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

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄

As Princess Rahiena returned to the palace, her mind was buzzing with fragments of memory, the faint but undeniable faces of a man and a little girl flashing vividly. Every time she tried to remember, the pain in her head intensified, but it was a mystery she was determined to solve.

When she entered the grand hall, she saw her mother and father, King Vithendro and Queen Mizxené, waiting for her. Queen Mizxené smiled, opening her arms to her daughter as Rahiena approached.

“Rahiena, dear,” Queen Mizxené began gently, “I heard you took a trip to the market today. I trust you enjoyed the fresh air?”

Rahiena nodded slowly, her gaze thoughtful. “Yes, Mother. It was… interesting. There were so many people, and… I overheard something.” She paused, then met her mother’s eyes. “I heard that the Prince of Spainea, Prince Frixetro, is coming to visit… with his daughter. And… the names sound… familiar.”

Queen Mizxené shared a quick look with King Vithendro, both noting the visible confusion and curiosity on Rahiena’s face. The King approached, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Yes, Rahiena,” he confirmed. “Prince Frixetro and his daughter, Hezphellé, will be here soon. They plan to stay with us for a while. Prince Frixetro has been through a great deal recently—he lost his wife not long ago, and he’s coming here to find some peace and rest for himself and his daughter.”

At the mention of a lost wife, Rahiena felt a pang in her chest, though she couldn’t explain why. She glanced down, her voice soft. “I… think I know them. But I don’t understand how.”

Queen Mizxené gently took Rahiena’s hand, looking at her with concern. “My dear, ever since you woke up, we’ve seen you struggle with memories that seem out of place. I believe these names have meaning for you. Perhaps when you meet the Prince and his daughter, something more will come back to you.”

Rahiena nodded slowly, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. “I hope so, Mother. It feels like there’s something important that I’m forgetting, and it’s just… out of reach.” She closed her eyes briefly, then looked at both her parents. “Thank you for being patient with me.”

King Vithendro’s voice was warm and reassuring. “There is no rush, Rahiena. Take the time you need. You are here with us now, and that’s what matters most.”

Just then, a royal attendant entered, bowing respectfully. “Your Majesties, Princess Rahiena, Prince Frixetro and his daughter, Princess Hezphellé, have arrived at the palace gates.”

Rahiena’s heart skipped a beat, her pulse quickening. She glanced at her parents, then took a steadying breath, nodding. “I’d… like to meet them.”

King Vithendro smiled. “Of course, my dear. Let’s go greet them together.”

The royal family made their way to the palace entrance. As they reached the grand doors, they opened, and there stood Prince Frixetro, a tall man with a composed, thoughtful expression. Beside him stood a small girl with bright, curious eyes—Hezphellé. The moment Rahiena’s eyes met theirs, she felt a sharp, almost overwhelming rush of recognition, and her heart ached as she fought to make sense of it.

Prince Frixetro’s eyes lingered on her with an intensity that made her feel as if he, too, knew her somehow. He stepped forward and bowed, his voice steady but touched with a quiet, underlying emotion. “Your Majesties, thank you for welcoming us to Rizlotxia. It is a privilege to be here.”

Queen Mizxené smiled warmly, nodding to the Prince. “It is our pleasure, Prince Frixetro. Please, make yourself at home. This is our daughter, Princess Rahiena.”

Hezphellé, clutching her father’s hand, looked up at Rahiena, her innocent eyes studying her curiously. She tilted her head and whispered, “Papa, she looks like Mama…”

Frixetro’s expression softened, and he knelt beside his daughter, whispering gently, “Yes, sweetheart. But remember, Mama’s watching over us.”

Rahiena’s breath caught in her throat at the mention. She couldn’t explain why, but the child’s words stirred something deep inside her, something both comforting and painful.

“Hello, Hezphellé,” she said, her voice soft. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Hezphellé’s eyes sparkled, and she smiled brightly, stepping closer to Rahiena. “You’re very pretty. Do you want to play with me later?”

Rahiena found herself smiling back, despite the confusion in her heart. “I would love that,” she replied, her gaze drifting to Frixetro, who watched her with an expression that seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words.

King Vithendro, sensing the emotions swirling between them, cleared his throat, gesturing for the Prince and his daughter to join them inside. “Come, let’s get you settled in. I’m sure you must be tired after your journey.”

As they all walked inside, Prince Frixetro took a breath, then spoke quietly to Rahiena. “It’s… it’s been a long time, Princess Rahiena. Thank you for welcoming us here.”

Rahiena felt the weight of his words, the deep sincerity in his tone. She nodded, her voice soft, yet steady. “I have a feeling we may have met before, Prince Frixetro. Maybe… maybe as I spend time with you and Hezphellé, the memories will come back.”

He offered her a gentle smile. “I believe they will.”

As they walked together through the palace halls, Rahiena felt the beginnings of something familiar—perhaps even the first steps toward rediscovering a past she’d thought was lost forever.

☆☆☆☆☆

As they strolled through the palace gardens, the vibrant colors of the flowers around them seemed to soothe Rahiena’s spirit, and she found herself captivated by Hezphellé’s youthful energy and curiosity. Hezphellé, glancing up with her wide, innocent eyes, offered a small, shy smile.

“My name is Hezphellé Quinkle Weiquin,” she introduced herself formally, mimicking the proper tone she’d seen her father use, though there was a playful glint in her eyes.

Rahiena smiled, bending down slightly to meet Hezphellé’s gaze. “And I am Rahiena Zhequin Blexen,” she replied, her voice gentle. “It’s very nice to meet you, Hezphellé. You have such a beautiful name.”

Hezphellé beamed with pride, holding her head a little higher as she continued to lead Rahiena through the winding paths of the garden. They wandered until they found themselves near a secluded flower bed, where a glimmer of bright light caught both their attention. Among the delicate blooms, one particular flower glowed with a radiant blue aura.

“Look, Princess Rahiena!” Hezphellé exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. “It’s a Decrexi flower. It’s beautiful, but also dangerous,” she said knowingly, her small voice carrying a sense of wonder. “But it’s also… a medicine. My mama told me all about it.”

Rahiena felt a sharp, inexplicable tug in her heart at Hezphellé’s words. As she watched, Hezphellé lifted her hand, and, to Rahiena’s amazement, the flower floated up, its ethereal blue light shimmering and flickering as if it recognized the child’s touch.

“See? It’s gentle with me because it knows,” Hezphellé explained, her tone filled with pride. The Decrexi flower’s light grew brighter, its glow slowly absorbing into Hezphellé’s small hand, the flower almost becoming one with her.

Rahiena’s head suddenly throbbed with a wave of memories, half-formed and disjointed, flashing through her mind. She could see a child—a little girl in her arms, a glowing flower, and the feeling of someone’s warm hand clasped in hers. It was like looking through a fogged glass, blurry yet familiar.

Hezphellé noticed Rahiena’s change in expression and gently touched her arm, concern clouding her young face. “Princess Rahiena, are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Rahiena put a hand to her forehead, trying to steady herself as the memory passed. “I… I don’t know, Hezphellé,” she murmured, her voice soft but steady. “When I saw that flower, and the way you… you held it, I felt… something. A memory, maybe… of a little girl.” She glanced down at Hezphellé, a gentle but questioning look in her eyes. “Do you think… you and I knew each other before?”

Hezphellé tilted her head, her face full of childlike innocence, yet there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “You remind me of my mama,” she whispered softly. “She used to hold the Decrexi flower like that… just like you did.” She looked down, her voice a mixture of sadness and longing. “I miss her so much. I wish she would come back.”

Rahiena knelt down beside Hezphellé, her heart aching as she looked at the little girl. “Hezphellé, I… I don’t remember everything yet. But I feel something in my heart when I’m with you, like… I’m meant to be here. Maybe, just maybe, those memories will come back. And until then, I promise I’ll be here with you. We can be… friends.”

Hezphellé’s face brightened with a small smile, though her eyes still held that same hopeful glint. “Friends?” She held out her little hand, and Rahiena clasped it warmly, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Yes, friends,” Rahiena said softly, smiling as she felt a familiar warmth spread through her heart, as if she had found a piece of herself she hadn’t known was missing.

Prince Frixetro stood at the entrance of the corridor, watching quietly as Hezphellé and Rahiena wandered through the flower garden. His heart ached as he observed the two of them together. Rahiena’s resemblance to his late wife, Luxacia, was undeniable. The green eyes, the soft curve of the nose, even the way she carried herself—it reminded him so much of her. It was as though the memory of Luxacia had somehow come to life in the form of Rahiena.

He took a slow breath, his gaze never leaving the two figures in the garden. "They look like mother and child," Queen Mizxené’s voice broke through his thoughts, bringing his attention to her. She stood beside him, her eyes soft with understanding as she looked at Rahiena and Hezphellé.

Frixetro's lips curved into a small, bittersweet smile as he nodded, still lost in thought. "Yes," he murmured, his voice low and reflective. "Both the color of their eyes, their nose, their ears… Even their beauty, they are the same."

His heart tightened at the sight of them together. Hezphellé, his little girl, had always been a reminder of Luxacia. But seeing Rahiena now, with that uncanny resemblance, it stirred something deeper in him. A longing, a desire, not just for his late wife to return but for the chance to have the family he had lost. "If only Rahiena could be my wife... if only she could be Hezphellé’s mother," he thought quietly to himself.

As if sensing her father's presence, Hezphellé’s eyes brightened, and she turned to look at him. She called out to him with a cheerful voice, her small hand waving in the air as she shouted, “Papa! Papa, come over here!”

Frixetro's heart warmed at the sight of his daughter’s enthusiasm. He smiled, shaking his head lightly before he made his way toward them. As he approached, he noticed how Rahiena stood beside Hezphellé, her gaze soft yet contemplative, as if she, too, felt the bond between them growing stronger.

When he finally reached them, Hezphellé ran up to him, her arms opening wide. “Papa, look! Look at the flower! Princess Rahiena knows all about it! She’s so much like Mama, don’t you think?” Hezphellé’s voice was filled with wonder, and she looked up at her father, expecting him to agree.

Frixetro paused for a moment, his eyes locking with Rahiena's. There was a quiet understanding there, a connection that both comforted and confused him. He bent down to scoop Hezphellé into his arms, holding her close as he gazed back at Rahiena. "Yes," he said softly, his voice carrying a trace of emotion. "You’re right, Hezphellé. Rahiena and your mother… they share so much in common."

Rahiena’s heart fluttered slightly at the mention of Luxacia’s name. She could feel the weight of his words, and it was as if a piece of the puzzle she had been trying to put together fell into place. She could see the love and grief in Prince Frixetro's eyes as he looked at her, and it made her wonder if perhaps she had been a part of his life in some way before.

Hezphellé squirmed a bit in her father’s arms, her excitement palpable. “Papa, Rahiena said she’s going to help me find Mama’s flower! Do you think Mama would’ve liked her?” The little girl’s eyes were filled with hope, and her small hand reached for Rahiena’s as she spoke.

Frixetro looked down at his daughter, his expression softening. “Hezphellé,” he said gently, “your mother would’ve been proud of you, and proud of Rahiena as well. But remember, we must cherish the memories we have of Mama while also welcoming those who are here with us now.”

Rahiena felt her chest tighten at his words. She hadn’t expected to become so intertwined in their lives, and yet here she was, feeling as though she was stepping into a place she wasn’t sure she belonged. But the warmth in Hezphellé’s smile, and the quiet pain in Frixetro’s eyes, made her want to stay, to help them heal.

Hezphellé looked at Rahiena with sincerity, “I think Mama would’ve liked you, too. You’re like her, and I think you’re going to be my friend forever!” Her words were so simple, yet they held a truth Rahiena wasn’t yet ready to fully accept but appreciated deeply.

Frixetro’s eyes softened as he watched the exchange. There was so much pain in his heart, and yet, he could feel the presence of Luxacia in this moment. He wasn’t sure if Rahiena was truly meant to be part of their family or if this was just another part of the journey, but for the first time in a long while, he felt a small glimmer of hope. Perhaps, just perhaps, life had a way of giving second chances.

“I think she would’ve liked you too, Rahiena,” Frixetro said, his voice quiet, but filled with a depth of emotion that only time and loss could shape. “You’ve reminded me of something I thought I’d lost forever.”

Rahiena nodded, her eyes meeting his with an unspoken understanding. “Maybe… maybe I can help you all, help Hezphellé,” she said softly, her voice carrying a mix of uncertainty and determination. “Maybe I can help heal this broken part of your hearts.”

Hezphellé smiled brightly, her hands clasping Rahiena’s as if she were a treasure she had found. “You’ll be my friend forever, right, Rahiena?”

Rahiena’s heart warmed, and she smiled gently, her voice steady. “Yes, Hezphellé. Forever.”

And in that quiet moment, it seemed like the winds of fate had shifted, pulling the three of them closer together—perhaps not as a family in the traditional sense, but as something just as strong: a bond that transcended loss, a promise of healing, and the possibility of new beginnings.

At 10:25 PM, Princess Niveria stepped out of the carriage that had brought her to Rizlotxia Palace. The crisp night air held a touch of warmth from the palace torches, and she felt a thrill at the thought of spending time with her niece, Hezphellé, in this distant yet beautiful kingdom.

As she entered the grand hall, Queen Mizxené was the first to greet her, her eyes warm. “Welcome, Niveria,” she said, drawing her into a light embrace. “It’s a pleasure to finally have you here. Frixetro told us you’d be arriving tonight.”

Niveria smiled, her eyes scanning the hall. “Thank you, Your Majesty. It’s been a long journey, but I’m so glad to be here. I can’t wait to see Hezphellé in the morning.”

King Zhequin, standing beside his wife, extended his hand with a warm smile. “It’s wonderful to welcome you to Rizlotxia, Princess Niveria. Your visit means so much to all of us.”

Taking his hand, Niveria nodded with a gentle smile. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I’m honored to be here.”

Just then, a figure stepped forward, and Niveria’s face lit up. “Frixetro!” she called out, moving quickly to embrace her twin brother.

Frixetro hugged her tightly, a genuine smile on his face. “It’s good to see you, Niveria. I’ve missed you.”

They stepped back, and Niveria took a moment to look at him carefully. “And I’ve missed you, too, brother. It’s been far too long.” Her eyes held a hint of sadness, recalling the challenges he had faced since losing his wife, Luxacia. “I’m glad we can spend some time together here. It seems you’re finding a new home in Rizlotxia.”

Prince Frixetro nodded, his gaze shifting briefly to the King and Queen. “Yes, everyone here has been very welcoming. They have become family in ways I didn’t expect.”

At that moment, Princess Rahiena entered the hall. She approached Niveria with a warm smile, extending her hand. “Princess Niveria, it’s an honor to meet you. Welcome to Rizlotxia.”

Niveria took her hand, her eyes examining Rahiena’s face with curiosity. “The honor is mine, Princess Rahiena. I’ve heard so much about you.” She smiled, a hint of warmth in her expression. “It’s a pleasure to see the kindness in the eyes of Rizlotxia’s future queen.”

Rahiena dipped her head respectfully, her voice soft. “Thank you. I hope your stay here is filled with the peace and rest you seek.”

Niveria glanced at her brother again. “I’m sure it will be.” She smiled, feeling the warmth of this place and the people within it.

Queen Mizxené gestured to a nearby door leading to the guest chambers. “Let us show you to your room, Niveria. You’ll be staying in a chamber near Hezphellé’s, so you’ll have plenty of time to spend with her.”

As they moved down the hallway, King Zhequin spoke up. “We’re truly honored to host you, Princess Niveria. And as you know, your brother and Hezphellé have brought much joy to our kingdom.”

Niveria looked at the King, her voice thoughtful. “I can see that. Rizlotxia already feels like a second home. Thank you all for making Hezphellé feel so welcome.”

They arrived at her chamber, where Queen Mizxené opened the door, revealing a spacious, elegant room decorated with the soft colors of Rizlotxia. “This will be your room during your stay,” the Queen said with a smile.

Niveria took in the space, nodding gratefully. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

She turned to her brother once more, the warmth in her gaze unmistakable. “Goodnight, Frixetro. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”

Frixetro nodded, his expression peaceful. “Goodnight, Niveria. Rest well.”

The family bid each other goodnight, each carrying a sense of connection that had deepened with Niveria’s arrival. As Niveria settled into her chamber, her thoughts were filled with gratitude, excitement, and a quiet sense of belonging in this new place, where both family and the promise of healing surrounded her.