"A servant of mine caught sight of n.o.blemen leaving the reef, sire." As quickly as Raigon heard those words, his eyes darted to the aristocrat as an arrow from a bow. Everyone in the throng went mute.
Both he and the king were in the midst of the Capital of the City of Terra, a secluded place a few miles from Lord Howe Island. They were attending to the records presented by n.o.blemen and knights when one of the n.o.blemen spoke up.
He was one of the Ng clan who administered the Northwestern frontier of Terra.
"I was carrying out my routine managerial task when I overheard my servants talking regarding people departing the enclave, sire."
"Do they recognized who he is?" King Artair was both ears too.
It"s been decades since they last discovered these forms of news, whether someone was fleeing or intruders set foot on the territory.
The n.o.bleman fixed his gaze at Raigon.
Drops of sweat dropped from Raigon"s forehead as he stared at him without batting an eyelash. He and Azra made it certain that not a soul has followed them throughout their course.
He glanced back at the King. "No, your Majesty. It was dark at midnight, wherefore he wasn"t keen to identify who they are."
Raigon"s knees verged on wobbling in relief.
"However, it is comprehensible that it is not merely a person but a force. I ordered a few of my men to maintain watch so we could capture them at earliest. We wouldn"t endure another bloodbath in the City."
Raigon straightened himself. It was plain to him what that meant. Fifteen years ago, there were intruders who crossed the threshold of Ball"s Pyramid. With every intent and purpose, they almost ravaged the City. Even though they have recovered, memories of that event traumatized the settlers of Terra.
Raigon contemplated as the accounts proceeded. "If this n.o.bleman is not bluffing, then who are they? Did they recognize me? Do they work on their own or are they just following orders?"
He ruminated hard if he was to remain low for the meantime or to confirm those forces himself. He couldn"t trust anyone, especially the security of the royal family.
"Bring those men to me the soonest." King Artair"s order bellowed through the island.
"You"re a wise and vigilant ruler, your Majesty." The crowd jeered.
He remained fixated on each detail of the reports, including the rest of them.
There were several proposals for the King and he arranged each bit of them according to what appeals. The Council must take care of some of them, so he appointed them for discussions.
Others weren"t reasonable, while others he favored to such as providing gifts and vacant offices. King Artair signed every letter with his own hand.
He didn"t realize that there were enormous protocols he is obliged to become proficient in growing into the next monarch.
They traveled on their way to the Court for the women"s session when Queen Rose approached them.
"h.e.l.lo. How are my boys?" she embraced them as she pecked their cheeks. King Artair kissed him as well.
"I prepared something to munch on for my hardworking men," she advanced as she ushered them to the table filled with apples and Dover sole with spinach and zucchini.
"The n.o.blewomen would be at the Court in a couple of minutes. You can take this time to rest for a while." she continued as she guided the king to sit at the royal chair and asked the servants to leave so they could be comfortable.
As soon as they sat down, Queen Rose ma.s.saged his back and temple as he reclined.
"Now you know the key to my longevity so far," King Artair whispered to Raigon in mischievous humor. Raigon laughed inwardly.
Queen Rose overheard them and b.u.t.ted in. "The labor of a king is indeed exhausting. That"s why you should choose your princess wisely, my prince. She ought not just to be a beauty and brain. But she must love you wholeheartedly."
"Just like my queen," King Artair joined as he gently held the hands that were ma.s.saging his temple.
"Just like your queen," she answered back as she kissed his forehead.
Raigon released an appreciative sigh. He had never seen a picturesque of devotion such as the couple in front of him.
"I hope I could have the same love story as these two." Raigon mumbled to himself in a soft expression.
"I would want to share with you how we started. But the ladies are expecting you. I"ll entertain them early on so you can refresh yourselves," The Queen reminded them.
After having their quick afternoon snack, they went to the Court where the n.o.blewomen who were waiting saluted them.
"A pleasant afternoon, your Majesty," all the females curtsied as they entered.
"It please us that the Prince is with you today, sire." d.u.c.h.ess Wiktoria included as she approached them.
d.u.c.h.ess Wiktoria has been excellent friends with King Artair and Queen Rose even when they were still teens.
"It is more than a pleasure to be with you, ladies of Terra. Particularly d.u.c.h.ess Wiktoria." Raigon bowed to her.
"Such a charming man. I wish Thana was here so she could see how gentlemanly you grew up." she twinkled, obviously pleased with his actions.
"How was Thana by the way?" Queen Rose asked d.u.c.h.ess Wiktoria.
"She is currently working on studying the affairs of the estate, being the future Lady of the Lim Manor." d.u.c.h.ess Wiktoria replied while lifting her chin.
"It"s good to hear that. Thana is such a fine and sophisticated girl ever since they were children. Am I right, Raigon?" Queen Rose beamed at the Prince.
Raigon smirked. "Yes, she was exactly as I remembered."
Raigon recalled how Thana used to be so prim and proper. More so, she will not step on the gra.s.s worrying it might stain her dainty frilly dress.
"She"s so unlike Zoe," he muttered as he reminisced how he first met her when they were still youths.
***************************
If you like the story, please support your humble author by donating at:
paypal.me/authorhada.s.sah
OR
read this novel at WEBNOVEL app and website only for your author"s welfare. Let"s say NO TO PIRACY. Thank you!
LEGITIMATE LINK:
FREE TO CONTACT ME AT:
Discord Link: @authorhada.s.sah
Instagram: #authorhada.s.sah
Twitter: @AuthorHada.s.sah
Lots of love,
Hada.s.sah