WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

To others, answering that question was a piece-of-cake. They might be proud of it and respond with great enthusiasm as they describe how it looked like and how they enjoy their lives being a part of it. 

However, to Raigon it was the contrary. It was not because he was not pleased with the answer. He is contented and satisfied with it and he would not trade it for anything else.

But to speak in truth was putting not just his life in danger, but his family and his fellowmen as well.

"So where do you live?" She repeated, this time with a knitted forehead.

He gulped as his chest tightened in response to her inquisitive appearance.

'I reside in the City of Terra. A hidden kingdom on top of that volcanic isle. The place where your parents died.'

'How could I tell you that?' Raigon contemplated as his eyes glanced elsewhere. His shoulders drooped and his walk became heavy.

Zoe felt the burden that he suddenly carried it in his heart as his thoughts drifted aside. His weight suddenly became overwhelming for her to sustain. She almost tripped as he helped him make his way with his injured arm.

"Hey, are you okay?" She asked him as she firmly clutched on his arm that was on her shoulders.

Raigon cracked up a smile. "Yeah. I'm just wondering how tough you are," he teased her as he intentionally made himself heavier and slightly threw his weight on Zoe to distract her.

Zoe grimaced and pushed him away. "You want to know how strong I am, huh?" She stood with legs shoulder-width apart, her knees a little bent, her left foot turned to point toward him.

Then she made loose fists, her right fist on her chin and her left hand in front of her face.

Raigon laughed at her sudden reaction. "Just kidding! I almost forgot you're an expert in martial arts!"

Zoe returned to a normal stance. "How did you know?" She demanded as she now crossed her arms and pouted her lips.

His lips curved upward as he answered back in a question.

"Do you want me to make you remember?" 

He drew near to her which made Zoe step back.

Her face softened as she remembered him being on top of her almost nakedness in the sands.

"I'll be gentle with you. Lay down."

He commanded her as he was only a breathe away.

She put her palms to her face to hide her reddening cheeks and pivoted in lightning speed.

"I think that's her. Erin!" She changed the topic in a flash and galloped to a taxi who was nearing them. He chuckled as he walked towards her.

It was indeed Erin, Zoe's friend, who was also on  the island. She rolled down the window and called on Zoe. "Hop on!"

Zoe beamed as she swung back toward Raigon and motioned him to be more nimble as he approached them with a wave of her hand.

Raigon unbuttoned his shirt as it the atmosphere was heated a high notch just a few minutes ago.

'You're getting used to it, your Majesty,' he muttered as he was having mixed feeling whether her gesture of commanding him amused or annoyed him.

Zoe seated herself on the back seat as Erin was already on the front. She moved to the edge as she patted the spot near the door for him to sit on.

Raigon shook his head. "Go home. I can handle myself." He dimpled his cheeks to her as he lay his hand on the door.

Zoe narrowed her eyes. "What? Are you sure?" She asked boring her eyes on him.

"Yes. Good night, Zoe." He gave her a reassuring smile and closed the door.

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True love needs no formulas or spells.

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