A LONG NIGHT

As soon as Raigon got off the boat and into Lord Howe Island, he went promptly to the coastline where he and Zoe separated, hoping to catch a glimpse of his lovely queen.

He inquired the villagers if anyone recognizes her. Unfortunately, they don't know a female doctor on the island named Zoe Cheng.

As he was losing hope, he just asked where the stock owners of the isle usually dine. Seeing his ethereal face and charismatic demeanor, they gladly helped him out. They pointed him to Sweet Escape Restaurant, where he is right now.

'It really feels good to be out of the Castle and live as a shadow every now and then,' He murmured under his breath before sipping on his coffee and returned on reading his book.

Raigon leaned back in his chair as he enjoyed the relaxing ambiance of the restaurant he was at. 

"If my hunch was correct, their family has a connection with our people at Lord Howe Island. Whether they are the ones bartering the accessories with the Painites or someone associated with them."

While contemplating these thoughts and observing the guests at the same time, his eyes got hooked on a familiar face, one that is always making his heartbeat wild as he beheld it.

Zoe just entered the room and immediately everything came to a halt. She walked in with a bright light illuminating her, blurring the candlelit tables and the iconic view of the bay.

"Am I already in heaven?" Raigon gulped as Zoe walked toward her with her innocent wide eyes and sweet smile.

She looked different from the pristine beauty that he saw fifteen years ago. Her eternally angelic face then was now complemented by her glowing skin, shapely curves, and confident gestures.

'What made you grow up into such a strikingly gorgeous woman?' Raigon whispered under his breath as he gazed at Zoe who seemed oblivious of him while she was admiring the venue.

As much as he wanted to focus on his mission, he couldn't help himself from eating this appetizer in front of him with his stare.

'Raigon, you're here to solve this case. You must not lose track,' he closed his eyes and drew in a deep sigh as he scolded himself.

He looked down repeatedly at the book he was holding and read the same paragraph over and over again. He wasn't able to comprehend it unlike before when Zoe hadn't entered the place yet.

Zoe's presence a few feet away from him is like a magnet pulling him towards it. He peeked at her again and slightly jolted his head backward in surprise as he caught her gazing at him.

'How I wish I could cup that pretty face of yours with my hands right now,' He thought to himself as he gave her one of his charming smiles, revealing his set of dimples on his cheeks.

Meanwhile, Zoe wanted to clutch her chest to stop her heart from banging against it. No matter how her head denies it, her heart longs to see this 'sticky paper' again. And he was now a couple of yards away, smiling at her. Zoe beamed at him and waved her hand vigorously.

"You know him?! Oh my gosh!" Erin blurted out and firmly gripped and waved Zoe's arm like she was a big fan who saw a member of BTS for the first time.

She cupped her palm and whispered to Zoe. "Ask him to join us," she commanded while glaring at Zoe.

As she did so, a deep captivating voice spoke from behind her. "May I join you?"

She glanced up at Erin who was grinning from ear to ear and looking at the person behind her with wide eyes.

"Sure! Sure!" She motioned him to sit on the empty chair, which she moved closer to her.

Zoe fixed her hair and dress in a flash and seated herself straight. "Ahem!" She cleared her throat and threw a death stare at Erin, who was staring at Raigon, with a dreamlike gaze.

Erin snapped out of her own daydreaming and introduced herself to Raigon. "Hi! I'm Erin." She offered her hand to Raigon to shake his hand.

Raigon was perplexed. He was not aware of how they greeted each other on this island and why Zoe's companion is offering her hand.

In the City of Terra, he is used to people bowing at each other, especially to him as their Prince.

He recalled the English literature books that he read, took Erin's hand, and kissed it. "Good evening, milady."

It was too much for Erin. She feigned a pass out. As she let herself fall over, Raigon caught her out of sincere concern. He caressed her back and helped her seat herself properly again.

"Erin!" Zoe reprimanded her friend who was obviously enjoying flirting with Raigon.

"What?" Erin giggled as she settled herself and gazed back longingly at Raigon.

'This will be a long night,' Zoe uttered to herself with arms crossed.