APPLES DO NOT FALL FROM THE TREE

Meanwhile, Raigon closed his eyes and inhaled the fresh scent of Pandanus trees mixed with the fragrance of Mountain Rose flowers as the wind carries them to the Castle Tower. 

From where he was, he can observe the vast City of Terra with its peace and glory. 

"Where are you, Zoe?" As though Lord Howe Island is just a meter away, he narrowed his eyes and scanned for the next isle hoping to see her.

'Silly me,' Raigon muttered to himself as he realized he was hoping an impossible dream.

Even though he wanted to take his mind off her, deep inside he really wants to see her again and make sure that she is really okay.

He turned his back and was about to leave the Tower when Azra stopped him in his tracks. 

"The King is looking for you, your Highness. He said experience is the best teacher."

"What could it be?" Raigon mused as he walked along the hallway to the Royal Court where the King is, followed by his assistant, Azra. 

He thought they had finished the engagements for the day and they were taking a rest after just having an assembly with the state officials and its enough experience for him. 

As soon as he reached the Court, he searched for his father with his crown and magnificent velvet robe studded with gold and rare gemstones. 

Instead, he saw a handsome aged man who looked the same as a commoner wearing a simple deep brown Hanfu dress as an upper garment with matching deep brown pleated skirt as a lower garment. 

"Today we are going to the Capital." The King instructed as a wide grin stretched his radiating face.

"And you must wear this, your Majesty?" Raigon scratched his head as his father ushered him into his royal chamber and into his dressing room. 

King Artair chortled as he opened his arms to welcome his son. 

"Do not address me that way while I am wearing these disguises or those around us will think you are insane!"

Inside there were attendants smoothing a gray Hanfu robe identical to the one his father was wearing. 

"This is yours," King Artair pointed at the garment. "You should wear it so it would not look like I am your helper when we go out, right?" He commanded with an amusing voice. 

"Your Majesty," Raigon at once bowed and fit into the attire his father had prepared for him in a quick motion with the help of his servants.

His outfit feels itchy and uncomfortable for him. Whether he was inside or outside the Castle, he is always wearing silk fabric and wardrobes made from expensive materials.

He looked at his father, who wore the same fabrics as what he was wearing. It seemed he has no problem with them at all.

"Should we cover your face as well? These clothes may hide your social status, but your face is giving it away." 

King Artair teased Raigon with the actual intention of praising his heir's excellent looks.

Raigon shrugged. "If you protect mine, you should cover yours with double layers. Apples do not fall far from the tree, sire." 

He commented, meaning he was only a product of the admirable genes of his father.

King Artair laughed as he shook his head empathically. "Indeed, indeed. You even got my witty remarks." He agreed on as they both ready themselves to leave the Castle.

They moved to the royal stable and rode on their stallions with Azra and three of the King's royal guards. They took a shortcut through the Ming Valley which led straight into the City's Capital.

Before they enter the Capital, King Artair and Raigon took off, leaving the horses and their servants at the Gates, with an instruction to wait for them until sunset. 

With King Artair leading, they proceeded to the spot with the most quantity of people, the market square.

"This must be the noisiest part of Terra."

Raigon's eyes widened and his feet froze as he has never been in the market square for fifteen years. It grew to be an excessively busy site with a mob of trading and bartering happening simultaneously.

"Welcome to the Capital," King Artair greeted Raigon as he tapped his shoulders admonishing him to move on.

Raigon followed close to the King as his eyes quickly darted from left to right. 

There were mixed noblemen and women, viscounts, barons, and commoners alike exchanging their goods for their necessities. 

It seemed everybody had a fair share in their dealings because everyone is smiling and satisfied with their negotiations. There were no loud protests, violence, or disorder.

'My father surely maintained this City in peace and tranquility,' 

Raigon murmured under his breath, amazed by how King Artair led the leadership of this hidden land for eight decades even after the great tragedy.

"The key is my frequent visitation to this exact location. You have to know your people to lead your people." King Artair said to Raigon as if he just replied to his thoughts while they walk.

The individuals didn't pay any attention to them, ignorant that their ruler and his son were walking in disguise in the midst of them.

"And you will do the same from this day on," he commanded Raigon with a serious tone.