Princess Serindang Bulan was the cherished daughter of King Mawang, ruler of a peaceful kingdom nestled in the green hills of Lebong, Bengkulu. As the youngest of seven children—and the only girl—she was deeply loved by her father and watched over fondly by her six older brothers.
But a shadow fell upon the kingdom. King Mawang grew weak with a mysterious illness that no healer, herbalist, or wise sage could cure. The palace was filled with the scent of bitter roots and herbal brews, but nothing helped. Despite the best efforts of his children and loyal court, the king’s condition worsened, and after many quiet moons, he peacefully passed away.
His passing left the kingdom in sorrow. Following tradition, the eldest son was crowned the new king. Though heavy with grief, the people hoped the new ruler would carry on the kindness and wisdom of his father. Princess Serindang Bulan, still young and gentle-hearted, found comfort in her garden, her books, and in watching the stars—where she believed her father now watched over her.
Princess Serindang Bulan was renowned for her grace and beauty, her presence said to rival the moonlight that bore her name. Since the passing of their father, her eldest brother had ruled the kingdom of Lebong. Though he carried the weight of the crown with determination, his concern for the kingdom’s future often made him strict—especially with matters of royal duty.
One morning, he summoned the princess to the palace hall. His tone was firm, yet not unkind.
"You are no longer a child, Serindang Bulan," he said. "It is time you fulfilled your royal duty. A prince from a respected neighboring kingdom has expressed his wish to marry you. He will arrive tomorrow. Prepare yourself."
The words struck her like thunder on a calm sea. Serindang Bulan’s heart sank. Though she bore the smile of a royal, her soul felt caged. She wished to marry for love, not alliance.
But she bowed her head softly and replied, "If it is your will, Brother, I shall be ready to receive him."
As she left the hall, the weight of duty settled on her slender shoulders. That night, while the stars shimmered above the palace garden, she quietly wished for a kindness that went deeper than appearances—and for the strength to face whatever destiny awaited her.
“Strange,” he muttered. “It’s as if the spots come and go at will.”
But before long, another prince came from a distant land, bearing gifts and flowery words of love. Once again, Serindang Bulan prepared herself with quiet grace, though her heart remained uncertain.
And once again, the red spots returned—blossoming across her skin like a warning only she could understand.
Just as before, the prince took one look at her and recoiled in surprise. He politely made an excuse and quickly left the palace, taking his proposal with him.
This happened not once, not twice, but again and again. Every time a suitor came with dreams of marrying the princess, the red spots would appear. And every time they vanished just after the prince walked away.
Whispers began to spread throughout the kingdom. Some said it was a curse. Others believed the princess had a strange illness. But none saw the pattern. None understood the quiet sorrow hidden in her eyes.
The king, who now ruled with pride and stubbornness, grew angrier with each passing rejection.
“This cannot go on!” he roared. “She brings shame to the royal house!”
Consumed by his frustration and fear of disgrace, the king made a heartless decision.
He called one of his most loyal soldiers and gave him a terrible command.
“Take Serindang Bulan to the deep jungle. Tell no one. Do what must be done—she must not return.”
The soldier hesitated, shocked by the cruelty of the order. But he was sworn to obey.
So, one quiet morning, as the princess was tending the garden alone, she was summoned by the soldier… unaware of the journey that would change her fate forever.
The soldier led Princess Serindang Bulan deep into the jungle, his heart heavy with sorrow. When they reached a quiet riverbank, he could no longer hold back his emotions.
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“My Princess,” he said softly, kneeling before her, “I cannot obey the king’s order. He commanded me to end your life… but I see no illness—only sorrow in your eyes and kindness in your heart.”
The princess looked at him in shock, her breath caught in her throat.
“I will not harm you,” he continued. “Instead, I’ve carved a small sampan from strong wood. It will carry you down the river. Go, find a place where your heart can be safe and free.”
Tears welled in her eyes—not just from fear, but from gratitude. “Thank you,” she whispered. “You have given me more than just a chance to live. You’ve given me hope.”
She climbed into the sampan and slowly rowed down the winding river, surrounded by trees that whispered their blessings. For days, she traveled under the sun and stars, carried by the river’s gentle current until she reached the shores of a peaceful kingdom.
Curious villagers spotted the tired young woman and brought her to their kind-hearted king. He listened intently as the princess, with honesty and grace, shared her tale—the mysterious red spots, the broken proposals, and the pain of being cast away by her own brother.
The king was deeply moved. “You are safe here,” he said warmly. “And I believe there is more to your story than a disease. Let me try to help you.”
He placed his hand gently over hers and closed his eyes. This king, gifted with ancient healing wisdom, sensed that the red spots were not a sickness—but a reflection of unkind hearts who judged her only for her beauty.
With his compassion and magic, the burden was lifted. The red spots disappeared—and this time, they did not return.
The princess smiled, truly and freely. In the days that followed, joy bloomed between them. The king admired her strength and warmth, and she saw in him the kindness she had always longed for.
In time, they decided to marry.
But the princess, ever gentle-hearted, made a special request: “I wish to invite my brothers, even the one who cast me away. Let them see that my heart still forgives.”
The king agreed, and messengers were sent. When the brothers received the invitation, they were stunned and ashamed. The oldest brother, now king, wept when he read the letter.
“She still thinks of us… even after all we did?”
With heavy hearts and heads bowed low, the brothers came to the wedding. They knelt before Serindang Bulan, tears in their eyes. “Forgive us,” they pleaded. “We were wrong.”
The princess gently lifted their hands. “You are forgiven,” she said. “Let us begin again.”
From that day forward, Queen Serindang Bulan ruled beside her husband—not just with beauty, but with a heart full of grace and kindness. Her people loved her deeply, for she had taught them something greater than magic: the strength of compassion, and the light of forgiveness.
🌿 The Power of Kindness and Compassion
This tale reminds us that true beauty lies in the heart. Serindang Bulan faced rejection and cruelty, but she never stopped hoping for kindness—and never stopped offering it in return.
Whether through a brave soldier, a kind king, or the forgiveness of a queen, this story shows that:
✨ “Kindness can heal wounds that even magic cannot. Compassion brings light even to the darkest times.”
Would you like a watercolor-style illustration for this final part of the story too?
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