Pandawa Chapter 3(3) - a Bet

The sea of people in the Majapahit Kingdom’s grand square erupted in cheer as the final arrow shot through the air and struck the target with perfect precision. The crowd roared endlessly in delight, their applause thundering across the open field.

Prince Cakradhara had won the royal contest, hitting every target flawlessly and earning a perfect score of ninety. Astonishing.

As every member of the royal court rose to their feet, applauding the prince, I turned my gaze backward.

“See?” I said softly. “You just have to believe, Ra Tanca. A true warrior never falters — not even in the worst of moments.”

Ra Tanca didn’t look at me. I could tell he was still shocked that every arrow had landed dead center. Yet, surprisingly, he didn’t show the emotion I had expected.

“Well, well,” he finally muttered. “I admit, you had the courage to put your faith in Cakradhara. Not bad, young lady.” Without turning toward me, Ra Tanca began clapping slowly. “A bet is a bet. As promised — tonight, you’ll have what you asked for.”

I turned back toward the crowd, watching Cakradhara embrace the old man who seemed to be his mentor.

“But remember, Drupadi,” Ra Tanca’s voice followed behind me, calm yet cold. “You’ve only won this round.”

I clapped my hands softly, ignoring his last remark.

— ✦ —

Cakradhara, the prince—

with a quiet smile of victory upon his lips. “I believe.”

Before his companion could reply, it was the fourth archer’s turn. His arrow missed the mark by a hair’s breadth, grazing the edge of the ring before dropping to the ground. Then came the fifth archer. With calm confidence, he drew his bow and released. The arrow cut through the air, swift and sure— thuk! —burying itself perfectly in the center of the target once again.

Two hearts clashed in the air of the fading dusk. One of them drew a long breath, conceding defeat with a half-reluctant smile.

“You win this time. But it’s only luck.”

“Luck?” the other replied, nodding toward the third and fifth archers, both smiling faintly now. “Perhaps. But luck always favors those who believe in their skill.”