"Citrawati, it has been your fate to be married to Prabu Arjunasasrabahu. Because you are the incarnation of Dewi Sri, who should be the companion of the incarnation of Batara Wisnu, who is Prabu Arjunasasrabahu, the King of Maespati." These words actually do not flow from the sincerity of Prabu Citragada's heart. After seeing Sumantri himself, it seems that he no longer likes the fate that his daughter has to live with. However, he is forced to say that simply to further test his prediction. He imagines that his daughter will possibly start to like Sumantri, as he likes him, so that she will look for reasons why she does not want to be married to the King of Maespati.
“Father, am I really destined to be the queen of the King of Maespati? How do I know that I am the incarnation of Dewi Sri, who must be married to the incarnation of Batara Wisnu?” Dewi Citrawati asks in opposition to her father's speech.
Prabu Citragada seems lost for words. It seems that he wants to express the thoughts of his heart just the way they are. However, he still holds back. Meanwhile, those who are present bow their heads in silence. They increasingly do not understand how this conversation will end. Sumantri did not expect this at all, that his victory gathering would be so tense.
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"Moreover, father, shouldn't you ask, whether it is worth it for you to hand me over to the King of Maespati? Is he really as mighty as you think? For twice he proposed to me, and twice he did not come alone to prove that he is worthy of having me. First, he sent his patih, Suwondo, and his envoy was easily defeated by Prabu Darmawasesa. The second time, it was not he himself who conquered the King of Widarba, but his envoy. Then who is really the King of Maespati? He seems to have nothing to do with Magada."
Dewi Citrawati speaks in a curt and harsh tone. And as the words are uttered, everyone turns to Sumantri. Everyone simultaneously asks in their hearts, has the Princess of Magada secretly given her heart to the Maespati warlord? If so, they too can accept it. Indeed, it is Sumantri who killed Prabu Darmawasesa, who was feared by the people of Magada. No one else, he is the one who deserves to marry Dewi Citrawati. Sumantri himself feels that Dewi Citrawati's words are directed at him. He also feels that everyone's eyes are on him. His face reddens. He is flattered, but at the same time ashamed in his heart. He is the only one who knows, in reality it was not him, but his younger brother, Sukrosono, who killed Prabu Darmawasesa. He becomes confused and is in a twisted situation. Meanwhile, this is the opportunity that Prabu Citragada has been waiting for to disclose what is in his heart.
"Citrawati, do you want to say with your own words that Sumantri is the one who deserves to get you?" Prabu Citragada says this in the hope that his daughter will agree, whatever the consequences may be. Understandably, from the start he has admired Sumantri, and thinks he is the one who deserves to be the companion for his daughter. Even in his heart he imagines, with all the services, courage, and sacrifices he has made and done, it is worthy for Sumantri to be the heir to the throne of Magada. He is sure his daughter has the same feelings and preferences. However, his daughter will not dare to openly express what is in her heart. Let him say it, if his daughter is ashamed to speak the truth. However, to his surprise, these are not the words that come out of his daughter's mouth.
"No, father. That's not what I mean," says Dewi Citrawati.
"Then what do you mean, my daughter?" asks Prabu Citragada in a disappointed tone.
"I still have one more requirement, so that I may be brought to Maespati."
Everyone present in the royal audience hall is startled as they wait impatiently, what is the demand that the Princess of Magada requires.
"Citrawati, there have been many demands that had to be met by those who propose to you. Why do you still have to impose a new requirement? But never mind, quickly say what you want," Prabu Citragada asks in frustration and anger.
"I want to be brought to Maespati, as long as I go there accompanied by 800 domas girls," says Dewi Citrawati.
"Citrawati, your demand is totally impossible!" her father snaps. Tension also pervades the Magada palace’s royal hall. Everyone is silent, until the gentle breeze in the banyan tree in the outer courtyard can be heard softly.
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"Not only that, father. The domas girls must be willing to become concubines of the King of Maespati if I have to become his queen," adds Dewi Citrawati.
“How unreasonable your desire is, Citrawati. You're talking like someone who has lost their mind. Any woman would be happy if she is the only wife of her man. You instead want to be a wife next to 800 concubines. Why do you talk like someone who has lost her reason, my daughter?" asks Prabu Citragada sadly.
“Father, many lives have been lost because of me. I have to value their lives by respecting myself.”
Dewi Citrawati's statement raises the tension even more. In fact, Dewi Citrawati herself also does not understand what she has just said. She speaks without thinking about the consequences of what has been said. She is just relieved that she still has the words to speak and make other people think about what is really hard to understand and accept. She realizes that all of this comes out of the commotion and anxiety in her heart. However, once again, she is relieved that the commotion in her heart can still be expressed in words.
This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo.
