Pandawa / Chapter 4(4) - The Prince -

The time for feasting and celebration had arrived.
Every soldier stood firmly at their assigned post, ensuring the ceremony went on without disturbance. From where I stood, I could see the guests of the Majapahit court gathered in their finest—each draped in silks and adorned with the fragrance of royal perfume.
Not only the Rakrian and court officials were present; even the Arya nobles had come to attend.

I stood in the corridor, quietly observing. Waiting for someone I wanted—or perhaps needed—to speak with.

“Dru? Drupadi, isn’t it?”
A man wearing the distinctive totopong of the western lands called out my name.

“Cakradhara.”

“Ah, it’s good to see you again,” he said warmly. “I thought I recognized you earlier in the hallway. I was just about to greet you before heading into the dining hall. You’re not coming in yet?”

“Not yet. I’ll go in later.”

“I see. Then, I’ll head in first.”
Cakradhara walked past me, his eyes half-closed in a calm smile.

“Wait.”

He stopped and turned around, the folds of his robe swaying lightly.

“Stay away from Sri Gitarja, no matter what happens,” I said firmly. “Do not approach the Princess of Majapahit.”

“Sri Gitarja?”
He frowned slightly, confusion written clearly across his face.
It seemed genuine.

“Wait . . . Sri Gitarja is the daughter of King Jayanegara? Ah, Dru, you must be joking, haha… ha…”
His laugh faltered as he caught the expression on my face.

I didn’t move. Didn’t smile.

“You’re . . . not joking, are you?”

I stepped closer, just enough to look up at him—Cakradhara, the prince of Pakuan, taller and broader than I. His expression remained natural, unguarded. He wasn’t lying. He truly didn’t know.

“This is a warning,” I said quietly. “Do not try to get close to Sri Gitarja under any circumstance. Even if she approaches you first—turn away. She will one day become the queen of this kingdom. I will not allow any rumor, any scandal, to tarnish her name.”

Without another glance, I walked past him.
My words hung in the air like the echo of steel.
Then, through the open doors, I stepped into the hall of feasting and song.