8 BEAUTY, BRAINS AND HEART

Raigon was bored stiff listening to the reports of the noblemen in the Capital when the news caught his attention.

"A servant of mine caught sight of noblemen 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 noblemen and knights when one of the noblemen 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 recognize 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 nobleman 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 were."

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 nobleman is not bluffing, then who are they? Did they recognize me? Do they work on their own or are they just following orders?'

"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 cheered.

Raigon ruminate hard and decided to remain low for the meantime. He couldn't endanger another man because of this mission. 

'Maybe it was right for the Three to impose such a rule upon this land.' 

He concluded as he was reminded of the three pioneers of Terra's forbidden rule. Never allow anyone to set foot on the land. And never allow anyone's feet to step out. As long as it is the way of things, no there would be peace and order. 

He drew in a deep breath as 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 such as providing gifts and vacant offices. King Artair signed every letter with his own hand. 

He realized how his father, the King Artair, has sacrificed so much of his everyday life just to maintain the order in this land. 

'It would bring him terrible pain if he sees the land in chaos again because of those rulebreakers.' Raigon muttered to himself as he tried to think of other ways in which he could determine the truth behind it.

After that, they traveled their way to the Court for the women's session. 

"Hello. How are my boys?" Queen Rose embraced them as she pecked their cheeks. King Artair kissed her 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 noblewomen 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 massaged 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 butted 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 also have the same heart for Terra as yours." 

"Can I possibly find those three in one person?" Raigon thought out loud as an image of a woman came to his mind. 

'I wonder if she has the third quality.' He pondered to himself.

Queen Rose chuckled and winked at him. "Maybe you would meet her in the women's meeting."

After having their quick afternoon snack, they went to the Court where the noblewomen who were waiting saluted them.

"A pleasant afternoon, your Majesty," all the females curtsied as they entered.

"It pleases us that the Prince is with you today, sire." Duchess Wiktoria included as she approached them. 

Duchess 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 Duchess 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 Duchess Wiktoria.

"She is currently working on studying the affairs of the estate, being the future Lady of the Lim Manor." Duchess Wiktoria replied while lifting her chin. 

"It's good to hear that. Thana has been 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 grass 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.