EXT. PALACE PAVILION - NIGHT

The night is alive with festivities in the palace. After a long day of royal duties, the King is now being entertained by various performances - singing, gamelan music, and dance. Tonight, it is Sari's turn to captivate the audience. She stands nervously in the front room of the palace pavilion, the weight of her earlier ordeal adding to her anxiety. Sari takes a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.

To distract herself, Sari looks to the other end of the pavilion. Amidst the crowd of officials and family members, the King of Rainusa, Marakata, sits regally on a beautifully carved wooden chair. He is in his thirties, with a neatly trimmed mustache and beard, adorned in a vibrant batik cloth draped over his broad shoulders. He engages in conversation with Queen Ratna, sitting beside him, but their voices are drowned out by the lively clatter of the gamelan orchestra.

Moments later, Marakata waves to the far end of the pavilion. The cacophony of the gamelan immediately subsides, replaced by the voice of the host.

HOST

Pendet Dance, presented by Rajni Sari.

This is the moment. Sari steps forward swiftly, yet gracefully, the long songket cloth wrapped around her legs. She keeps her gaze straight ahead, her head held high, careful not to disturb the ornaments and flowers adorning her hair or the silver bowl of coconut leaves cradled in her hand.

As the lone dancer bends her knees in salutation, the King remains still, his focus solely on the figure in the center of the pavilion. The gamelan music begins, and Sari, wearing a sweet smile, starts her dance. With each step, she follows the rhythm of the medium-speed gamelan, swaying her hips, tossing her head, all while holding the bowl delicately. Her movements are agile, graceful, and elegant, captivating the entire audience within the hall.

The Pendet dance is a ceremonial welcome for the two Mahadevas, Holy Mahesa and Holy Srisari, who descended to the mortal realm, establishing Rainusa as a sacred land in Antapada. As the dance reaches its climax, Sari quickens her pace, scattering flowers from the silver bowl as she traverses the courtyard, swaying and casting glances left and right.

Sari turns, leaning to the left, intertwining the fingers of her free hand. The gamelan crescendos and abruptly stops, signaling the conclusion of the dance. The girl then bends her knees gracefully, offering a gentle bow. She stands in the center of the pavilion, awaiting the response of the spectators. The room falls silent. All eyes turn to the King, waiting for his reaction.

A gentle touch on Sari's shoulder startles her, but she refrains from turning her head. The King's voice, barely above a whisper, reaches her ears.

KING MARAKATA

Your dance was commendable, Sari. Your movements were flawless, executed without a single mistake. However, the mask of beauty cannot conceal your mistreatment of the Crown Prince all these years.

Sari's heart skips a beat. She feels a sharp pain at being accused by her own father. Why didn't he hear her side of the story before passing judgment? Lastika, standing at the opposite end of the pavilion, cannot hear the King's whispers, leaving Sari without her mother's support.

KING MARAKATA (CONT'D)

You should have faced severe punishment, but with Galungan Day approaching, I will spare you this time. However, if I ever hear of you tormenting your brother again, both you and your mother will be banished from the palace. Remember that, my child.

With trembling lips, Sari replies.

SARI

Yes, Your Majestic Father.

King Marakata returns to his seat, standing tall and proud.

KING MARAKATA

Rejoice, ladies and gentlemen! For you have witnessed the performance of Rajni Sari, the finest dancer in our land today!

The pavilion erupts in cheers and applause. All eyes are fixed on Sari, who looks around with a radiant smile on her face, though her heart still pounds heavily. Her father's threat lingers, weighing heavily upon her.

As Sari glances nervously towards her mother, she notices Lastika's intense gaze fixed on the King. Sari wonders what her mother's next move will be.

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