The Burning Crown

The Rules

Young, beautiful, and mysterious.

That was how Xaviera was known among the young noble scholars of the Kingdom of Exora. Xaviera had never liked being the center of attention. She did not want people to know too much about her. As her brother always used to say, a man would easily lose interest in a woman who was too easy to obtain.

That was why Xaviera was always careful.

She never casually befriended anyone, let alone allowed a man to get too deeply into her life. It was not because she thought she was better than them. Xaviera simply did not want to give her heart to someone she did not even know.

Ironically, however, the woman who had always been so careful about guarding herself was about to become the wife of a man she had never chosen.

Prince Xavero Rajendra.

The future King of Exora.

Their wedding was only a matter of time now.

The wedding preparations were nearly seventy percent complete. The entire palace was busy preparing for the grandest celebration of the year. Servants hurried through the halls carrying silk fabrics, jewelry, flowers, and various decorations. Royal tailors came and went. The royal chefs had begun preparing the menu. Musicians practiced from morning until evening.

Everyone seemed excited.

Everyone except one person.

The Queen.

Ever since the marriage decree had been announced, the Queen’s mood had never truly improved.

She had never openly shown her opposition. As Queen, she was far too dignified to do such a thing. The King’s command was a law that had to be respected, even by her.

She still attended the preparation meetings.

She still reviewed the guest list.

She still chose flowers for the decorations.

She still gave instructions to the servants.

There was not a single fault anyone could find in the way she carried herself as Queen.

But those who knew her well understood.

The Queen did not approve of this marriage.

Not at all.

“These flowers are too much.”

The Queen stood in the middle of the grand hall, staring at the decorations being arranged by the servants.

“Remove half of them.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

A servant immediately bowed and carried out her order.

The Queen walked through the hall with a cold expression. She stopped when she saw a large painting that had just been put up.

The painting depicted Rajendra and Xaviera.

Rajendra stood in his royal attire, while Xaviera stood beside him in a white gown.

They looked perfect.

Too perfect.

The Queen stared at the painting for a long moment.

“Take it down.”

The servants exchanged nervous glances.

“Your Majesty?”

“Take the painting down.”

“But… it was ordered by the King.”

The Queen turned toward the servant.

With a single look, the servant immediately lowered his head.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty.”

“Leave it.”

The King’s voice came from behind her.

Everyone immediately bowed.

King Ixora walked into the hall calmly. His gaze briefly fell upon the painting before returning to his wife.

“Why don’t you like it?”

The Queen gave him a faint smile.

“Who said I don’t like it?”

“Your face.”

“My face always looks like this.”

The King almost smiled.

“I’ve been married to you for years. I know when you’re upset.”

The Queen sighed.

“I’m simply making sure everything goes according to plan.”

“And?”

“And I don’t like this plan.”

The hall instantly fell silent.

The servants pretended to be busy.

The King looked at his wife.

“We’ve already discussed this.”

“I know.”

“I’ve made my decision.”

“I know that too.”

“Then?”

The Queen looked at the painting of Rajendra and Xaviera.

“That doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

The King said nothing.

The Queen stepped closer.

“That girl may be a good person. I’m not saying she’s bad.”

“Then what is your problem?”

“She isn’t part of the royal family.”

“Not yet.”

The Queen immediately looked at her husband.

“That is the problem.”

The King sighed. “She will become part of our family.”

“Because you decided so.”

“Because I know what is best for our son.”

The Queen let out a humorless laugh.

“Do you?”

The King looked at her.

“Rajendra is the heir to the throne, Ixora. He isn’t a child you can simply arrange a marriage for.”

“I know.”

“Then let him choose.”

The King fell silent.

The Queen continued, “Ask him whether he truly wants this marriage.”

“He has already agreed.”

“Because you ordered him to.”

The King did not answer.

The Queen stepped closer and spoke quietly.

“Talk to him. Make him understand that he can still refuse.”

Yet several days later, when the Queen actually tried to do exactly that, it was her own son who frustrated her even more.

“Rajendra.”

“Yes, Mother?”

“This marriage can still be called off.”

Rajendra, who had been reading a document, looked up.

“Why should it be called off?”

The Queen fell silent.

“Because you haven’t even known her long enough.”

“I know her.”

“Not well enough.”

Rajendra closed the document in his hands.

“You don’t like her.”

“I only want you to think carefully.”

“I already have.”

“And?”

Rajendra smiled faintly.

“I will marry her.”

The Queen stared at her son in disbelief.

“Why?”

Rajendra did not answer immediately.

“Because I want to.”

That answer only made the Queen more frustrated.

She had tried several times.

She had mentioned the differences between their families.

She had spoken of how difficult life as a Queen could be.

She had reminded Rajendra that the marriage of an heir to the throne was not merely a matter of the heart.

Yet every time she tried to make her son doubt the marriage, Rajendra only became more certain.

As though the more reasons his mother gave him to call off the marriage, the more determined he became to prove that the decision was truly his own.

And the thing that frustrated the Queen the most was this:

Rajendra seemed to enjoy it.

As though a marriage that should have been a burden to him had instead become something he was secretly looking forward to.

⸻

Meanwhile, at the Hallington residence, things had become increasingly hectic.

Every day, guests continued to arrive. There were noble families. Distant relatives. Family friends. And even people Xaviera had never met before.

They all came for the same reason. To congratulate the future Queen of Exora.

At first, Xaviera greeted them with a smile.

On the second day, she could still manage to smile.

By the third day, she was beginning to feel exhausted.

And by the following days, her body finally gave in. That afternoon, Xaviera had just finished receiving guests when her steps began to feel heavy.

“I want to rest for a while.”

Nola looked at her daughter. “Are you all right?”

“Yes.”

Xaviera smiled.

“I’m just a little tired.”

She then went to her room. But a few hours later, her body began to feel hot. Her head felt heavy. Her eyes burned. And when she tried to get out of bed, she had to sit back down because her body felt too weak.

“I’m just exhausted,” she murmured.

She did not think much of it. She was sure she would feel better the next day. But somehow, news of Xaviera’s condition reached the palace. And someone did not take it nearly as lightly.

“Your Highness.”

Rajendra was in his study when a servant came in with the news.

“What is it?”

“Lady Xaviera is ill.”

Rajendra’s hand, which had been holding a pen, immediately stopped.

“Ill?”

“She has a fever, Your Highness. It seems to be from exhaustion.”

Rajendra stood. “Since when?”

“Since this afternoon.”

“Who examined her?”

“The Hallington family’s physician.”

Rajendra was already walking toward the door.

“Prepare the carriage.”

The servant froze.

“Your Highness?”

“I’m going to the Hallington residence.”

The servant’s expression immediately changed.

“Your Highness, you cannot.”

Rajendra stopped.

“Why?”

The servant swallowed.

“The royal law.”

Rajendra stared at him.

One month before the wedding, the bride and groom were forbidden from meeting in person. It was an ancient royal tradition.

The couple was required to spend a period apart so that their marriage would be blessed with good fortune and remain untouched by misfortune before the wedding day.

Rajendra knew the rule. Very well.

Yet at that moment, for some reason, the rule seemed unimportant.

“I only want to see her.”

“Your Highness, if the Queen finds out—”

“Let Mother be angry with me.”

The servant fell silent.

Rajendra walked out.

⸻

When the royal carriage stopped in front of the Hallington residence, the entire family immediately panicked.

Nola, who had been in the drawing room, stood so quickly that everyone around her turned.

“What?”

A servant entered with a pale face.

“His Highness, Prince Rajendra, has arrived.”

Nola froze.

“Now?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Didn’t…”

Nola looked at Emily.

They both knew the royal rule. One month. Rajendra and Xaviera were not supposed to meet.

“Why did he come?”

No one could answer. A few seconds later, Rajendra entered.

His expression was serious.

“I heard Xaviera was ill.”

Nola immediately bowed.

“Your Highness.”

“How is she?”

“It’s not serious. She’s only exhausted.”

“May I see her?”

Nola fell silent. She knew she should say no.

But how could the Hallington family turn away the future King from their home?

“Of course, Your Highness.”

Rajendra immediately headed toward Xaviera’s room.

⸻

Xaviera was lying in bed with her eyes half closed when she heard the door open.

She assumed it was her mother.

“Mother, I’m fine.”

There was no answer.

Xaviera opened her eyes. And froze.

Rajendra stood in the doorway.

Her eyes widened.

“Rajendra?”

The man looked her over from head to toe.

“How did you get sick?”

Xaviera frowned.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“I’m serious.”

“I’m just tired.”

Rajendra walked closer.

“How do you feel right now?”

“Just tired.”

“Dizzy?”

“A little.”

“Fever?”

“I think so.”

“Have you eaten?”

Xaviera looked at him.

“Rajendra.”

“Hmm?”

“I’m just tired.”

She smiled faintly.

“I’ll be fine tomorrow.”

Rajendra only frowned deeper.

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I know my own body.”

Rajendra sat beside her bed.

His hand slowly touched Xaviera’s forehead.

Xaviera fell silent.

So did Rajendra.

“You’re warm.”

“A little.”

“A little?”

Xaviera almost laughed.

“You’re overreacting.”

“I’m not overreacting.”

“You just got here and you’re already panicking.”

“I heard you were sick.”

“Yes. Just a normal illness.”

“What if it isn’t?”

Xaviera looked at him.

For the first time, she saw such clear concern on Rajendra’s face.

It wasn’t the concern of a Prince for his future wife.

It was the concern of a man who was genuinely afraid that something might happen to someone who mattered to him.

“Rajendra.”

“Yes?”

“I’m fine.”

Rajendra looked at her for a long moment.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

He finally sighed.

But it was obvious he still wasn’t convinced.

A few moments later, Rajendra stood.

“Get some rest.”

Xaviera nodded.

“Don’t think too much.”

“You’re the one who shouldn’t worry so much.”

Rajendra looked at her.

“I can’t.”

Xaviera fell silent.

Rajendra then left.

And Xaviera continued staring at the door long after it had closed.

She had no idea that his brief visit would soon cause a commotion throughout the entire palace.

⸻

That night, ten of the kingdom’s finest physicians arrived at the Hallington residence.

Ten.

Not one.

Not two.

Ten.

They arrived fully equipped with medical instruments, medicines, and the finest remedies from the palace.

Nola didn’t even know how to react.

“Were they all sent by the Prince?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Xaviera, who heard from inside her room, immediately sat up in shock.

“Ten physicians?”

Emily tried to hold back her laughter.

“Your future husband seems to be a little excessive.”

“A little?”

Xaviera stared at her in disbelief.

“Does he think I’m dying?”

Emily let out a small laugh.

“I think he’s just worried.”

Xaviera fell silent.

For some reason, her cheeks felt warm.

⸻

But the news of Rajendra’s visit did not stop at the Hallington residence.

That very night, the news reached the palace.

And when the Queen heard it, her expression immediately changed.

“He went there?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Even though they aren’t allowed to meet yet?”

“Yes.”

The Queen stood.

“Call Rajendra.”

Not long afterward, Rajendra arrived.

“You sent for me, Mother?”

The Queen looked at her son coldly.

“You went to the Hallington residence.”

“Yes.”

“You know the royal rule?”

“I do.”

“Then why did you break it?”

Rajendra was silent for a moment.

“I heard Xaviera was sick.”

“And?”

“I wanted to see her.”

The Queen stared sharply at her son.

“Did Xaviera ask you to come?”

Rajendra shook his head.

“No.”

“Don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not lying.”

The Queen let out a long sigh.

“She knows the rule. Her family knows it too. So don’t tell me she had nothing to do with your decision.”

Rajendra was beginning to lose his patience.

“You’re wrong, Mother.”

“Rajendra—”

“Xaviera didn’t ask for anything.”

“Then why did you go?”

“Because I wanted to.”

The Queen fell silent.

Rajendra looked at his mother.

“I heard she was sick. I was worried. So I went.”

“Without thinking about the consequences?”

“I thought about them.”

“And you still went?”

“Yes.”

The Queen stared at her son in disbelief.

“You’ve truly changed since you met that girl.”

Rajendra said nothing.

The Queen then looked away.

“Tomorrow, I will send someone to make sure Xaviera is all right.”

Rajendra nodded.

But before he could leave, the Queen spoke again.

“Rajendra.”

He stopped.

“Don’t let a woman make you forget that you are the heir to the throne.”

Rajendra turned around.

His gaze remained calm.

“Precisely because I am the heir to the throne, Mother, you should know that I cannot leave the woman who will become my wife sick and alone.”

After saying that, Rajendra left.

The Queen remained standing where she was. Her expression grew darker. Not because Rajendra had broken the rule. Nor because her son had ignored her. But because, for the first time, she realized something far more troubling.

Rajendra was no longer simply carrying out the King’s command. He was following his own desire. And the woman at the center of it was Xaviera.

⸻

The next morning, Xaviera woke to find that her body already felt much better. But on the table beside her bed was something that made her stop.

A small black box.

The royal crest of Exora was engraved on its lid.

She slowly opened it.

Inside was a simple necklace with a deep red stone that shimmered beneath the morning sunlight.

There was no letter.

No message.

Only a small engraving on the back of the pendant.

R.

Xaviera gently touched it.

“Rajendra…”

She didn’t know when he had sent it. She didn’t know what the red stone meant either. But somewhere deep inside the palace, someone was staring at the same box.

The Queen.

And when she saw the necklace inside, her expression immediately changed.

“Where did he get that stone?”

A servant lowered his head.

“The Prince gave it to her, Your Majesty.”

The Queen gripped the edge of the table. Her eyes fell upon an old painting hanging on the wall.

A painting she had refused to allow anyone to move for years.

“That stone should no longer exist.”

Her voice was barely a whisper. Then, for the first time, the fear she had been hiding for so long became visible in her eyes.

“If Rajendra has already given it to Xaviera…”

She stopped.

“…then he has already chosen.”

And perhaps, without anyone realizing it— this marriage was no longer merely the King’s command. It had become the decision of a future King.