Princess Dewi Chandara stepped slowly onto the red carpet, its edges adorned with fine golden patterns.
At the far end of the hall—upon a throne crafted from teakwood, tree resin, and delicate gold ornamentation—sat a woman of elegance and authority.
She wore the royal ceremonial robe, slightly translucent, embroidered with gold along its borders. Her long black hair flowed freely before being gathered into a graceful bun, crowned with a gleaming golden diadem.
Her eyes were sharp—yet within them lingered a gentle warmth.
She was the Queen of Ardana—the supreme ruler—sitting calmly upon her throne, her gaze fixed tenderly on the grand doors of the hall that had just opened.
Moments later, Princess Dewi Chandara appeared—radiant and graceful in her signature green kebaya.
When her steps reached the center of the hall, the massive doors behind her slowly closed on their own.
“Salam, Bunda Ratu,” she greeted politely, lowering her head before kneeling—bowing in a sacred gesture of reverence to the ruler of Ardana.
“Sugeng rawuh!”
(“Welcome!”)
The Queen replied with a warm smile. Yet something felt amiss. Her sharp eyes immediately caught a subtle change in her daughter’s expression.
“Hmm, awis sanget mriksani sampeyan ngaten. Napa ingkang ndamel sampeyan gundah, Putriku?”
(“Hmm, it is rare to see you like this. What troubles you, my daughter?”)
Her curiosity stirred. The Queen’s gaze sharpened, as though it pierced straight into the mind—signaling that nothing could be hidden from her.
Princess Dewi Chandara exhaled softly before answering, her voice hesitant.
“Wonten setunggal kalih hal, Bunda Ratu.”
(“There are one or two matters, Queen Mother.”)
The Queen’s eyes narrowed briefly, then she smiled faintly—regal and composed. She’s curious.
“Ginema.”
(“Speak.”)
After a pause, the Princess spoke carefully.
“Wonten tiyang ingkang kami tempen ing benteng kidul, Bunda Ratu.”
(“There is someone we have detained at the southern fortress, Queen Mother.”)
“Lajeng? Pancenipun napa ingkang sampun piyambakipun damel?”
(“And? What exactly has he done?”)
“Piyambakipun… sumerep kula nyekar, Bunda Ratu.”
(“He… saw me singing, Queen Mother.”) The Princess answered modestly.
The Queen smiled thinly.
“Napa samangke putriku badhe hukum sintena ingkang mirengipun nyekar?”
(“So now my daughter intends to punish anyone who hears her sing?”)
She teased lightly, accompanied by a soft laugh. But the mood shifted instantly when the Princess added one thing.
“Ing area tlagi suci?”
(“At the sacred lake?”)
The Queen’s laughter stopped—her body leaned forward slightly.
“Hm. Menarik.”