments on, he dove into the salt.w.a.ters and paddled on towards her.

With his conscious mind, he doesn't know where she was. But his loyal heart bears the map. With good fortune, he swam directly to her, who was running away from death. Again.

"Not then, not now." Raigon narrowed his ablaze eyes as he penetrated the deep waters like an arrow from a quiver.

He was exactly on time. Just like before.

***********

'How could I tell you that?'

Raigon mused as he stared thoughtfully at Zoe's inquisitive eyes. She was glaring back at him and expecting a satisfactory answer from him.

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

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