Queen MizxenĂ© turned, her eyes softening as she looked at Vitrin. She gently reached out and placed a hand on the young womanâs shoulder. âVitrin, weâre grateful to have you here. Rahienaâs life with you gave her love, family, and a sense of belonging during the years we were apart. You are as much a part of her life as we are.â
Vithendro nodded, adding, âYou are welcome in this palace as if you were our own. I cannot imagine what itâs been like for you, seeing Rahiena in this state⊠But rest assured, I will stop at nothing to find a cure.â
Vitrin looked at them both, deeply moved. âThank you, Your Majesties. Rahiena⊠she always dreamed of belonging somewhere. Sheâs talked in her sleepâyes, even in this comaâas if sheâs in another world, a strange land. She called out names I didnât recognize⊠Luxacia, Frixetro. I always wondered if it was part of some hidden dream world she created for herself.â
Mizxené and Vithendro exchanged a glance, puzzled.
Vithendro murmured, âLuxacia⊠Frixetro⊠those names mean nothing in Rizlotxia, yet they sound familiar somehow.â He turned to Vitrin. âDo you think she might have memories from⊠another place?â
Vitrin shook her head. âIâm not sure, Your Majesty. But there was something about the way she would call those namesâlike they brought her a sense of peace.â
The Queenâs expression turned thoughtful. âIf we can find a way to awaken her, perhaps weâll understand this other world she seems to hold onto.â
At that moment, a palace attendant approached, bowing deeply. âYour Majesties, the healer from Nezvanea has arrived. He wishes to assess the princessâs condition.â
MizxenĂ© took Vitrinâs hand. âCome with us, Vitrin. You belong by her side, and she will know your presence even in her sleep.â
The three made their way down the palace corridors to Rahienaâs chamber. There, she lay peacefully on an elegant bed, her face serene, as if caught in a gentle dream. The healer was already waiting, examining her vitals and murmuring softly to himself.
The healer looked up as they entered and gave a respectful nod. âYour Majesties, I will do everything within my skill to understand her condition. I sense a lingering magic⊠or perhaps an energy Iâve not encountered before. Whatever the case, Iâll begin a ritual that might open her consciousness.â
Vitrin moved to Rahienaâs side, taking her hand. âRahiena, if you can hear me, please hold on. Weâre all here with you. Just come back to us.â
Vithendro and Mizxené stood close, watching as the healer began his work. As he chanted softly, a faint glow seemed to surround Rahiena, as if a part of her spirit was stirring. Her eyelids fluttered slightly, and everyone held their breath.
In that brief moment, Rahienaâs lips parted, and a faint whisper escaped. âFrixetro⊠LuxaciaâŠâ
The King and Queen exchanged a look of wonder, while Vitrin gripped her sisterâs hand tighter. âRahiena, wherever you are in your dreams, know that weâre here. Weâll wait for you as long as it takes.â
CONTINUE TO THE PAST WORLD.
Queen Luxacia sat at the kitchen table, quietly watching her daughter, Hezphellé, who was eating her breakfast with a carefree smile. Her little hands clutched her spoon as she spoke to Niveria, who sat beside her. The atmosphere was peaceful, but Luxacia's heart ached with the knowledge of what was to come. She had already decided that today would be the day she would say her goodbyes to her family, to prepare them for her eventual departure.
After a few moments, Luxacia stood, her gaze lingering on HezphellĂ©. âNiveria,â she began, her voice soft but firm, âthereâs something I need to discuss with youâsomething important.â
Niveria looked up from her conversation with HezphellĂ© and gave her sister a concerned glance. âWhatâs wrong, Luxacia? You look... troubled.â
Luxacia took a deep breath and walked over to where her daughter sat, gently placing a hand on HezphellĂ©âs shoulder. âMy dear, youâre growing up so fast. Youâre strong and kind, and youâve brought so much joy into our lives. But thereâs something I must tell you, something Iâve known for a long time. I need you to understand this, even though you're still young.â
HezphellĂ©, sensing her motherâs seriousness, put down her spoon and looked up at her with wide eyes. âWhat is it, Mama?â
Luxacia smiled softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. âThereâs a mark on my arm, HezphellĂ©, a mark that tells me that my time here in this world is coming to an end. The blue mark youâve seenâitâs a sign that soon, I will have to leave.â
HezphellĂ© frowned, her young mind struggling to understand the weight of her motherâs words. âLeave? Where will you go, Mama?â
Niveria stood, her expression mixed with worry and sadness. âLuxacia, are you saying that⊠youâll be leaving us soon?â
Luxacia nodded slowly, swallowing hard. âYes. I donât know exactly when, but I know itâs near. The world I came from⊠the modern world, will call me back. My time here has been a gift, and Iâve cherished every moment with you, with Frixetro, with all of you. But itâs time for me to return.â
Niveriaâs eyes welled with tears, and she took a step toward her sister. âBut you canât just leave us, Luxacia! Weâve only just found peace. Weâve been through so much together.â
âI know, Niveria,â Luxacia said softly, pulling her sister into an embrace. âI know how much weâve been through. But this is something I cannot change. The mark on my arm tells me that I donât have much time left. The time Iâve had with you, with Frixetro, with HezphellĂ©âhas been more than I could ever have hoped for. Iâve given you all the love I can, and I will carry it with me, wherever I go.â
HezphellĂ©, still unsure of what her mother meant, climbed into Luxaciaâs lap, her small arms wrapping around her neck. âBut I donât want you to go, Mama. Youâre my mama. I need you.â
Luxaciaâs heart ached at the sight of her daughterâs innocent face. âI know, my little angel. And I will never truly leave you. Iâll always be with you, in your heart, and in your memories. Youâll be strong, HezphellĂ©. You have so much potential. So much love.â
Niveria wiped away a tear and said, her voice trembling, âI donât know how Iâll face this world without you, Luxacia. Weâve been through so much. I donât know if I can bear it.â
Luxacia smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Niveriaâs face. âYou will. I have faith in you, Niveria. Youâve always been strong. Youâll take care of HezphellĂ©, and she will take care of you. Youâre family, and that will never change.â
HezphellĂ© clung to her mother, not fully understanding but feeling the gravity of the moment. âMama, I donât want you to go! I love you.â
âI love you too, my precious girl,â Luxacia whispered, her voice breaking. âIâll never forget you. And when the time comes⊠youâll understand. I promise.â
For a long moment, the three of them sat in silence, the weight of Luxaciaâs words hanging heavy in the air. The house was still, save for the soft sounds of HezphellĂ©âs breathing and the gentle rustling of the leaves outside. Luxacia knew she had made the right choice, telling them nowâbefore it was too lateâso that they could be prepared.
Eventually, Niveria spoke again, her voice steadier now, though still thick with emotion. âWhat do we do now, Luxacia? How do we make these last moments count?â
âWe live,â Luxacia said, her gaze steady. âWe live and we love. We make every moment together count. I will treasure every second I have left with you both, and with Frixetro, and all the people who have made my time here so meaningful. We will cherish what we have, and when the time comes, we will say goodbye.â
HezphellĂ©, her small voice trembling, whispered, âPromise me you wonât forget me, Mama.â
âI promise, my love. I will never forget you.â
And with those words, Luxacia knew she had made her peace. She would love them until the very end. And when the time came for her to return to the modern world, she would carry their love with her, always.
The future was uncertain, but she had no regrets.
The morning sun bathed the flower garden in golden light, and Queen Luxacia laughed as she playfully chased HezphellĂ© around the vibrant flowers. It had been one of those rare, peaceful mornings that filled her heart with joy. Her daughterâs laughter echoed through the air as she ran between the rows of daisies, her small feet barely touching the ground as she tried to escape her motherâs gentle pursuit.
âIâm going to catch you!â Luxacia called out, her voice light and full of warmth.
HezphellĂ© squealed in delight, darting through the garden, her hair streaming behind her like a golden ribbon. âYou canât catch me, Mama!â
But just as Luxacia made a move to tag her daughter, her world suddenly went dark. She stumbled, her vision blurred, and before she could even comprehend what was happening, she collapsed to the ground. Her body went limp.
HezphellĂ©, who had been a few steps ahead, turned around in an instant when she heard the silence. Her heart stopped at the sight of her mother lying on the ground. âMama!â she screamed, running to her side.
Before she could reach her, Prince Frixetro arrived, rushing across the garden with a deep sense of urgency. He knelt beside his wife, his strong arms reaching out to catch her just as her body hit the ground. His heart raced in fear as he gently lifted her, cradling her in his arms. âLuxacia!â he called, shaking her softly, his voice thick with panic. âLuxacia, wake up!â
But the Queen didnât stir. Her skin was cold to the touch, and her breathing was shallow. HezphellĂ©, tears streaming down her face, cried out in desperation, âMama, please wake up! Please donât leave me!â
Prince Frixetroâs heart shattered as he looked down at his wifeâs lifeless form. He could see the fear and confusion in his daughterâs eyes, and it only made the pain more unbearable. Without hesitation, he stood, lifting Luxaciaâs body into his arms. âHezphellĂ©, stay close,â he said, his voice breaking. âWe need to get your mother to the chamber. Everything will be fine, I promise.â
HezphellĂ©, her face streaked with tears, followed her father as he hurried toward the palace. âPlease, Mama... donât leave us!â she cried, her small hands clutching at her fatherâs robe.
They arrived in the chamber, where the servants and soldiers quickly sprang into action, unsure of what to do. King Frixetro gently laid Luxacia down on their bed, his eyes filled with dread as he looked at her. He kept shaking her arm, calling her name, but still, she didnât respond.
HezphellĂ© clung to her fatherâs side, unable to stop the tears from pouring down her cheeks. âPapa, whatâs happening to Mama? Why isnât she waking up?â
Prince Frixetro swallowed hard, trying to control the panic rising in his chest. âI donât know, HezphellĂ©. I donât know.â He turned to the soldiers, his voice growing louder, more frantic. âSomeoneâget the doctor! Now!â
The soldiers scrambled, hesitating for a moment before rushing out to find a doctor. HezphellĂ© could barely see through her tears, her little hands reaching for her mother. âPlease, Mama, come back to me,â she whispered, her voice barely a sob.
Moments later, the doctor arrived, his face grave as he quickly approached the bed. He bent down to examine Queen Luxacia, checking her pulse, her breathing. The room was silent except for the doctorâs murmurs as he worked.
After what felt like an eternity, the doctor stood up and turned to face King Frixetro and Niveria, who had just entered the room, her expression full of dread. The doctorâs voice was calm but heavy with sorrow. âYour Majesty, Iâm terribly sorry. But her Majesty, Queen Luxacia... she has passed away.â
The world seemed to stop. Time stood still. The words hit like a physical blow, and King Frixetroâs legs went weak. His vision blurred as his heart felt as if it was being ripped from his chest. He could barely breathe. Luxaciaâhis beloved wifeâwas gone.
âNo... no, it canât be,â he whispered, shaking his head in disbelief. âShe canât be gone. She... she was just fine. She was playing with HezphellĂ©...â
Niveria stood frozen at the doorway, her eyes wide with shock and sorrow. She couldnât believe it. Luxacia, her sister, the woman who had been there for them through everything, was gone. She rushed forward, her hands shaking as she gripped Frixetroâs arm. âThis canât be real. Thereâs no way. She canât be gone. We just... we just found peace.â
But the doctorâs words were undeniable, and the silence that followed was suffocating. HezphellĂ©, standing beside her father, looked at the doctor in confusion, her small face pale with terror. âNo, itâs not true,â she whispered, her voice breaking. âMama... Mamaâs not gone. She canât be.â
Before anyone could say anything more, HezphellĂ© collapsed into her fatherâs arms, overcome by the shock of the news. Frixetro caught her just in time, holding his daughter tightly as she sobbed uncontrollably, her tiny body shaking with grief. âPapa,â she cried, âMama... Mamaâs not gone, is she? Please tell me sheâs not gone.â
Frixetroâs heart cracked as he held her close, unable to speak. He didnât know what to say. He didnât know how to make this better. He didnât know how to fix this.
The pain was too much. It was suffocating, and he wasnât sure how he could live without Luxacia by his side. But there was one thing he knew for certainâhe would never stop loving her. And now, he had to find a way to keep going, to care for their daughter, to honor Luxaciaâs memory.
âWeâll get through this,â he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. âWeâll find a way, HezphellĂ©. Weâll find a way to live without her... but weâll never forget her.â
Niveria walked to them, placing a hand on Frixetroâs shoulder, her voice soft but strong. âWe will remember her, always. And we will make sure HezphellĂ© grows up knowing the love her mother gave her. Sheâs a part of you both, Frixetro. And she always will be.â
But for now, the grief was too fresh, and the weight of Luxaciaâs loss was too heavy. The future was uncertain, but for the moment, all they could do was grieve and try to move forward together.
âââââ
The news of Queen Luxaciaâs passing reached King Nethro and Queen Haxena of Jewdexi with a shock that left them speechless. In the grand hall, their trusted general stood before them, his head bowed in grief. âYour Majesties,â he said, his voice choked with sorrow, âQueen Luxacia has left this world. Her burial is being prepared in Alephorea.â
Queen Haxenaâs hand flew to her mouth as she tried to process the words, tears welling in her eyes. âLuxacia... she was like a daughter to us,â she whispered, her voice trembling. âHow could this have happened so suddenly?â
King Nethro reached over, placing a comforting hand on his wifeâs shoulder, though his own expression betrayed his heartbreak. âWe need to be there, Haxena. For Frixetro... for HezphellĂ©. Our place is with our family now.â He looked back at the general. âPrepare the royal carriage. We leave for Alephorea at once.â
The journey to Alephorea was heavy with silence and mourning, as both King Nethro and Queen Haxena grappled with their grief. When they arrived at the kingdom, they were greeted by Prince Frixetro, who, though clearly grieving himself, stood tall, his expression determined. He stepped forward to embrace his parents.
Queen Haxena held her son tightly, tears finally spilling down her cheeks. âOh, my son... I canât believe sheâs gone. She was so full of life... and now, just like thatâŠâ
Frixetro took a deep breath, steadying himself as he pulled back. âMother, Father... I know you loved her as I did. But there are things I need to shareâthings she told me before her passing. Luxacia... she always knew her time here was limited.â
King Nethro frowned, his brow furrowing. âWhat do you mean, Frixetro?â
âShe spoke of a blue mark on her arm,â Frixetro explained, his voice steady but filled with sorrow. âIt was a sign... that her time in this world would one day come to an end. Luxacia came from a different time, a different world. She always told me that she might have to return there someday.â
Queen Haxena listened, a hand covering her heart as she took in her sonâs words. âSo... she was never meant to stay here permanently?â
âNo,â Frixetro said, nodding sadly. âBut even if her body has left us... I made a promise to her.â He glanced down, his jaw set with determination. âNo matter what, I will find her. I will search every world, every time, to be with her again. And if she doesnât remember me... Iâll make her fall in love with me all over again.â
Queen Haxena placed a hand on her sonâs shoulder, her eyes filled with both pride and sorrow. âYou have the heart of a true king, Frixetro. Luxacia was blessed to have you as her husband.â
King Nethro nodded solemnly. âAnd weâll stand beside you, my son. Jewdexi and Alephorea will be united in this promise to find her, if such a thing is possible.â
At that moment, HezphellĂ© entered the room, her small face streaked with fresh tears, her eyes wide as she looked up at her father. âPapa... will we see Mama again?â
Frixetro knelt down to his daughterâs level, gently brushing a hand through her hair. âYes, my darling. One day, weâll find Mama again. Until then, weâll remember her and carry her love with us every day.â
HezphellĂ© sniffed, her voice small and trembling. âI miss her so much, Papa. I donât want her to be gone.â
Queen Haxena knelt down beside her granddaughter, wrapping her arms around her. âWe all miss her, HezphellĂ©. She loved you very much, and I know sheâs watching over you, even now.â
As the burial ceremony took place, the people of Alephorea and Jewdexi gathered to honor their beloved Queen Luxacia. Flowers and tokens of remembrance were laid upon her resting place, and as the sun began to set, Frixetro stood before the gathered crowd, his voice carrying with the strength of a true king.
âMy beloved Luxacia may be gone from our sight, but her spirit will never leave us,â he declared. âShe has taught me the meaning of love, courage, and sacrifice. And so, as King of Alephorea, I make a vow today: I will find her, wherever she may be. I will be there for her, to remind her of our love if she has forgotten.â
Niveria, who stood beside him, placed a hand on her brotherâs shoulder, offering her silent support. âAnd we, her family, will keep her memory alive until you bring her back, Frixetro. Sheâll always be a part of us.â
HezphellĂ© held tightly to her fatherâs hand, her tearful gaze focused on her motherâs final resting place. âMama... weâll find you,â she whispered. âI know youâre out there somewhere. Papa and I will never stop looking.â
As the last rays of sunlight cast a golden glow over the land, the people of both kingdoms knew that Queen Luxaciaâs legacy would endure. And with every passing day, Frixetro, with his daughter HezphellĂ© by his side, would continue his journey, determined to reunite with his beloved Queen once more, no matter the distance, no matter the world.
BACK TO FUTURE WORLD.
As Rahiena Zhequin Blexen opened her eyes, a fog of confusion clouded her mind. Her gaze drifted over the faces in front of her, strangers who seemed strangely familiar yet completely foreign.
She couldnât place who they were, or why they were there. A dull ache pulsed in her temples, and fragments of memories flitted through her mindâunclear, like faded echoes.
Mizero Nezth, the healer, leaned close, his voice gentle and calm. âPrincess Rahiena, can you hear me? Are you feeling alright?â
Rahienaâs lips parted as if to speak, but no words came out. She pressed a hand to her head, closing her eyes against the sudden, piercing ache that came with flashes of memoryâa small girl with bright eyes, laughter filling the air, a warm hand in hers. She remembered⊠a daughter? And a husband? But the details were elusive, slipping away like sand through her fingers. She swallowed, opening her eyes again.
âI... I donât know. I donât know who you all areâŠâ Her voice was barely a whisper, strained and uncertain.
Seeing the look of pain and confusion on their daughterâs face, King Vithendro and Queen MizxenĂ© stepped forward, their eyes shining with relief and unshed tears. Queen MizxenĂ© placed a hand gently on Rahienaâs shoulder, her voice filled with emotion. âRahiena... my dearest, itâs usâyour mother and father.â
Rahiena looked at the woman who spoke, her eyes widening slightly. She felt the warmth of the womanâs hand, the tenderness in her voice, but nothing in her heart sparked recognition. âMother...?â she repeated, the word foreign on her tongue, hesitant.
The Queenâs arms wrapped around her, and Rahiena stiffened, taken aback by the unfamiliar embrace. King Vithendro joined, his hand resting on her shoulder as he spoke, his voice thick with emotion. âYes, Rahiena. Weâre your parents. Weâve been waiting for you to come back to us for so long.â
Rahienaâs expression softened slightly, though uncertainty lingered in her eyes. She glanced between them, searching their faces for any fragment of memory, but everything was blank. Just shadows and echoes that didnât quite connect.
Mizero noticed her discomfort and cleared his throat softly, drawing their attention. âYour Majesties, please. The Princess has been through a lot. Allow her some space; memories may take time to return.â He turned to Rahiena, offering her a reassuring smile. âThereâs no need to rush, Princess. Just focus on how you feel.â
Rahiena nodded slowly, grateful for his understanding. She looked back at the King and Queen, trying to push through the haze. âI⊠remember some things,â she murmured, her brows knitting together as she tried to piece it all together. âA little girl⊠and⊠someone by my side. I think⊠I think I have a daughter. And a husband. But⊠I donât know. Itâs all so blurred.â
Queen MizxenĂ©âs expression softened, tears slipping down her cheeks as she gently released Rahiena from her embrace. âYes, dear. You⊠may be remembering things from before. We donât know the full extent of your journey or where youâve been, but youâve always been our daughter. And no matter what memories you hold, weâre here for you now.â
Rahienaâs gaze shifted to King Vithendro, who took her hand in his, his grip gentle yet reassuring. âWhatever memories come back to you, weâll be here. Weâll help you piece it all together. Youâre safe with us now, Rahiena.â
Mizero placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. âRemember, Princess, thereâs no need to force the memories. Let them come naturally, in their own time. What matters is that you take care of yourself and donât push too hard. Weâre here to guide you.â
Rahiena gave a small nod, trying to find some grounding in the support and love they were offering. Though her memories were distant, her heart felt a strange sense of warmth in their presence.
âThank you⊠all of you,â she said softly, her voice touched with gratitude. âI may not remember everything yet, but⊠Iâll try to understand and take things slowly.â
Queen MizxenĂ©âs face lit up with hope, her hands clasped in front of her. âTake all the time you need, dear. Just knowing youâre here with us, awake and safe⊠thatâs more than we could have dreamed.â
Rahiena managed a faint smile, nodding. âIâll try⊠Iâll try to remember.â She glanced once more at the healer, her voice filled with determination and a small hint of vulnerability. âThank you, Mizero. For helping me.â
Mizero gave a slight bow, his expression warm. âItâs my honor, Princess. Weâre all here to support you.â
As the King, Queen, and Mizero quietly withdrew to give her some space, Rahiena lay back on the bed, the weight of her scattered memories pressing on her mind. She closed her eyes, letting herself relax, hoping that with time, the pieces of her past would come together. The image of a childâs laughter and a loving hand in hers lingered in her heart, offering a glimmer of something that felt like home.