The Debt Of Fate

It was late into the night; usually, the Nixet Royal Palace would have been quiet at this hour, but this night was different. The King had suddenly collapsed during dinner, sending the entire palace into a state of panic.

The royal physicians were doing everything within their power to save him, but nothing seemed to work. War had just broken out in the sixth region of the kingdom. The second prince had been sent there, but no favorable news had arrived for days. Meanwhile, there was unrest in the northern part of the kingdom, known as the fourth region, so the crown prince had been sent there that morning. The sudden collapse of the King made everyone deeply worried.

The King's death at this time would demoralize the soldiers on the war front, and the unrest in the fourth region might escalate into internal strife.

The Queen paced around the King's bedchamber. No matter how much she wanted to act calm, she could not sit still as minutes turned into hours. The longer it took to receive news, the harder it would be to save the King. Her biggest worry was that her two sons were not in the palace or the royal city at this time. If anything happened to the King, the third prince—who was the son of the King's mistress—might seize the opportunity to steal the throne.

Click.

The door to the King's bedchamber finally opened after three hours, immediately drawing the Queen's attention.

"How is His Majesty?" the Queen asked, seeing that it was the physicians who had walked out of the King's chamber.

"His Majesty is awake," the head physician replied.

"Thank the heavens," the Queen said, taking a deep breath of relief as soon as she heard those words.

"Your Majesty must be prepared," the head physician added. He did not dare curse the King openly, but the Queen understood the meaning of his words. The King was awake, but no one could tell how long he would remain conscious—or alive. This realization threw her into panic once again.

"Can I go in and see him?" the Queen asked. Despite everything, the only thing she could do now was prepare for the future.

"Yes, but Your Majesty cannot stay long. His Majesty needs rest," the physician answered.

Hearing this, the Queen knocked on the door, announced her entrance, and stepped into the room.

When she entered, she noticed the King giving instructions to the eunuch beside him, so she stood by the door and waited. She had already entered the room without permission, so she could only wait for the King to acknowledge her.

"Your Majesty, His Majesty asks you to come over," the eunuch informed the Queen before exiting the room. The Queen nodded and rushed to the King's bedside.

Seeing the King, who had been so full of life that morning, lying weakly on the bed, tears ran down her face.

"Why are you crying? I'm not dead yet," the King said in an irritated tone. The Queen immediately used her handkerchief to wipe her tears.

The King hated when people pitied him.

"How is Your Majesty feeling?" the Queen asked.

"I will not die yet," the King replied. Although his voice was cold as usual, the Queen could tell he was in pain from the furrowed lines on his brow.

"That's a relief," the Queen said, though her heart ached to see him in such a state. Even though there was little love between them as husband and wife, the sight of him like this hurt her deeply.

Knock, knock.

"Your Majesty, the medicine is ready," the eunuch's voice announced from outside.

"Bring it in," the Queen responded.

The King glanced at the concern on her face and felt annoyed. He was a King and didn't need pity from anyone.

"You go back to your chamber. Make sure the news of my sickness is kept within the palace," the King instructed, thinking it would be better to keep her occupied.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the Queen bowed and left the room. Even without his instructions, she had already made arrangements to ensure the news would not spread. With her sons away, there was no way she could let such information leak out. Now that the King was conscious, it would be easier to keep everything under control.

Early the next morning.

"Your Majesty summoned me?" An old man in black robes sat beside the King's bed. His gaze was cold and mysterious, and his aura suggested he was no ordinary man.

"Great One, you know my condition. Can nothing be done?" the King asked. His tone was softer than when he spoke to the Queen. It was clear he was pleading with this old man to find a solution.

"Your Majesty knew this would happen," the old man replied.

The King sighed. He had known this, but for the throne, he had been willing to pay any price.

"You are the Great Seer of the world. The heavens' will is not hidden from you. There must be something that can be done," the King pleaded. He was unwilling to give up.

"Your Majesty, give up. The heavens are fair. This is the price you agreed to pay," the seer replied.

"I agree, but my sons… they are innocent. Can nothing be done?" the King asked, his voice trembling. He could not bear to see his family destroyed.

The seer paused, closing his eyes as he murmured something under his breath. After a while, he opened them again.

"There is a way," he announced.

Hearing this, a smile appeared on the King's face. "I knew the Great One would have a solution. Tell me, what is it? I am willing to do whatever it takes."

"Your fate has been decided. You knew this when you made that decision years ago," the seer said. He knew the King's reluctance to face the consequences of his choices, but the heavens' will could not be changed.

The King nodded, accepting the reality. "What is the way you mentioned earlier?"

"The only way to save your family is for your son to marry the Daughter of Destiny. Only her fate is strong enough to protect your lineage," the seer explained.

Hearing this, the King felt hopeful. Until this moment, his family had seemed doomed to destruction. Even if his life could not be saved, as long as he could protect his lineage, he was willing.

"How can we identify the Daughter of Destiny?" the king asked. It was easier to sacrifice than to find someone among thousands of people.

"I will need the names of every lady born in the seventh month, eighteen years ago, within the capital," the seer said, recalling the star from eighteen years ago.

"I will make the arrangements. This Daughter of Destiny must be found," the King declared.