SCENE 3 - THE KING IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE REGENT

EXT. LASTIKA'S HOUSE - DAY

Sari steps out of her house, ready to meet Jaka, only to find him standing at her doorstep. His normally carefree face bears a weight of concern.

SARI

(startled)

Jaka? What's the matter?

Jaka's expression remains somber as he delivers the news.

JAKA

The Princess is being summoned to the main chamber of the palace. His Majesty has been ailing for days, and his condition is deteriorating rapidly. The royal physician has exhausted all efforts, but it seems that there is no hope. His Majesty's departure from this world seems imminent.

Tears well up in Sari's eyes as the reality of her father's impending fate hits her.

SARI

(tearfully)

Oh, Father... No wonder Mother has been occupied lately. She must have been caring for him diligently. But still...

Sari's words trail off, overcome with emotion. Tears stream down her face uncontrollably. Jaka instinctively reaches out to wipe her tears, but hesitates, respecting her need to process her feelings.

Jaka remains silent, standing by her side, offering support in his silent presence.

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EXT. KING'S BEDROOM - DAY

Sari's steps are heavy as she enters the King's bedroom, her gaze fixed on the figure lying weakly on the opulent, gold-engraved bed. The once vibrant King of Rainusa, Marakata, now appears aged beyond his years—pale skin, deep wrinkles etched across his face, and a frail, emaciated body. Lastika, Sari's mother, kneels beside him, tears glistening in her eyes but her expression stoic. The Queen and Crown Prince stand nearby, weeping bitterly.

MARAKATA

(weakly)

Lastika, from the moment I first laid eyes on you, your beauty, intelligence, and resilience captivated me. It was love at first sight.

The King's voice wavers, struggling to maintain its strength.

MARAKATA

(still weak)

My dear, due to your non-royal status, you cannot become the Queen Consort. For the sake of the people, I appoint you, Lastika, as the temporary Regent. You will rule the land and guide Crown Prince Ardani until he is ready to ascend the throne. Once Ardani becomes King, you shall accompany him as an advisor.

Lastika's expression remains unchanged, her tears falling freely as she replies with unwavering resolve.

LASTIKA

(tearfully)

I vow to fulfill Your Majesty's wishes to the best of my ability.

Marakata's voice grows even weaker, his words now slow and labored.

MARAKATA

(struggling)

Well, now... a burden is lifted from my soul. Now... where is Rajni Sari?

Sari, standing in the doorway, responds with a trembling voice.

SARI

(tearfully)

I am here, Your Majesty.

A faint, feeble smile graces the King's face.

MARAKATA

(exhausted)

Except for Sari, all of you... leave... this room...

Queen Ratna protests, her grief evident in her voice.

RATNA

(sobbing)

But, Your Majesty, at least I and the Crown Prince must stay by your side.

MARAKATA

(emotionally strained)

Do you... defy me?

Marakata's voice rises, filled with emotion and strain, causing him to cough violently, his hand covered in blood.

RATNA

(frightened)

I dare not, Your Majesty.

With a heavy heart, Ratna steps back, understanding the consequences of challenging the King's wishes. Lastika, Ratna, Ardani, and the other mourners reluctantly leave the room, their sorrow palpable. Sari remains transfixed, her gaze fixed on her dying father.

After a moment of silence, Marakata speaks, his voice barely a whisper.

MARAKATA

(weakly)

Come closer... Sari...

Sari approaches her father, kneeling by his side as he lies on the bed. Marakata's breathing becomes ragged, his skin turning blue from the emotional toll.

Marakata's fading eyes lock onto Sari's, a weak smile forming.

MARAKATA

(strained)

You possess the same beauty as your mother, Sari. But you are... different... from Lastika. Your mother was... strong and resilient, while you... you are honest and gentle.

Marakata's trembling hand caresses Sari's face as she gently holds it, tears streaming down her own.

SARI

(through tears)

Father, please don't leave me. I still want to dance for you, to entertain you.

MARAKATA

(whispering)

I know... you love me... you have practiced diligently... dancing flawlessly... for me. I apologize... for not giving you... enough attention... all these years. I must prepare Ardani... for he will bear the weight of the throne...

Sari's eyes narrow, awaiting her father's final words. Marakata's body trembles uncontrollably, his breathing growing heavier.

MARAKATA

(whispering)

All my life... my happiest moments were... watching you dance. In those moments, I realized... the beauty of our world... our country... resides in you. Through your dance, that beauty radiates...

Sari's tears flow freely as she clings to her father's cold and lifeless body, her cries echoing through the room.

SARI

(broken)

Father! Please don't leave me! There are so many dances I wanted to share with you! If I had danced more, you wouldn't be so sick, right? Father!

Sari's face buries into her father's chest, consumed by grief. The sound of wailing fills the room as others join in mourning, but Concubine Lastika, with a stoic expression, remains in the doorway, a faint smile playing on her lips, unnoticed by the rest.

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EXT. GREAT KHARAYAN TEMPLE - DAY

The mournful atmosphere hangs heavily over the Great Kharayan Temple. Mourners line the path, grief etched upon their faces, as the body of the late King Marakata is carried in a grand procession, as part of the special Rainusanese mourning ceremony called Ngaben. Sari and Concubine Lastika, amidst the sea of mourners, walk solemnly alongside the revered casket. The streets echo with a mix of sobs and prayers, a stark contrast to the joyful festivities of the Galungan Festival.

The procession reaches the temple grounds, where the eternal flame of Idharma burns bright. The body, preserved with spices over the past four days, is placed before the sacred flame for consecration. Sari's heart aches with grief, her thoughts consumed by the realization that she will never witness her father's joyful smile at the end of her dances again. Memories of their moments together become precious treasures, etched deep within her heart, guarded against the erosion of time.

Even Lastika, who always exuded strength, breaks down in tears during the ceremony. But as the sun sets and the royal family begins their return to the palace, a glimmer of light returns to Lastika's face. She wraps her arm around Sari's shoulders, offering comfort and reassurance. In that moment, it becomes clear that despite the loss of a father figure, Sari still has her biological mother's love and support.

Lastika's presence, her arm around Sari, speaks volumes. It signifies the beginning of a new chapter in Sari's life, a path forward in the midst of her grief.

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