FLASH BACK
As Rahiena lay unconscious in the school library, Miss Zeñes Methe quickly reacted, rushing over to check on her. “Rahiena! Can you hear me?” she called, panic lacing her voice as she saw the young girl’s pale face and still form. Not knowing what else to do, she decided to take her to the hospital, thinking of Vetrezé Hospital, which was known for helping everyone in need.
Arriving at Vetrezé Hospital, Miss Zeñes’ companion helped carry Rahiena inside. Nurses sprang into action, bringing a hospital bed to receive the unconscious young lady. “We need to get her into the emergency room,” one of the nurses directed, wheeling her carefully toward the nearest door.
Meanwhile, the King and Queen of Rizlotxia had just finished their own visit to the hospital, searching for any clues about their long-lost daughter. Just as they were about to exit, the Queen’s eyes suddenly landed on the unconscious girl being rushed in. She caught sight of a familiar blue mark on the girl’s hand as she was placed on the patient bed. The Queen stopped, her heart racing. “My King,” she said urgently to her husband, her gaze fixed on the girl, “do you see that? The blue mark on her hand—it’s exactly like the one our daughter had.”
The King paused, watching the scene unfold. The urgency in his wife’s voice matched his own curiosity and hope. “Could it be...?” he whispered, feeling a strange sense of familiarity as he looked at the girl.
The Queen, too overcome with emotion, turned to one of the doctors nearby. “Please,” she said, her voice shaking slightly, “we need to confirm something. Could you arrange a DNA test using my hair? We must know if she is... if she is our daughter.”
The doctor, recognizing the importance of their request, nodded solemnly. “Of course, Your Majesty. We’ll get the test started right away. The results should be ready within the hour.”
The King and Queen waited anxiously, their hearts filled with a mix of hope and dread. Standing by Rahiena’s bed, the Queen reached out, gently touching the young girl’s hand. “Rahiena Zhequin Blexen,” she murmured, “if you truly are our daughter... we’ve searched for you for so long.”
The King watched his wife’s expression, noticing the intense emotions flashing across her face as she looked at Rahiena. “What is it, my Queen?” he asked gently, seeing her deep, troubled gaze
The Queen met his eyes, her voice barely above a whisper. “She looks like you,” she said, her words filled with astonishment. “The resemblance… it’s undeniable.”
The King’s heart tightened as he looked closer at Rahiena. The possibility that this young woman could be his daughter, after all these years, filled him with hope and fear.
After an hour of tense waiting, the doctor finally emerged, carrying an envelope with the DNA test results. He approached the King and Queen, his expression a mixture of gravity and compassion.
“Your Majesties,” Heino Westh , the doctor began softly, handing them the results. “The test is positive. Rahiena Zhequin Blexen… is indeed your daughter.”
The Queen gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, tears forming in her eyes. “Oh, my daughter,” she whispered, her voice breaking as she looked over at Rahiena lying still on the hospital bed. “After all these years... we’ve found her.”
The King placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his own eyes damp with emotion. “Yes, my Queen. But she is in need of us now more than ever.”
The doctor cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “There’s something else, Your Majesties. I regret to inform you that Princess Rahiena is in a coma. We’re not sure what caused it, but it may take some time before she wakes.”
The Queen’s face fell, her joy tempered by worry. “How long will she remain this way?” she asked, her voice trembling.
“It’s difficult to say,” the doctor replied carefully. “Cases like these are unpredictable. She may wake soon, or it could take years. But we’ll do everything we can to help her here.”
The King straightened, determination evident in his eyes. “Thank you, doctor,” he said firmly. “But we will take her back to the Palace, where she can be properly cared for. I will bring together every healer, every remedy, and every resource to ensure her recovery.”
Turning to one of his trusted soldiers, he issued orders. “Prepare our daughter’s transport immediately. And send word across the kingdom—anyone who knows of a way to cure a coma is to report to the Palace at once.”
The soldier nodded, bowing. “At once, Your Majesty. I will organize our most capable men and trusted advisors to search far and wide for someone who can heal the Princess.”
The Queen held her husband’s hand tightly, her strength bolstered by his resolve. “We have waited so long, and now she’s with us,” she said softly, looking tenderly at Rahiena. “We will give her everything she needs.”
A gentle smile crossed the King’s face as he looked at Rahiena, even as his heart ached. “Yes, our daughter is home.”
As the doctors and soldiers began to prepare for Rahiena’s transport, the King and Queen stayed close by her side, silently vowing to protect and care for her, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.
As they strolled through the lush palace garden, the King and Queen walked beside Rahiena, explaining her history in gentle, careful words. Hezphellé held Rahiena’s hand, her young face full of curiosity and warmth, while Rahiena’s half-sister, Vitrin, walked close by, listening intently.
“You see, Rahiena,” the Queen began, her voice soft and full of affection, “we searched for you for years. We never gave up hope that one day you’d return to us.”
Rahiena looked down, still processing the vast weight of everything she’d been told. “I… I don’t know what to say,” she whispered, glancing at the King. “It feels like I’m living in a dream.”
“I can only imagine,” the King replied kindly. “But we want you to feel at home here, Rahiena. This is where you belong, with your family.”
Hezphellé squeezed Rahiena’s hand gently. “I’m so happy you’re here, Rahiena,” she said, her eyes shining.
“You remind me so much of my mama.”
Rahiena smiled warmly at the little girl. “Thank you, Hezphellé. I think… I think I’m glad to be here too. Even though everything is so new.”
Vitrin stepped closer, offering her a reassuring smile. “You’re my sister,” she said. “And even though we’ve only just met, I already feel connected to you.”
Rahiena looked at Vitrin, surprised but grateful. “Thank you, Vitrin. I’d like to get to know you better.”
The Queen watched the girls, her heart full. “We’re a family, united again,” she said, reaching out to place a gentle hand on Rahiena’s shoulder. “And we will stand by you, Rahiena, no matter what.”
Rahiena felt a spark of something—hope, maybe even belonging. She took a deep breath and, with a soft smile, replied, “Thank you… for everything.”
☆☆☆☆☆
The conversation in the garden was abruptly cut short by the appearance of the General, who came running, visibly out of breath. Despite his panting, he managed to deliver the alarming news to the King, Queen, and Rahiena.
“Your Majesties… Princess Rahiena…” the General said, struggling to catch his breath. “Prince Frixetro and Princess Niveria… they both collapsed in the City market. They’ve been taken to Vetrezé Hospital.”
Rahiena gasped, feeling Hezphellé clutch her tighter, eyes welling with tears as she buried her face against Rahiena.
“No! Not Papa and Auntie!” Hezphellé cried, sobbing uncontrollably as Rahiena held her close.
Without a moment’s hesitation, the King placed a steadying hand on Rahiena’s shoulder. “Let’s go,” he said firmly. “Hezphellé needs to be with her family now.”
Arriving at the hospital, they moved swiftly through the corridors, Hezphellé’s quiet sobs filling the silence. When they reached the private room, they heard muffled voices from within. Rahiena’s heart raced as they opened the door.
Inside, both Prince Frixetro and Princess Niveria lay unconscious on their hospital beds, yet they were speaking in faint whispers, their eyes closed as if in some dream-like state.
“What… what is happening here?” the King asked in confusion as he stepped into the room, just as the doctor entered to assess the situation.
The doctor moved quickly, checking the vital signs of both the Prince and Princess. As he turned to examine Hezphellé, who was still crying in Rahiena’s arms, the Prince’s faint words became clearer.
“Luxacia… my beloved Luxacia… come back to us,” Frixetro murmured softly, a single tear escaping from the corner of his closed eyes.
Suddenly, Hezphellé’s head lifted slightly, her voice rising through her tears. “Mama… please, come back!” she cried out, still with her eyes closed. “I know it’s you, Rahiena Zhequin Blexen… my Mama!”
Rahiena’s eyes widened, stunned by the little girl’s words. She felt her hands begin to tremble as Hezphellé’s words echoed in her mind, triggering an intense pain in her head. Flashes of memories flooded back—fragments of laughter, tender embraces, Frixetro’s gentle smile, and Hezphellé as a baby nestled in her arms.
“No… this can’t be…” Rahiena whispered, clutching her head as the pain intensified.
The King stepped forward just in time to catch Hezphellé, who had fainted in Rahiena’s arms. Rahiena let go, swaying slightly as she steadied herself, overwhelmed by the rush of memories now clear in her mind. “I remember…” she whispered, almost to herself, as she looked from Hezphellé to Frixetro and then to Niveria. “I remember everything. Frixetro… my husband… and Hezphellé, my daughter.”
The King placed a supportive hand on her shoulder. “Rahiena,” he said softly, his voice filled with compassion, “it’s true, then. You truly are our long-lost daughter, and their beloved Luxacia.”
Rahiena’s gaze shifted to her sleeping husband and daughter, her heart aching yet filled with profound relief. “Yes… I am Luxacia,” she whispered, tears filling her eyes. “And I’m finally home.”
In the quiet garden, Rahiena’s mind drifted back to the words of the healer who had explained the strange truth of her existence. She remembered his solemn voice as he had told her, “Rahiena, you were brought back to life because Luxacia died. In the past, your soul inhabited Queen Luxacia’s body while your own remained in a coma in this modern world.”
Rahiena’s brow furrowed as the memories sharpened, coming together like pieces of a shattered mirror. The healer’s words echoed in her mind, “When Luxacia, your past self, passed away, your soul returned to its rightful place here. This is why you woke from your coma, carrying the broken fragments of memories from another life.”
Back in the present, as she stood in the hospital room, Rahiena looked at her unconscious husband and daughter, finally understanding the truth in every part of her soul. She was Rahiena Zhequin Blexen of the modern world, but she was also Luxacia Neckixi, Queen of Alephorea. Every blurred memory now became clear—she remembered the love she shared with Prince Frixetro, the laughter with Niveria, and the gentle warmth of Hezphellé in her arms.
Just then, Frixetro stirred on the bed, his eyes still closed, but he whispered faintly, “Luxacia… Rahiena… my love…”
Rahiena moved closer, her hand reaching out to hold his, her voice trembling. “Frixetro, I remember… I remember everything.”
Hezphellé, still half-asleep in her father’s embrace, opened her eyes, blinking at Rahiena as if seeing her for the first time. “Mama… are you really here?” she asked, her voice small, filled with hope.
Rahiena knelt beside her, tears in her eyes. “Yes, my little one. I am here. I’m not going anywhere.” She reached out, brushing a tear from Hezphellé’s cheek.
From the other bed, Niveria stirred as well, her eyes fluttering open to see Rahiena. “You… you’re really Luxacia, aren’t you?” Niveria whispered, emotion filling her voice.
Rahiena nodded, reaching out to take Niveria’s hand. “Yes, Niveria. I am Luxacia, but also Rahiena. I am both.
The King, who had been quietly observing, spoke up, his voice warm and filled with awe. “So, my daughter… you carry the memories of both lives—Luxacia of Alephorea and Rahiena of Rizlotxia.
Rahiena nodded, looking from her father to her mother, the Queen, who had tears glistening in her eyes. “Yes, Mother, Father. I remember it all. And now I am here… with my family.”
The Queen stepped forward, placing a hand on Rahiena’s shoulder. “Then let us honor both the past and present, my dear. You have finally returned to us, and now, we can be whole again.”
As Rahiena looked around, at Frixetro, Hezphellé, Niveria, and her parents, a feeling of peace washed over her. She was home—in both heart and soul, truly home.
Hezphellé’s eyes sparkled with joy as she clung tightly to Rahiena’s hand, unable to hide her happiness. “Mama,” she whispered, her voice trembling with excitement, “you’re really here with us. I… I never thought I’d see you again.”
Rahiena knelt down, holding Hezphellé’s face in her hands, a gentle smile forming on her lips. “Yes, my dear Hezphellé. I’m truly here, and I promise you, I won’t ever leave you again. I may not be Queen Luxacia anymore, but I am Rahiena, and I am still your mother.”
Frixetro, who had been standing quietly, watched them, his gaze softening with relief and love. “Rahiena… it feels like a miracle. After all this time, I thought our family would always feel incomplete.” He stepped closer, his hand brushing Rahiena’s. “But now, we have you back.”
Rahiena looked up at him, her eyes meeting his. “Frixetro, I know the pain you and Hezphellé went through when I was gone. I wish I could have come back sooner, but… I was lost between worlds, between lives.”
Hezphellé squeezed her mother’s hand, her face beaming. “But you found your way back, Mama! And that’s all that matters now.”
The Queen, standing beside the King, placed a hand on Rahiena’s shoulder, her eyes shining with pride and love.
“Rahiena, you’ve returned to us not only as a daughter but as the piece of our family that was missing. You carry the memories of Luxacia, but you are also our beloved Rahiena. You bring healing to both our family and your own.”
The King nodded in agreement, stepping forward. “Yes, and we welcome you as you are now—with all your memories, with the love you carry. We will protect this family with everything we have.”
Rahiena’s voice softened, looking at each of them with warmth and gratitude. “Thank you, all of you. I feel whole, like I’m finally where I’m meant to be.”
Hezphellé nestled close, resting her head on Rahiena’s shoulder. “Mama, I’ve waited for this for so long. I can’t believe it’s real.”
Rahiena kissed her daughter’s forehead gently. “It is real, Hezphellé. And it will stay this way, I promise.”
In that moment, surrounded by the love and acceptance of her family, Rahiena knew she was finally home—truly and completely home.
☆☆☆☆☆
As the doctor watched over them, he gave a gentle smile and spoke. “Your Highnesses, Prince Frixetro and Princess Niveria are cleared to be discharged. Their vitals are stable, and they’re ready to go home.” He gave a respectful bow. “Please, travel safely. I must return to my other patients now.”
The Queen nodded graciously. “Thank you, Doctor, for everything. We are deeply grateful for the care you’ve shown.”
The doctor waved as he left, and the nurses stepped forward to guide everyone outside. “This way, Your Majesties,” one of the nurses said politely, leading them down the hall.
Outside, the King’s van waited, polished and ready for the journey. The King gestured for everyone to enter. “Come, let’s head back to the palace. It’s been quite the day for all of us.”
Rahiena, still holding Hezphellé close in her arms, looked down at her daughter. “How are you feeling, my dear? Are you alright?”
Hezphellé nodded, resting her head on Rahiena’s shoulder, a peaceful smile on her face. “I’m fine, Mama. I just want to go home with you and Papa.”
Prince Frixetro climbed into the van and took a seat beside his daughter and Rahiena, his face softening as he watched the two of them. “Yes, home sounds perfect right now.”
Princess Niveria settled into her seat, giving her brother a reassuring look. “I’m relieved everything turned out well, and now we can all be together again. It almost feels like a dream.”
The Queen smiled warmly, placing a hand on her daughter’s arm. “We’re all here, and that’s what matters. We’ll make new memories together.”
As the van’s engine started, the King spoke from the front, glancing back at everyone. “It’s a moment of celebration, isn’t it? I think a grand feast is in order when we reach the palace.”
Frixetro chuckled, nodding. “I couldn’t agree more. We’ve all been through so much. A feast will be perfect.”
Rahiena squeezed Hezphellé gently, her heart full as she looked around at her family. “I’ve missed this—being surrounded by all of you. It truly feels like home again.”
As the van began its journey back to the palace, Hezphellé closed her eyes, a content smile on her face, her tiny fingers wrapped around her mother’s hand.
The van moved steadily along the road as everyone settled into a comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts about what had transpired. Rahiena gazed out the window, her heart both heavy and light. She was finally back with her family, and it felt as if every missing piece of her life had fallen into place. She looked down at Hezphellé, who had drifted off to sleep in her arms, and whispered softly.“I’ll never leave you again, my sweet girl. I promise.”
Prince Frixetro, sitting beside her, heard her words and gently placed his hand over hers. “We’re together now, Rahiena. The past may have been filled with sorrow, but the future is ours to create.”
The Queen, overhearing this, smiled and spoke gently. “You both have overcome so much. Rahiena, you’ve endured a journey few could even imagine, yet here you are, back with your family.”
Princess Niveria chimed in from her seat, her voice full of warmth. “And we’ll make sure this family stays whole. After all, we’ve just found each other again. Let’s cherish this new beginning.”
The King, glancing back with a proud expression, nodded. “It’s time for peace. Together, we will rebuild what was lost and move forward.”
As the van neared the palace gates, Hezphellé stirred, opening her eyes slowly. She blinked, looking around and then up at her mother. “Are we home, Mama?” she whispered sleepily.
Rahiena kissed her daughter’s forehead. “Yes, my little one. We’re home.”
The van rolled to a stop in front of the palace entrance, where the staff and guards awaited them with respectful bows. The King was the first to step out, extending a hand to help Rahiena and Hezphellé, while Prince Frixetro and Princess Niveria followed. As they all entered the grand halls of the palace, Hezphellé’s eyes widened in wonder.
“It’s so big and beautiful!” she exclaimed, looking around in awe.
The Queen chuckled, patting Hezphellé’s head. “This is your home too, dear one. You’re a part of this family, and this palace belongs to you as much as it does to anyone here.”
Rahiena took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her past lift as she looked around the familiar halls. “Thank you, Mother, Father. For everything.”
The King nodded. “You’re our daughter, Rahiena. We would cross any barrier to bring you back to us.”
The Queen spoke with a warm, knowing smile. “And now, let’s honor this reunion with a celebration. Tonight, we’ll gather the entire kingdom to rejoice in this moment.”
Prince Frixetro looked at Rahiena, a gentle smile on his face. “It’s the beginning of a new chapter for all of us.”
Rahiena took his hand, feeling the warmth of his touch, and looked down at Hezphellé. “Yes. A new beginning, filled with love, unity, and the happiness we’ve all longed for.”
With hearts full of hope and peace, they walked together through the palace, ready to face the future, together as a family.
As the palace buzzed with preparations for the grand celebration, Princess Rahiena sat by her window, gazing at the distant hills, lost in thought. Her heart felt whole again, but there was still one piece of her journey she hadn’t resolved—her book, "Luxacia Neckixi, the Queen of Alephorea Kingdom." This story had been her way of coping with the mysteries and fragments of her memories, a way to put together the pieces of her past and present.
Meanwhile, Miss Zeñes stood just outside the palace gates, clutching the book tightly. She took a deep breath, glancing at the binding with a mix of pride and hesitation. "Is it time?" she whispered to herself, feeling the weight of both her past actions and her role in helping Rahiena reach this happy ending.
One of the palace guards approached her with a polite nod. “Miss Zeñes, the King and Queen are honored by your presence. Shall I escort you to the hall?”
Miss Zeñes nodded, still holding the book close to her chest as if it were a precious artifact. “Yes, please. And... thank you.” She followed the guard through the palace’s grand halls, her steps echoing softly. Soon, they arrived at the grand hall, where the royal family awaited.
Inside, Rahiena turned, noticing Miss Zeñes entering. Her eyes lit up with recognition and a warmth of gratitude. She stood and approached her former teacher, unable to hide the smile on her face.
“Miss Zeñes! I didn’t think you would come!” Rahiena exclaimed, reaching out to embrace her.
Miss Zeñes returned the embrace, smiling softly. “How could I not? After all, I have something very precious to return to you.” She held out the book, bound in elegant leather and embossed with golden letters reading "Luxacia Neckixi, the Queen of Alephorea Kingdom."
Rahiena took the book in her hands, her expression tender. “I didn’t think I’d ever see this again. It’s strange... the story began as fragments of memories, and now, it feels complete.”
Miss Zeñes gave her a knowing smile. “It was a journey, Princess. You wrote it with so many questions and doubts, yet you brought it to a happy ending. And I believe it mirrors your life as well.”
The Queen and King, observing the moment from nearby, joined them. The Queen placed a gentle hand on Rahiena’s shoulder. “Rahiena, this story of yours... it is a testament to the strength you’ve shown. Miss Zeñes, thank you for guiding her through it.”
The King extended a hand to Miss Zeñes. “You’ve played a significant role in our daughter’s life. We are grateful to you, Miss Zeñes, not only for returning this book but for everything.”
Miss Zeñes, feeling the kindness and gratitude in the room, took the King’s hand with a slight bow. “It was an honor. I only did what I felt was right, even if it meant causing a little chaos along the way.” She laughed, and Rahiena joined in, understanding the truth behind her words.
Rahiena opened the book, flipping through its pages as if reliving each moment she had poured into it. “This story helped me understand who I was, where I came from, and where I belong. Thank you, Miss Zeñes, for preserving it.”
Just then, Hezphellé tugged at Rahiena’s hand, looking up with curious eyes. “Mama, can we read it together sometime? I want to know all about Queen Luxacia.”
Rahiena knelt beside her daughter, smiling. “Of course, my dear. I’ll tell you everything. Queen Luxacia’s journey is part of our story, too.”
The Queen announced, “Let the celebrations begin, and let this be a new chapter in all our lives.” The hall filled with cheers, music began to play, and everyone joined in the celebration of love, unity, and the power of stories.
As the night went on, Rahiena held the book close, knowing that her story had finally come full circle, and that she was home, with her family and friends by her side.