SCENE 1 - THE PRINCESS' MISCHIEF AND MASTERPIECE

EXT. PALACE LOTUS POND - DAY

A mischievous glint sparkles in Sari's eyes as she observes her half-brother, Prince Ardani, from behind a clump of vibrant orchids. Oblivious to Sari's presence, Ardani gleefully throws his beloved ball into the air, his laughter echoing through the air.

Suddenly, Ardani throws the ball too hard, sending it soaring high into the sky. His gaze follows its trajectory until it disappears behind the orchid grove where Sari hides. Ardani sprints towards the spot where the ball fell, but to his surprise, it's nowhere to be found.

Ardani scans the area, his young eyes darting in every direction. Still no sign of the ball. He takes hesitant steps towards where it landed, his determination unwavering. Spotting the ball on a rock in the middle of the palace lotus pond, he dives into the water without a second thought. But the ball remains just out of his reach.

Ardani struggles to stay afloat, panic evident in his eyes and voice.

ARDANI

Help! Help!

In a swift and unexpected move, a girl jumps into the water, swimming towards Ardani with determination. She pulls him up onto dry ground, both gasping for breath.

ARDANI

Thank you, Sister Sari.

Sari hands him the ball, carefully wrapped in batik cloth, her voice tinged with a mixture of concern and teasing.

SARI

Here, you have the ball. Be more careful next time, brother.

Ardani nods faintly, still recovering from the ordeal. But before Sari can say anything else, her ear is painfully grabbed, and she is forcefully pulled to her feet.

SARI

Ouch! What...?

Ratna, the Queen herself, towers over Sari, her voice laced with anger.

RATNA

You've gone too far, Sari! No mercy for you this time!

Sari's eyes widen in shock. The Queen's power and authority loom over her, her every word carrying weight.

Sari's expression hardens, her sweet demeanor replaced by defiance.

SARI

Is this how you repay me for saving the Crown Prince's life? Not a single word of gratitude?

Without hesitation, Ratna's slap lands sharply on Sari's cheek.

RATNA

You impudent child! What kind of mother teaches her daughter to act like a market thug? Where is she? I want--

Interrupting their confrontation, a voice comes from behind, piercing the tension.

LASTIKA

What is it that you desire, Your Highness, the Queen?

Ratna turns, startled by Lastika's presence.

Lastika, less physically beautiful than her former self, but exuding an air of confidence and authority, gazes coldly at Ratna.

Ratna, feeling the weight of Lastika's charisma, breaks into a nervous sweat. She briefly closes her eyes before continuing, her voice strained.

RATNA

Concubine Lastika, you should know that your daughter put my son's life at risk. She must face the consequences according to the royal law!

To Ratna's surprise, Lastika's expression remains unchanged. Her beautiful eyes remain fixed on the Queen, her tone steady and measured.

LASTIKA

Forgive my audacity, Your Majesty. But I refuse to believe that my daughter could be so wicked as to harm Ardani. Isn't that right, Sari?

Sari nods vigorously in agreement.

LASTIKA

I witnessed the entire incident. Sari saved the Crown Prince's life. The mason responsible for building the lotus pond should be held accountable, for the dangerous hole in its bottom nearly caused the Crown Prince's demise. If this were left for the King to decide, the royal family's reputation would be tarnished, wouldn't it?

Ardani adds his voice to the conversation, supporting Lastika's claims.

ARDANI

Yes, Mother. If the pond's bottom had been flat, I could have retrieved the ball easily. It's not your fault, Sari. You had no way of knowing about the hole.

Ratna is momentarily taken aback, struggling to process the words of the King's favored concubine. Finally, she sighs, defeated.

RATNA

Very well. But what about the times Sari pushed the Crown Prince with an oil trap, pricked him with a needle outside his chamber, and countless other offenses? His Majesty must be made aware of all this!

LASTIKA

Please, Your Majesty, go ahead. But don't forget to present the evidence to make your case more compelling.

Lastika nods respectfully and turns away, ignoring Ratna's furious expression. She gestures to Sari with her chin, and the child follows her mother, walking silently through the palace complex.

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INT. LASTIKA'S HOUSE - DAY

Mother and daughter arrive at their modest home near the second outer wall of the palace compound. The house is surrounded by the residences of the palace staff, bustling with activity. Lastika leads the way into the house, and Sari, still bewildered, can't help but voice her surprise.

SARI

Are you angry with me, Mother?

In an instant, Lastika's face looms in front of Sari's, her eyes filled with a mix of frustration and disappointment.

LASTIKA

Of course, I'm angry! I'm angry that your father chooses to follow his mother's orders rather than prioritizing our happiness! Ever since that wretched Queen gave birth to a son, destined to inherit the throne, we've been confined to this humble abode, far from the luxuries we deserve!

Sari tries to defend their current situation.

SARI

Isn't this better? I'll have more freedom outside the inner circle of the palace, free from the constraints of propriety.

Lastika's expression turns stern, her voice laced with sternness.

LASTIKA

That's precisely why I'm angry with you! Your mischievous acts won't earn us any favor from the King! I understand your frustration, seeing your younger brother being spoiled. I understand that at times, you wish you were born a boy.

Sari nods, her voice tinged with resignation.

SARI

Yes, if only I were a boy, we wouldn't suffer this humiliation.

LASTIKA

Indeed, many women feel oppressed in this male-dominated society, living as mere servants. But I have a secret to share with you.

Sari's eyes widen in anticipation.

SARI

What secret, Mother?

They both settle on the floor mat, kneeling, as Lastika begins to unravel the truth.

LASTIKA

Actually, I am a fugitive from Madangkara, a country on the east coast of Jayandra Island, bordering Rainusa.

Sari is stunned by the revelation.

SARI

And then?

LASTIKA

I was accused of committing a grave crime in Madangkara, which forced me to flee to Rainusa. I underwent numerous trials and tribulations until I became a concubine to the King.

Sari's curiosity peaks, her voice eager.

SARI

What crime did you commit?

LASTIKA

You don't need to know the exact details. Let's just say that the contest for your rights didn't go in our favor, and as a result, you are considered a criminal of great magnitude. It's similar to--

Sari cuts her off, her voice sharp.

SARI

I know what you're about to say. Ardani is a Prince, and I, as a Princess, will always be overlooked because I'm a girl.

LASTIKA

Not if our plan succeeds.

A subtle smile graces Lastika's lips, a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes.

LASTIKA

But for our plan to work, you must promise me two things.

Sari's attention is rapt, eager to fulfill her mother's wishes.

SARI

What are they?

LASTIKA

First, you must keep our identities hidden. If the King discovers the truth, he may lose his trust in us, believing the accusations against me. Our lives would be in grave danger.

Sari nods, determination etched on her face.

SARI

I will never forget that, Mother.

LASTIKA

And second, you must never misbehave again, especially not towards Ardani. We cannot afford to let our plans fail because of your mischief. Our entire future rests on this.

Sari bows her head, chastened.

SARI

Yes, Mother.

LASTIKA

That's my good girl.

Lastika's gentle touch caresses Sari's hair, a tender moment between mother and daughter.

LASTIKA

It's good that you understand. The waiting is over. It's time for the next phase of our, no, our plan.

Sari's eyes widen in anticipation, yearning to know more.

SARI

What is the next phase?

A smirk forms on Lastika's lips, a glimmer of cunning in her eyes.

LASTIKA

You will find out when the time is right. For now, your task is to practice the Pendet Dance twice as hard as before. I want you to give an outstanding performance tonight.

Sari is taken aback, surprise washing over her face.

SARI

Tonight? But why?

LASTIKA

That way, even if that foolish Queen speaks ill of you, your father will still find forgiveness in his heart.

Lastika rises to her feet, her voice firm and commanding.

LASTIKA

Come on, let's start practicing immediately!

Sari's palms grow clammy, a sense of foreboding washing over her. She realizes that her mother's punishment is far more demanding than she had initially expected.

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