SCENE 4 - AIRLANGGA, THE PROTECTOR

INT. PALACE GROUNDS - DAY

Sari, still grieving the loss of her father, finds solace in the company of her best friend, JAKA. They sit together on a bench, surrounded by the serene beauty of the palace gardens.

SARI

How was my dance, Jaka?

JAKA

(smiling)

I'm still new to the arts, but the moves were truly beautiful. What was it called?

SARI

(voice trembling)

Legong Dance. I had wanted to perfect it to perform for my father. But now...

Her voice trails off, tears welling up in her eyes. Jaka reaches out, his touch gentle and comforting.

JAKA

At least you had the warmth of a father's love. I don't even know who my real parents are. My adoptive family treated me as a worker and a slave. I envy you, Sari.

Sari's heart aches for Jaka as she realizes the hardships he has endured.

SARI

You have nothing to be jealous of, Jaka. You're now an official bodyguard of the royal family. And remember, I'll always have your back. You'll never be alone again.

Jaka's gratitude shines through his eyes as he acknowledges Sari's words.

JAKA

Thank you, Sari, uh, Princess.

SARI

(smiling)

I told you, just call me Sari.

JAKA

Alright.

Jaka's smile takes on a childlike innocence, a momentary respite from the weight of their circumstances.

JAKA

Come with me.

SARI

Curiously

Where to? What for?

Jaka winks mischievously, intriguing Sari. They walk together into a hallway near the palace kitchen, where they encounter a palace maid carrying a tray of fruit.

Jaka purposely bumps into the maid, causing some of the fruit to fall. He quickly apologizes and helps her pick up the fallen fruit.

JAKA

I'm sorry. I was a little unsteady.

MAID

It's alright. I must hurry now. The royals are waiting for the fruits.

JAKA

Apologies again.

The maid smiles faintly and continues on her way. As they turn into the next aisle, Jaka hands Sari something, bringing a sparkle to her eyes.

SARI

(Excitedly)

Wow, an orange cake! How did you...?

JAKA

(laughing)

Haha, it's a skill you need to survive before becoming a market rogue.

Sari's heart warms at Jaka's thoughtfulness.

SARI

And you certainly have a way of stealing hearts.

They share a light-hearted moment, but Jaka's expression turns serious.

JAKA

But I can't quite figure you out.

SARI

(Confused)

Me? What do you mean?

JAKA

When I mentioned my pickpocketing skills earlier, I expected you to reprimand or scold me. As the King's daughter, you're supposed to uphold the rules and etiquette of the palace. Why are you laughing?

SARI

(teasingly)

I'll explain later. It's getting dark, I have to go home. See you tomorrow, Jaka!

JAKA

See you tomorrow.

Sari hastily departs from the palace garden, her steps light with newfound joy. She doesn't turn back to gauge Jaka's reaction to her cryptic answer. In this moment, all that matters is the euphoria she feels, as if she's floating on air.

CUT TO:

INT. SARI'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Sari arrives home, a sigh escaping her lips. She knows Lastika will be occupied until late at night. Loneliness settles in, casting a somber shadow over her face.

SARI

(Whispered)

We're both unlucky, Jaka.

Her words hang in the air as she contemplates the complexities of their lives.

FADE OUT.

INT. SARI'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MORNING

Sari, exhausted from her intense dancing practice, pays no attention to her surroundings. She collapses onto her bed, seeking much-needed rest.

INT. SARI'S HOUSE - LIVING AREA - MORNING

The next morning, Sari is abruptly startled by a loud knock on the door. Jaka stands on the other side, his breath labored as he delivers urgent news.

JAKA

(out of breath)

Sari, we have a sudden errand! We must greet a state guest, King Airlangga. Come, we must hurry!

They hastily leave the house, the urgency leaving no time for Sari to grab her fan. As they rush through the palace grounds, Sari's mind is still foggy from exhaustion, her body drenched in sweat. Her fatigue weighs heavily on her, and the absence of breakfast adds to her queasiness and dizziness.

EXT. GREAT GATEWAY - MORNING

Sari finds herself standing parallel to a group of court ladies near the entrance gate of Astana Nusa. She realizes she is late and won't be able to join the royal families who are greeting the state guest.

Despite the early hour, Sari's vision remains blurry as she strains to focus. She struggles to maintain her composure, even as her body rebels against the fatigue.

PALACE OFFICIAL

(announcing)

His Majesty King Airlangga has arrived!

The procession of state guests comes into view, moving in an orderly fashion through the gates of Astana Nusa. They are dressed in somber, dark garments, a clear symbol of mourning for the late King Marakata.

At the forefront are the bodyguards, followed by important Madangkara officials, including Prime Minister Mpu Bhadara. And in the third group, riding in a carriage, is King Airlangga himself, accompanied by Queen Ratna and Crown Prince Ardani.

Aged and distinguished, Airlangga exudes an air of charisma. His neatly groomed graying beard and mustache contrast with the white and black attire, further accentuating his reputation as one of the greatest and most successful kings in the region.

Airlangga's gaze sweeps over the crowd, until his eyes lock with Sari's. His warm and fatherly smile falters, replaced by a furrowed brow, causing Sari to gasp in confusion. Airlangga exchanges words with Queen Ratna, who glares at Sari, intensifying the young girl's bewilderment.

Excitement fills the air as the Queen then turns to General Paraya, who is riding beside her on a horse. Paraya, spurred into action, charges forward and bellows with authority.

GENERAL PARAYA

(arrogantly)

Arrest Rajni Sari!

Sari is caught off guard, unable to comprehend the sudden turn of events. The shock intensifies her nausea and dizziness, overwhelming her senses. Before she can grasp the situation fully, her body succumbs, collapsing unconscious on the spot.

FADE OUT.