The last queen

The story of her

Chapter 1: The Beginning of a Destiny

Under the scorching midday sun, the Yoana canal silently flowed through the impoverished land of King Jayavarman's reign. Hutaman Titari stood in front of his modest home, pacing back and forth with anxiety. He was waiting for news from his wife, Majari, who was in the birthing room with the midwife. All the family's assets had been spent on hiring the best midwife, for this child was their hope, their future.

Inside the birthing room, Majari's cries mingled with the steady counting of the midwife: "1... 2... 1... push." Hutaman listened anxiously, his heart beating rapidly with each of his wife's breaths. Then, suddenly, the baby's cry pierced the tense atmosphere. Hutaman felt overwhelming joy when he saw the midwife bring out the newborn, wrapped in a soft cloth he had prepared earlier, and placed the baby in his arms.

"Aadrika... yes, you will be named Aadrika," he whispered, looking at the baby with love and pride. She was everything he and Majari had ever hoped for.

Chapter 2: Childhood Days

As time passed, Aadrika grew up surrounded by her parents' love, becoming an innocent and cheerful young girl. Despite living in poverty, she always kept a belief in the goodness of life. Every day, Aadrika would spend time wandering outside the city of Savitaki, where nature was vast and beautiful like a painting.

One afternoon, while wandering along the paths between the fields, Aadrika unexpectedly met a handsome young man. He was dressed in fine silks, with bright eyes and a warm smile. Aadrika's heart pounded, and she couldn't take her eyes off him.

Chapter 3: Plague in Savitaki

In the city of Savitaki, King Jayavarman and Queen Mutrika were deeply worried about the plague that had broken out 20 miles west of the city. In the year 634 AD, a dreadful plague had spread from a trading journey with the Romans. The merchant ships carrying fabrics from the Mediterranean had brought this deadly disease.

When the ships docked at Sihanoukvillage, the fishermen discovered that many of the crew were dead, and the survivors were covered in sores. The herbalist Kumija tried to treat them but failed. The infected quickly died, and the plague spread through the city like wildfire.

Chapter 4: Crown Prince Rudravarma's Mission to Save Lives

Crown Prince Rudravarma, King Jayavarman's son, was ordered by his father to go to Sihanoukvillage to assess the situation and find a way to control the plague. He rode his horse for three days to get there, but upon arrival, the sight of death and destruction was overwhelming. Corpses lay everywhere, and the stench of death permeated the air.

Rudravarma met with the herbalist Kumija and realized the situation was more serious than he had imagined. Kumija explained the nature of the sores and the hopelessness of finding a cure. The prince decided he had to find a way to save the people and stop the plague from spreading further.

Chapter 5: The Perilous Journey of Supplies

Prince Rudravarma not only needed to find a way to control the plague but also had to bring essential personnel and medical supplies to Sihanoukvillage. He decided to return to the capital to report the situation and request support from the court. On the way, his convoy faced many dangers from bandits and the rampant disease.

One night, while camping by a stream, the convoy was ambushed by a group of bandits. During the fight, Rudravarma was severely injured. His wound became infected, and the convoy had to stop at a nearby village for treatment.

While being treated, Rudravarma fell into a high fever and delirium. Herbalist Kumija had to use all his skills and experience to save the prince. That night, under the flickering lamplight, Kumija drained the pus from the prince's wound and used rare herbs to prevent infection.

Chapter 6: Aadrika's Compassion

Aadrika, now a young woman, still maintained her graceful and gentle demeanor. One day, while washing clothes by the canal in front of her house, she heard news of the plague and the decree to avoid contact from Savitaki. Curiosity and concern for the people's health drove her to approach the city to learn more.

As she sneaked into the city, Aadrika accidentally encountered the wounded prince Rudravarma. He lay on a simple wooden bed, pale and drenched in cold sweat. Despite his delirium, the prince recognized the young woman he had met before.

Aadrika felt her heart ache seeing him in this condition. She couldn't just stand by and do nothing. She decided to help herbalist Kumija care for Rudravarma, even knowing it might put her in danger.

Chapter 7: Memories and Aspirations

During the days of treatment, Aadrika and herbalist Kumija dedicated themselves to saving the prince. Aadrika couldn't stop thinking about their first encounter and felt a special connection with him. She prayed for him every night, hoping the prince would recover soon.

Rudravarma, in his delirium, also couldn't stop thinking about Aadrika. The image of the pure, strong young woman was a source of motivation that helped him fight the illness. He knew that if he survived this, he could never forget the girl who saved his life.

After many days and nights of battling the illness, Rudravarma gradually recovered. He understood that the fight against the plague would be long and arduous, but with determination and the help of people like Aadrika, he believed he could overcome any challenge.