In that split second, Renggi Nanta's face turned ashen white. Her lips trembled as she made out his name to warn the others. Noticing the stranger's presence, a loud gasp came from behind her. Too late. Their most kept secret was already revealed before his suspicious eyes. 

Renggi Nanta's mind was filled with curses. She lamented how her Shadows were not there to stop him from coming into that part of Nakyagara Palace. And where the hell was Lir? Shouldn't she be... Her thoughts stopped when the Shadow came into the bedchamber, even more shocked than herself.

"So," Amanji was the first to react. "Should we kill him?" 

Mixed reaction came from around him. 

"To be perfectly clear," the minister proclaimed, "I've known this for quite some time now." 

"What? How?" Renggi Nanta couldn't hold herself. 

"Well, first of all, you all are incredibly loud in what I gather as a hiding room, where you need to be quiet," Il Dyang entered the secret compartment. "Second of all, as the minister of defense, all of the spies are supposed to be working for me." He gave a cold glare at Lir. 

"If you've already known this for quite some time," the real Prince Basandaya stated, "then you must also know the dire reason behind all this elaborate trick." 

"I suspect ever since the incident in Bunyawi, it was never you who entered the carriage," replied Il Dyang. Kinalu's sigh of awe proved that his hypothesis was right. 

"His Highness is experiencing violent emotional and physical reaction upon entering the carriage due to the trauma," explained Maharahi. "This elaborate trick is merely to help the Prince Regent carry on with his duties for this kingdom." 

"Then I'd rather say this is quite an ingenious plan," said Il Dyang. Renggi Nanta was the most shocked person in the room right now. "A bit excessive and highly risky, but I've always wanted to employ a body double as a security measure. Yet, I never had the time to make it work. Knowing that no one else suspects any of it, then I believe these men have done their job well. This is a marvelous work, Maharahi. You have exceeded the expectation once again." 

"My pleasure, my lord," Maharahi cockily smiled.

Il Dyang turned to the real Prince Basandaya. He was a bit distracted with the brown eyed prince, but he regained his focus. "You have my support, Your Highness," he said. "I will do what is necessary to keep this trick going." 

Saka Subarsang transformed back to himself, startling the minister. 

"Thank you, Il Dyang," replied Prince Basandaya. He glanced at his private secretary. "In that case, I think what I proposed to you earlier shall be done rather smoothly, Renggi Nanta."

Renggi Nanta slowly turned to Il Dyang. "Well, if he's one of us now, we can absolutely use his authority and manpower."

"To do what exactly?" asked the minister.

Prince Basandaya leaned back and smiled. "To make sure that when there are three of me in three different places, no one will question anything about it."

It was the quickest, most coordinated "What?!" Prince Basandaya had ever heard his entire life. Perhaps because most of the time, people around him would've asked "I beg your pardon?" instead. Yet somehow, he was so satisfied to hear it.

With Il Dyang joining in their congregation, Renggi Nanta laid out a new plan. Upon the pilgrimage that Jantra Kawa, Hismar and Renggi Nanta would undertake, Darga and Kinalu would go on a mission together on the other side of the kingdom. They would go as themselves, but would carry the potion in case the Prince's presence was needed. Amanji would go on shorter journey around Smajawangsa while attending to the Prince.

Prince Basandaya himself would stay in Il Dyang's home office. He would have more freedom there compared to the palace without as many guards snooping around. Il Dyang's wife was also going to Madrika Palace with the princesses, leaving the house all for himself.

Il Dyang's participation in the project still left mixed feeling for the rest of the participants. It would help a lot for them now that he could use his authority for their benefit, but they were not sure if they could trust him. After all, he was a member of the high council. If there's one thing that made them all alike, it was definitely their need to keep their power. And his need to keep his power might be dangerous for the Prince Regent.

* * *

It was the fifth day of the week. As scheduled, the Prince Regent attended an audience with the people who already had an appointment with him.

From the front door, the throne room was as intimidating as it was splendid. The domed ceiling was twice higher than the other rooms, supported with six gold pillars. It was decorated with gold mouldings that depicted the creation of Sanuratna subregion. Statues of important figures who could no longer attend the session added the splendor of the room. The latest one was the statue of Prince Ingarsu that was placed just six months before the death of King Prajanggaru I. 

There was a raised platform with exactly 25 steps that symbolized the support of the 25 gods. The eighth step had wider area on the left and right side where the lower noblemen would sit. They would be the one to hand anything from the audience to the king. The sixteenth step also had wider area where the prime ministers and important princes would sit to give counsel to the king. And finally, at the top of the platform, the throne was placed in front of an enormous firebird statue with its flaming wings elevated on the sides and its claws gripping the throne. 

According to the rule, the queen consort must sit on the left side while the crown prince on the right. But because Prince Basandaya did not have a consort, only Prince Tapriyasta accompanied him up on the throne. They might look like a couple of rowdy brothers up there, but their orders were the words of the gods in the Kingdom of Ranundala. Meanwhile, the Dowager Princess had made an appearance in the throne room, watching the incoming guests behind a transparent red veil.

There were other people attending the audience. Renggi Nanta, as always, was there to make sure everything went as scheduled. There were also the officials who had to assist the Prince Regent while receiving the audience. Some lower noblemen were in attendance as well, for they would be the accompaniment for the respectable visitors who came to Smajawangsa. And of course, there were the select maids, who would accept the gifts and tributes from the audience. Since the Prince Regent was in a good mood, he also let the palace musicians to play some music during the session. 

The guests came into the throne room and went down on their left knee for a man and both knees for a woman before the Prince Regent. After conveying their needs, they must return the way they came, without turning their back to the princes. 

Prince Basandaya and Prince Tapriyasta were still discussing their last visitor when the next visitor was announced, "His Royal Highness The Prince Efanhar of the Kingdom of Potiti." 

Prince Tapriyasta quickly turned around, shocked to know that they were being visited by the prince of the northern kingdom who was supposed to marry his twin sister. He was worried that he came here to claim what had been intended for him. 

Three men came into the throne room. They all had brown skin, a few shades darker than the Dowager Princess. Even so, their facial features were the combination of Alburinhese, Kha'abian and Rafu-Rafuan, with sharp eyes, curly hair and dramatic eyelashes. They were also bigger than the average Ranundalan men. The young man who led the group had an athletic figure, even when he was covered with a royal blue coat that flowed behind him as he walked. His white shirt and trousers were so clean and smooth. And on his head, he wore a hat with a triangle shape on the back side. 

The other two men genuflected at the princes, but their leader simply bowed.

"Your Highness Prince Regent Basandaya, Your Highness Crown Prince Tapriyasta," he greeted them. His voice filled their ears like honey. He had a different pitch compared to Ranundalan men, with distinctive Potitian accent. "I have come here to accept your challenge..." 

Prince Tapriyasta almost squeezed his older brother's hand. He was anxious, what kind of challenge did he give to this warrior-looking prince? 

"...to win Her Royal Highness The Princess Tastri's heart," he continued. "May I introduce you to my chaperones, Jenya Kimau and Sra Bobuha." 

"Prince Efanhar," Prince Basandaya smiled politely.

This was the guest that Princess Ritoja had been waiting for. Although Princess Tastri was not her daughter, she was very keen to witness this man's first impression. And with just one glance, Prince Basandaya knew that she totally approved of his appearance. Now it's all up to his personality to determine whether she'd be willing to let Princess Tastri marry him or not. 

But she's not the one that would decide this matter. 

"Jenya Kimau, Sra Bobuha," continued Prince Basandaya. "Welcome to Ranundala. I hope you had a wonderful trip." 

"Thank you for inviting us to stay in the palace and providing the housing for the crew of my ship," continued Prince Efanhar. 

"The pleasure's all mine," replied Prince Basandaya. "I'd like you to know how much I appreciate your effort to show your good intention to marry my sister. Although I've promised I will not intervene, I shall pray for the best outcome to the both of you." 

"Thank you, Your Highness," said Prince Efanhar. "I, too, cannot wait for us to become family." 

Prince Tapriyasta almost coughed in disagreement. 

"Your Highness," this time Sra Bobuha spoke up. He also had a funny accent. "I'm most delighted to let you know that we did not come empty handed. Please accept our best offerings." 

The door opened again, letting fourteen topless men with colorful headbands and traditional frocks came in carrying gold trays filled with spices, jams, fabrics and jewels. The chaperone listed all the gifts that they brought from Potiti. They were much more extravagant compared to what the earlier guests had brought. However, the most interesting gift was the five crates of cacao pods. 

"Thank you for your kind gifts," Prince Basandaya smiled again. "I shall accept it with my utmost gratitude. So, tell me, Your Highness, how long do you wish to stay here?"

"As long as it takes," answered Prince Efanhar without hesitation. 

"Hmm, I know what my dear sister is like," said Prince Basandaya. "If your efforts are to no avail, I hope you'll be a gentleman enough to admit the refusal and leave as a friend." 

This was one of those rare moments where Prince Tapriyasta was impressed at his older brother. He loved him, naturally, but as the crown prince, he was taught that his place was far above him. That his education and training were far more extensive than his. That he must always be better. And yet, here he was, becoming the head of the state while fashionably telling a foreign prince to sod off before he embarrassed himself. Even after he brought that many gifts. 

"Without question," replied Prince Efanhar with no less calmness.

He's good, thought Prince Tapriyasta. 

"Very well," said Prince Basandaya. "We shall have a party for your reception tonight. And dare I say it will be the most special reception you'll ever have. But for now, please have some rest. My dear friend, Sra Ninggawa, will show you your apartment." 

They all bowed once again before being led outside the throne room by Sra Ninggawa. But it didn't take long for the Potiti prince to explore the palace in hopes to catch the sight of the princess. And he was in luck. Princess Tastri just asked her teacher to move her flute practice to The Heavenly Garden. Her maids, including Inggi, were also there, sitting on the freshly mown grass. Just when she finished playing the song, applause was heard from her back. 

"Absolutely marvelous, Your Highness," said Sra Ninggawa when she turned around. Princess Tastri eyed the peculiar men who were at least one head taller than him, still clapping on his side. "Allow me to introduce you to His Highness The Prince Efanhar of the Kingdom of Potiti and his honorable chaperones, Jenya Kimau and Sra Bobuha. Your Highness, gentlemen, I present you Her Highness the Princess Tastri." 

They all bowed and she curtsied. Princess Tastri wasn't as surprised as Prince Tapriyasta. Prince Basandaya had informed her about the arrival of the Prince while apologizing, for it was his letter to King Molemo III that might be the reason of his visitation. Although, he wouldn't have told her before it's too late if it wasn't for Inggi who had read a glimpse of his letter in Renggi Nanta's hand when she had briefed her in her office.

Unlike Princess Ritoja, her step daughter wasn't a least bit impressed with him. Maybe it was because she had expected that this young man would be wonderful, and seeing him in the flesh would only ruin her expectation. Too tall, too polite, too much dimples were among the things that she thought of when she finally met him. 

"Your Highness, allow me to express how overjoyed I am to have finally met you," professed Prince Efanhar. 

What a weird accent, thought the Princess. 

"As am I, Prince Efanhar," she replied, as graceful as he was. 

That's her plan. She'd outcharm the Prince before breaking his heart. Oh yes, it was already predetermined that she would say no to him, the way Prince Basandaya had decided before his arrival. Not because she's trying to save his face, but because she's saving her hand for someone with a better prospect. Correct, she still wanted to be a queen and live in a palace with a magnificent pool. 

While they were having a conversation, Princess Tistara was crossing the palace terrace with her maids. She suddenly stopped walking when she noticed the Potitian men speaking to her sister. All three of them were looking at her in the eyes which only meant one thing. 

"Is that... Prince Efanhar?" she gasped. "Dear gods, what is he doing here? Is he coming to take Tastri away? Am I going to be the only one who doesn't get married sometime soon? How terrible. I'm going to rot in this palace!" 

Princess Tistara ran back into the main palace before anyone caught how upset she was about her twin's happiness.