Entering the Kalinggara Kingdom

The selection of the concubines who pass and can go to the palace has been completed. Many of the hundreds of girls who had been queuing up came home disappointed because they did not pass the selection. But more are happy because they have succeeded in realizing their dream of entering the kingdom. Those who pass feel they are the chosen ones. Not everyone can get into it.

"Sekar, what are you doing? Why not join them right away? " Nyai Kasmirah approached Sekar, who was daydreaming in front of the brothel's exit. didn't immediately step out to look for a place in the several horse-drawn carriages that had been provided by Gayatri and Renjani.

Sekar looked at Nyai Kasmirah. "Nyai, are you going to take my father out after I reach the palace?" Sekar asked. For some reason, Sekar is still very worried about Darma, and is thinking about what will happen to him after Sekar succeeds in being at the palace. Will Nyai Kasmirah keep him locked up in the dungeon like now?

Nyai Kasmirah sighed, looking at Sekar, who had a worried face. The girl in front of her was the stupidest girl Nyai Kasmirah had ever met. This should not be the time for Sekar to worry about such things. Nyai Kasmirah nodded. She tried to convince Sekar not to hesitate and immediately left for the palace.

"Yes, I will release your father once you reach the palace." "Because he can't approach you there anymore," answered Nyai Kasmirah. Sekar was still silent and looked down. She didn't seem convinced.

"You don't believe me?" asked Nyai Kasmirah.

"I've helped you get to this step, and you still don't believe me?" Nyai Kasmirah showed a disappointed face.

"It's not like that Nyai, I'm just worried about it. Sorry if I offended you. " Sekar was not happy with Nyai Kasmirah's answer. Actually, Sekar doesn't believe in Nyai Kasmirah. Ah, never mind, Nyai Kasmirah is right. She had helped Sekar get to this step, and now she was just one step away from reaching the palace. She couldn't doubt it.

Nyai gently stroked Sekar's back, smiling triumphantly for successfully influencing Sekar. "Don't worry. I will definitely free Darma, " said Nyai Kasmirah. saying the sentence once more to make sure.

Sekar smiled. Unexpectedly, the girl then hugged Nyai Kasmirah. "Thank you, Nyai."

Nyai Kasmirah returned Sekar's hug as if it was a very touching farewell for a mother and child. But behind Sekar, Nyai Kasmirah smiled sarcastically. "Glad to help you, Sekar. "Now go with your friends before they leave you alone," replied Nyai Kasmirah.

Sekar let go of Nyai Kasmirah's embrace and nodded. "I will go, Nyai. Once again, thank you." Then Sekar walked away, leaving Nyai Kasmirah.

"Stupid kind of girl." Nyai Kasmirah saw Sekar's back move away and joined the other girls. With his arms crossed, she watched Sekar and muttered. "Sorry, Sekar, but I still need your father. I won't let him go until I get what I want. "

***

Several large horse-drawn carriages carried the girls to the palace. It took about two hours from Nyai Kasmirah's brothel to the palace. They all arrived at the palace gate, which was opened by the royal gatekeeper. And the horse-drawn carriage continued to carry them into the palace. To the rear of the building, namely the concubine's house, that's where they will live from today. Under the tutelage of Gayatri and Renjani, they will be well trained to be the best concubines for the king.

Sekar looked around. This was the first time she had seen a building as grand as this. In those days, the kingdom was indeed the best building. And the kingdom contains everything that has never existed in society outside of it.

"Wow, it's so beautiful," Sekar muttered in awe.

"Yes, you are right, the palace is very beautiful." A girl sitting in front of Sekar answered. Sekar turned to her, because since the trip they had not spoken to each other or introduced themselves.

The girl turned. "I'm Ambarwati," she said.

Sekar replied, "Sekar Ayu."

"We can be friends from now on." Ambarwati smiled, before finally being amazed and looking around. While Sekar was silent, she was not sure what Ambarwati had just said. Friend? She's never had one so far.

While Sekar was back enjoying the beauty of the kingdom and smiling sweetly, two men were watching them from a distance.

"She has come." Umbara smiled, seeing several horse carriages enter the palace and heading for the concubine's house.

Krisna, who was standing behind the king, spoke. "Will Gayatri let that woman go, Baginda?"

"Nothing comes easy when it comes to Gayatri."

Umbara smirked, knowing with Gayatri's well-known nature that Krisna was right, but Umbara was sure that Sekar would definitely enter his kingdom. "That girl has a good reason to come in here."

"So I'm sure she will try her best to pass Gayatri."

Umbara turned around to face Krishna. "Now I have a special task for you," he said.

Krisna bowed politely, giving an alert attitude in response that he was ready to do whatever Umbara ordered. "What should I do, Baginda?" asked Krishna.

Umbara smiled. "Not heavy. Go to the concubine's house after they arrive, and see if she's there! " Umbara gave the order.

"Very well, Baginda. I will carry it out. "

"One more thing," Umbara interrupted.

"Don't let Kanjeng Ibu know. If she finds out I'm watching over a concubine, she'll definitely talk a lot. "

Krisna nodded in understanding, then stepped away from Umbara to carry out his orders.

"Welcome to my kingdom, Cah Ayu." Umbara looked back at the horse-drawn carriage that was running. Although Krisna had just checked whether it was true that Sekar was in the palace, Umbara's belief was very strong that the girl was in one of the horse-drawn carriages he saw now.

The horse carriage has arrived in front of the concubine's house. All the girls get off in an orderly manner and enter one by one under Gayatri's direction. From behind a wall not far from the entrance, Krisna hid and confirmed one by one the faces of the girls who entered. Until finally, he saw clearly that Sekar was at the front of the queue and entered the concubine's house.

It turns out that Baginda was right. "The girl managed to enter the palace," said Krisna. Apart from that, there is one thing that is stuck in Krisna's heart. Umbara, who is interested in Sekar, then what Umbara will do next, considering Umbara is not someone who can hold herself back when she wants something. "I hope nothing will happen between them," said Krisna hopeful.