RAHIENA ZHEQUIN BLEXEN AS THE PAST QUEEN AND FUTURE’S LOST CROWN PRINCESS

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄

In the dark and twisted depths of Meniphen Mountain, Hellio seethed with rage, pacing through the shadows. Another failed plan, another setback—Queen Luxacia’s power had thwarted him once again. His mind swirled with dark intentions, and in his fury, he concocted a new curse, one that would bring Princess Niveria herself to ruin. Raising his hands, he whispered a dark incantation, sending a wave of illness across the lands and into the Jewdexi kingdom.

☆☆☆☆☆

Back in the Jewdexi kingdom, Princess Niveria wandered through the royal gardens, admiring the red daisies that bloomed brilliantly under the afternoon sun. She turned her head, feeling an odd sensation, as if something sinister lurked just behind her. She looked back, but before she could react, a dark, smoky tendril of air forced itself down her throat, stealing her breath. Panic surged within her as she tried to scream for help, but no sound escaped her lips. Her vision darkened, her legs faltered, and she began to collapse.

At that very moment, Queen Haxena appeared, just in time to catch her daughter in her arms. "Niveria! Niveria, speak to me!" she cried, her voice laced with worry as her daughter lay limp and unresponsive.

"Help! Someone, help!" Queen Haxena’s desperate call brought soldiers running.

They quickly surrounded her, lifting the unconscious princess from her mother’s arms and hurrying her to her chamber.

☆☆☆☆☆

Moments later, in Princess Niveria’s room, Hordui Nevdi, the royal healer, stood by her bedside, examining her with a grim expression. He shook his head, turning to the queen with eyes filled with sorrow.

“Your Majesty…” Hordui began, his voice low and steady, “this is no ordinary ailment. The Princess has been cursed—struck mute by dark magic.”

Queen Haxena’s face went pale. “A curse? How? Why? Can you lift it?”

Hordui sighed deeply. “This curse is woven with dark intentions, one that only a daughter in your bloodline—a soul of pure heart, kindness, and bravery—can cure.” He looked out the window, his eyes fixed upon the distant woods. “Without such a healer, the curse will hold.”

The queen’s heart sank as she absorbed his words. Only a daughter in the bloodline… she thought. The possibility of finding someone to cure Niveria seemed as distant as the stars.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself. “Thank you, Hordui. Do all you can to ensure her comfort,” she instructed the healer before turning to one of her trusted soldiers. “Widen Forth,” she said firmly.

The soldier stepped forward, bowing. “Yes, Your Majesty?”

“Widen, I need you to ride to the Alephorea Kingdom at once. My son, Prince Frixetro, must know what has happened to his sister.”

Widen nodded, determination in his eyes. “I will carry the message with haste, my Queen.”

“Thank you, Widen,” Queen Haxena said, her voice softening. “Tell Frixetro he is needed here, for his sister’s life may depend on it.”

☆☆☆☆☆

Prince Frixetro strolled through the bustling market alongside Queen Luxacia, his heart heavy with an inexplicable unease. The vibrant scene of Alephorea, with its peaceful air and laughter drifting from the market stalls, should have soothed him, yet he felt a constant nagging in his chest.

Queen Luxacia glanced at him with a warm smile. “Isn’t it beautiful here, Frixetro? Alephorea has seen many peaceful years, and I wanted you to see this calm,” she said softly, hoping to ease whatever worry was clouding his face.

Frixetro nodded, trying to focus on her words, but then he heard a voice, low yet clear, echoing from the crowd: “Someone you treasure the most is in need of help, young Prince! You must go back home.”

He froze, his gaze sweeping across the market. Though he couldn’t locate the source, the words struck deep. Queen Luxacia noticed the sudden tension in his body and stepped closer, concern shading her eyes.

“Frixetro?” she asked gently. “Is something troubling you?”

The Prince gave a quick nod, forcing a smile. “It’s…nothing, Your Majesty,” he replied, though his mind raced. He tried to brush it off and continued walking, but the words lingered, unsettling him. The Queen watched him but chose not to press further, respecting his silence.

As they turned a corner, a familiar figure caught their attention—a soldier, dusty and weary, stood before them. It was Widen Forth, and his solemn face instantly set Frixetro’s heart pounding.

Widen bowed deeply, his gaze flickering between the Prince and Queen Luxacia.

“Widen?” Frixetro’s voice was tense. “What brings you here? Is…is everything alright back home?”

Widen hesitated, his face troubled. “Your Highness, I come bearing news from Jewdexi Kingdom,” he began, his voice steady yet urgent. “It concerns Princess Niveria.”

The Prince stiffened, his worst fears bubbling to the surface. “Tell me, Widen—what has happened to my sister?”

Widen glanced at the Queen, who nodded encouragingly. With a heavy breath, he continued, “Princess Niveria has been cursed, my Prince. She…she cannot speak. It’s as though something has stolen her voice.”

Frixetro’s eyes widened in shock. “A curse?” he echoed, feeling his heart sink. “How? Why?”

“We don’t know the origin, but…according to our healer, only someone of pure heart and courage within your bloodline can break it,” Widen explained.

Queen Luxacia placed a gentle hand on Frixetro’s shoulder, her face filled with sympathy. “Frixetro, this curse may have deeper roots than we understand. Perhaps it's the work of a dark force, one that even reached here in Alephorea.”

Frixetro clenched his fists, his voice trembling with determination. “Then I must go back. Niveria needs me, and I can’t stay here knowing she’s suffering.”

Luxacia nodded solemnly. “I understand. Alephorea will always welcome you, Prince Frixetro, but your duty to your sister comes first. You must follow your heart.”

Widen stepped forward. “I will accompany you, Your Highness. Your parents are deeply worried, and they’ve prepared for your swift return.”

Frixetro looked between the Queen and his loyal soldier, gratitude evident in his eyes. “Thank you, both of you,” he said, his voice steady despite the storm raging within him.

Queen Luxacia’s gaze softened as she placed a hand on his cheek. “Go, Frixetro. Be the strength your sister needs. And remember,” she whispered, “no curse can overpower the strength of a pure heart.”

With a final nod to the Queen, Frixetro turned to Widen. “Let’s go. Niveria needs us now.”

Without another word, they departed swiftly, leaving the calm of Alephorea behind as Frixetro’s heart raced with urgency, his only thought on reaching his sister before it was too late.

☆☆☆☆☆

As Prince Frixetro entered the grand gates of Jewdexi Kingdom, the soldiers on duty bowed, quickly opening the path.

Widen and the escort flanked him, guiding him through the palace corridors until they reached Niveria's chamber. Frixetro took a deep breath, his heart pounding as he prepared to face his sister.

Inside, Niveria sat up, awake but visibly weary. When her eyes met his, Frixetro rushed forward, embracing her tightly, tears filling his eyes. “Niveria,” he whispered, voice thick with guilt, “I’m so sorry I left. I had no idea…I never thought you’d have to suffer like this.”

Niveria, unable to speak, gently squeezed his shoulder, offering a small, reassuring smile. She raised her hands, forming gestures in the sign language they both knew. “Don’t blame yourself, brother. Darkness comes in many forms.”

Queen Haxena entered the chamber quietly, watching the heartfelt reunion. She approached, her face resolute as she placed a comforting hand on Frixetro’s shoulder.

“Frixetro,” she said softly, “we believe that only a child from our bloodline, your bloodline, has the power to lift this curse from Niveria.”

Frixetro pulled back from the hug, his face shadowed with confusion. “But…how would I…?”

The Queen nodded solemnly. “Tonight, we will hold a celebration, a competition of sorts, where ladies from across Jewdexi and beyond may prove themselves. Only the woman who shows true qualities of kindness, bravery, and loyalty will be chosen. She would bear the child destined to save your sister.”

Niveria’s eyes widened, and she turned to Frixetro with concern, signing, “A competition? Are you sure this is the only way?”

Frixetro glanced at his sister, then back to their mother. “If this is what it takes, then I’ll do whatever is necessary. But I will choose someone genuine, someone who wants to help, not just to win.”

The Queen’s gaze softened. “I trust your judgment, my son. The women who participate will undergo trials to reveal their true hearts. By the end, we will find the one who embodies the spirit needed to break this curse.”

Meanwhile, far across the kingdoms, Rahiena Zhequin — Queen Luxacia in this ancient world — sat silently in her study, troubled by visions that seemed more like memories than dreams. The memories of Niveria’s suffering and the cursed voice weighed heavily on her.

She stood and called her trusted guard, Velrim. “Gather the men. We leave for Jewdexi tonight,” she ordered. “The Princess’s fate is clouded by darkness, and I must ensure this ‘competition’ serves a true purpose.”

As night fell, Queen Luxacia’s arrival was met with whispers and curious glances, her presence unexpected yet welcome. She was promptly escorted to the main hall, where the royal family awaited her, seated by the dais overseeing the event.

Frixetro looked up, surprised and relieved, as Queen Luxacia entered. “Queen Luxacia,” he greeted, bowing slightly. “I didn’t expect you’d travel all this way.”

She smiled warmly, resting a hand on his arm. “For your family, my dear Prince, I’d journey even farther. And I felt…I felt something was amiss here. I needed to see with my own eyes.”

The King rose to greet her. “Your presence brings honor to us, Queen Luxacia,” he said. “Please, join us.”

As she took her place, she noticed that Niveria's not attending in watching the competition for his brother. She knew something happened to Niveria yet she stayed quiet when she heard the heralds announcing that the competition will officially start. Noblewomen and commoners alike gathered, each determined to prove herself worthy. The hall buzzed with anticipation as the Queen stood, raising a hand to quiet the crowd.

“The trials tonight,” she announced, “are not merely of beauty or grace but of heart and courage. Only the lady with a pure soul and strong will may become the chosen bearer.”

Queen Luxacia observed each participant closely, feeling that something vital was at stake here, something far beyond tradition. She leaned closer to Frixetro and whispered, “Remember, Frixetro, listen to your heart. Let it guide you to the one meant to help.”

Frixetro nodded, his eyes scanning the crowd, as the first trial began — a test of courage.

☆☆☆☆☆

As the competition drew to a close, a hush fell over the crowd as the heralds stepped forward, prepared to announce the victor. But just as they opened their mouths to speak, a voice rang out from the crowd, loud and clear. "Why not let Queen Luxacia join the competition?"

A murmur of agreement spread through the crowd, quickly growing into a chorus. "Yes! Let Queen Luxacia join!" they chanted. "She has the qualities of a true bearer for the Prince!"

On the dais, Queen Haxena and King Nethro exchanged a knowing smile. Meanwhile, Prince Frixetro stood in stunned silence, glancing between the crowd and Queen Luxacia, who was equally surprised.

Queen Luxacia raised a hand, gesturing for calm. “Everyone, please,” she said, though her voice trembled slightly. “I came here as a friend to the royal family, not as a competitor.”

But the crowd continued, voices growing louder, echoing through the hall, “Queen Luxacia! Queen Luxacia!”

Realizing that the only way to restore calm was to oblige, Queen Luxacia sighed, her gaze settling on the royal family. King Nethro gave her a slight nod of encouragement, and Queen Haxena’s warm smile was all the reassurance she needed. Turning to the Prince, Queen Luxacia met his gaze and, with a gentle smile, gave a nod.

“If this is what you wish…” she said softly, her words meant as much for the Prince as for the crowd. Frixetro nodded, still taken aback, but he stepped aside to allow her to join the circle of competitors.

A single trial was chosen for her — one that would test both courage and kindness. She was presented with a young child, frightened and uncertain, asked to calm and comfort them without words.

With a gentle smile, Queen Luxacia knelt down before the child, taking their small hands in hers. Her soft gaze and gentle presence alone seemed to ease the child’s fear. She led them around, pointing out the hall’s intricate decorations and sharing silent smiles, her warmth palpable to everyone watching.

The child’s eyes sparkled with newfound trust, and as they finally hugged her, the crowd erupted in cheers. The decision was unanimous. Queen Luxacia had not only passed the test but had won the competition with her effortless grace and genuine heart.

The herald raised his voice, “By unanimous decision, Queen Luxacia is the chosen bearer!”

The hall filled with applause and cheers, yet Prince Frixetro’s expression held a mix of wonder and gratitude. He approached her, his voice thick with emotion.

“Queen Luxacia, I never imagined…” He paused, unsure how to express his gratitude.

Queen Luxacia placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Sometimes, fate has a path all its own, dear Prince,” she said softly. “If this is the path meant for me, then I accept it with an open heart.”

Queen Haxena stepped forward, her eyes brimming with hope. “Then let it be so,” she declared, her voice carrying a sense of profound relief. “Tonight, we celebrate not only the competition’s end but the beginning of a new hope for our family.”

As the hall erupted in celebration, Queen Luxacia couldn’t help but feel a profound connection to this destiny, one she hadn’t anticipated. She glanced over at Prince Frixetro, sharing a look of understanding that, despite the unexpected turn, they would face this path together, bonded by duty, courage, and the unwavering hope to save his sister.

The soft moonlight filtered through the windows of the palace, casting a tranquil glow over the chamber where Prince Frixetro and Queen Luxacia had been shown to rest. The quiet atmosphere in the room contrasted sharply with the bustling activity of the past days, as both tried to come to terms with the unexpected events that had unfolded.

Frixetro stood by the window, staring out into the vast expanse of the Jewdexi Kingdom, his thoughts heavy with what had transpired. The competition, his mother’s words, the overwhelming expectations… it was a lot to bear.

Queen Luxacia sat on the edge of a finely made bed, nervously glancing at the Prince, unsure of how to approach him. Her heart beat in her chest, not just with the weight of their situation, but with the growing, unfamiliar feelings she had started to develop for him.

Frixetro, sensing the stillness in the air, finally turned to face her. His eyes held a mixture of confusion and tenderness. “Queen Luxacia... I never thought I would see this day,” he said softly. “When I was told of the competition, I didn’t expect you to... join, let alone win.” He paused, his voice almost lost in the silence. “I don’t know what to say.”

Queen Luxacia—no, Rahiena Zhequin, the soul within her—looked at him, memories of a past life flooding her mind. In her past, Queen Luxacia had been in love with this very prince, a love that had remained unspoken, unfulfilled. But now, as Rahiena’s soul continued to live in this body, the memories of her past self intertwined with the present.

“I never expected it either, Frixetro,” she said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. “This is... not the life I imagined when I arrived here. But life often has a way of taking us down paths we didn’t foresee.”

Frixetro moved closer, concern etched on his face. “I’m sorry. I never meant for you to feel pressured into anything. I don’t know how to process everything that’s happening. My twin sister’s illness... the curse... and now, this—” He gestured to the both of them. “I don’t want you to feel trapped in all this. You don’t have to do this for me. Not unless you truly want to.”

Queen Luxacia felt a pang of guilt at his words. She remembered the love she had for him in her past life, the longing she had carried with her. But this time, things were different. She wasn’t the same woman who had loved him from afar.

Rahiena Zhequin’s soul had lived a different life, and in that life, she knew better than to fall into the same patterns. Yet, the pull between them was undeniable.

“I know what you mean, Frixetro,” she replied softly. “But you must understand… this situation isn’t just about us. Your sister’s life is at stake. You need to know that I’m doing this not because I’m compelled by duty alone. I’m doing this because... because I want to help you. I want to help Niveria. And maybe, in doing so, I’ll find my own purpose here too.”

Frixetro remained silent, his gaze softening as he absorbed her words. “I never asked for any of this... I just wanted things to be normal again. I wanted to be with my family. But now... now I’m unsure of everything. I don’t know if I can do this alone.”

Queen Luxacia—Rahiena Zhequin—moved closer, offering him a reassuring smile, though inside, her heart was in turmoil. She wasn’t sure where this journey would lead, nor how things would unfold between them. But for now, she had to believe that they could face it together, even with all the shadows of the past hanging over them.

“You’re not alone, Frixetro,” she said, her voice warm but firm. “I may not know what the future holds, but I know that we have to try. We have to work together for your sister’s sake, and for the Kingdom.”

Her words seemed to calm him, if only a little. Frixetro let out a long breath, his shoulders loosening slightly. “I’ll do whatever it takes to save Niveria. If that means having you by my side... then I’ll accept that.”

Queen Luxacia nodded, though deep inside, her thoughts were more complicated. She had memories of a past life, of love unspoken, of a prince she had once adored from a distance. But now, as Rahiena Zhequin lived in Queen Luxacia’s body, the world seemed different. She wasn’t the same woman who had loved him; she was a new person, with her own past, her own life.

Yet, the connection between them felt familiar, like something she couldn’t shake, something that made her heart ache even as she tried to understand what role she was meant to play in this life.

“I’ll stay by your side, Frixetro,” she said quietly, “But we must be prepared. For Niveria... for the future... for whatever comes next.”

Frixetro, still unsure of everything, nodded. “I’m ready. I’ll do what I must. For Niveria... and for you.”

The night stretched on, heavy with unspoken words and the weight of their shared responsibility. Neither of them spoke again that evening, but their minds were filled with the same thoughts—of duty, of destiny, and the strange, uncharted path they now found themselves walking together.

As they sat in silence, Rahiena Zhequin’s soul continued to ponder the past, knowing that her role in this life was far from over. The story of Queen Luxacia may have ended, but Rahiena’s was just beginning—and the love she had once held for this prince, though transformed, was not something that would fade easily.

Yet, despite all the complexities, one thing was clear: the future was uncertain, but they would face it together.

The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the Kingdom of Jewdexi. The palace was alight with the energy of a joyous occasion, and the sounds of laughter and music filled the air. Prince Frixetro and Queen Luxacia had prepared for this moment for so long, and now, the day of their wedding had arrived.

As the final touches were added to the ceremony, Frixetro stood before the grand mirror, adjusting his royal attire. He gazed at his reflection, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions—love, responsibility, and the weight of his duty. But there was something else in his eyes as he thought about the woman he was about to marry. Queen Luxacia, now his wife, had been a source of both mystery and comfort in recent days. And as they had shared their lives, their bond had deepened in ways neither of them had expected.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. “Your Highness,” came the soft voice of one of the palace servants.

“Enter,” Frixetro called, turning toward the door.

The servant opened the door, and with a smile, she handed him a small bouquet of red daisies—the flower that had become a symbol of his connection with Luxacia. “These are for you to give to the Queen,” the servant said gently. Frixetro nodded, his heart beating faster as he imagined the moment when he would see Luxacia walking toward him, a bride.

Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, Queen Luxacia was preparing for the ceremony. She stood before a large mirror in her private chamber, her dress carefully fitted, and her hair styled to perfection. The reflection staring back at her seemed both familiar and foreign.

She was no longer the Queen of the past, the woman with the memories of a past life, but she was now Rahiena Zhequin, living this new life for the sake of duty and love. It had not been an easy journey, but she had found solace in Frixetro’s kindness, his respect, and—strangely—his patience.

As she adjusted the delicate lace on her gown, her thoughts wandered to the events that had led them here. She had come to this Kingdom as a stranger, a woman who had been thrust into a role she never imagined. But now, she stood on the edge of something new, something that held the potential for happiness—if she allowed herself to believe it.

A soft knock at her door brought her back to the present. “Queen Luxacia,” a servant called. “The time has come.

Queen Luxacia took a deep breath, her heart swelling with emotions she hadn’t fully understood. “I am ready,” she whispered to herself.

The ceremony was as grand as anyone could imagine. The air was filled with the sound of jubilant music, and the nobles of Jewdexi Kingdom, along with invited guests from neighboring lands, filled the royal hall. The ornate decorations, the shimmering gold and silver, the fragrance of flowers in the air—it was everything a royal wedding should be.

Prince Frixetro stood at the altar, his gaze fixed ahead, waiting for the moment he had anticipated for so long. The crowd quieted as Queen Luxacia entered the hall, her radiant smile lighting up the entire room. She walked slowly, her eyes locked with Frixetro’s, and in that moment, she could feel her heart flutter in a way she hadn’t expected. The love she had once thought impossible had grown in her, and it was now clear to her that she wanted this future with him.

Frixetro’s eyes softened as he saw her approach, his heart racing. The woman standing before him, in all her beauty, was no longer just his wife in name; she had become something more. His confidant, his partner, the woman who would bear their child. The weight of everything seemed to fall away as he took her hand and smiled.

“Luxacia,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I never expected to find someone like you. But now that I have, I will cherish you forever.”

Queen Luxacia smiled, her voice soft but filled with sincerity. “I, too, never imagined I would find a love like this. But now, Frixetro... now I know I will give you everything I have. My heart, my soul, and our future together.”

The vows were exchanged, and with a final declaration of their love and commitment, they were wed.

Later that evening, after the grand celebration, the palace grew quiet, and Frixetro and Queen Luxacia retired to their private chamber. The night was filled with anticipation, both for the ceremony that had just passed and for the new chapter in their lives that was beginning.

As they stood in the dimly lit room, the air between them was charged with an intensity that neither of them could ignore. The weight of their vows hung between them, but so did something else—a shared understanding that what they were about to embark on was more than just a marriage; it was the beginning of their family, their future.

Frixetro reached out, taking Luxacia’s hands gently in his. “I want this, Luxacia. I want you. Not because I have to, but because I’ve come to realize that you are the most important person in my life.”

Luxacia, her heart pounding in her chest, nodded. “And I want this, Frixetro. I’ve come to care for you, more than I ever thought possible.”

In that moment, everything fell away—duty, responsibility, fear. It was just the two of them, standing on the threshold of a new life.

Without another word, they moved toward each other, the bond between them deepening with each step. The night stretched out before them, and as they shared their first night together as husband and wife, their hearts beat as one.

☆☆☆☆☆

Days passed in the wake of their wedding, and with each passing moment, their connection grew stronger. The joy of their union was felt by all in the Kingdom, and whispers of their happiness spread far and wide. But for Queen Luxacia and Prince Frixetro, the real work was just beginning. They were not just a royal couple—they were a family in the making, with the hopes and dreams of an entire Kingdom resting on their shoulders.

And as the days turned into weeks, Queen Luxacia found herself embracing a love she had once thought impossible, and with it, a future she would share with the Prince who had become the most precious part of her life.

Their honeymoon was not just a celebration of their union—it was the start of something even more significant. A promise to each other, to their Kingdom, and to the future they would build together.

As the sun rose the next morning, the Kingdom of Jewdexi was filled with hope, peace, and the knowledge that, despite everything that had come before, this new chapter was one of love, commitment, and the beginning of a family.