Pandawa / Chapter 2(1) - Test -

We walked together past one of the royal guard posts. I lifted a hand in a casual wave, leaving the two guards startled, half-bewildered. One of them gave a sharp whistle—then another—short signals soldiers used to speak across short distances.

Soon, a group of guards rushed over, sweat running down their brows, their breaths heavy with urgency.

I leaned closer to Gitarja’s ear.
“See? This is your doing. Wait until Uncle Jayanegara hears of this—we’ll be doomed.”

Sri Gitarja offered a nervous smile.
“Wh–what? Don’t scare me like that. Besides, I only left because of you disappearing first!”

I glanced sideways as the guards stopped before us, saluting in unison.

“Princess! Please, don’t disappear like that again. We feared something terrible had happened to you!”

“My Queen, if the king were to—ah!”

The soldier’s words caught in his throat as Gitarja stepped forward, leaning in so close that her sharp gaze pierced through his bravado.

“If the king were to what? Hm?”

Her lips curled in a dangerous grin. I could almost feel the air tighten. Scary.

“N–no, nothing, Your Highness. Nothing at all.”

Gitarja immediately leaned back, waving her hand dismissively.
“Hah, good. Then let’s go. Come, Dru.”

I pressed my lips to one side, trying to look elsewhere.
“Ah . . . Yeah. I am coming.”

. . .

Just as I moved to follow her, someone caught my eye. A man in tattered clothes, his skin darkened by sun and hardship, staggered toward me as if drunk. His gaze locked on mine. I stared back, unflinching. He did not stop walking.

His hand slipped slowly from the folds of his ragged garment. For a moment, the air felt sharp—too sharp. My muscles tightened.

But when he reached me, he only brushed past, as though I were invisible.

I looked down at my open palm, lingering in thought.

“Dru! Come on, it’s about to begin!” Gitarja’s voice cut through the air.

I smiled faintly, broke into a light jog, and followed after her.