Tarhata and the War Council

Dayang-Dayang Tarhata and the War Council

The War Council adjourned itself and the generals filed out. The princess remained, trembling hand still gripping her scimitar until finally Balong Purna took her by the arm and led her towards the mango grove. The princess walked blindly, face pale with rage.

When they arrived, Dayang-Dayang Tarhata let out a breath like an angry typhoon. "I should have sliced every one of them in half, those traitors!"

But Balong Purna only smiled kindly and placed a flower in her sitting mistress' hair. "I do not agree with the War Council, my little one," she said, "but I am quite content that you are not going to battle." Then, she sliced open the ripest mango she could find and gave a half to the princess before leaving to go collect the laundry.

Dayang-Dayang Tarhata held the fragrant fruit in her palms, contemplating her lady-in-waiting's words in solitude.

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Random idea sketch - will probably scrap in future.