The Illuminated Maiden

Chapter XII

"This foreign diplomat," said the Datu of Selurong with his voice booming through the cloisters of his own palace in the evening, where only a few lanterns were burning, "you are saying he wishes to speak to me? What for? He hasn't even told us where he's from." On his side was a matchlock pistol with brass adornments attached to a belt that held his robe in place. He was a bearded one, of darker skin tanned by the sun. His aide handed him his diadem, but he refused to take it.

"No need for that," he said, "I'm not meeting this envoy, anyway."

"But my lord," said his aide, "The foreigner insists. In fact, he requested that you at least read the letter he has prepared." The aide handed the Datu of Selurong a rolled-up piece of paper. The datu gestured to brush it aside.

"We are in the midst of building ties with Hamabar," he said. "We need not tarry with such matters as negotiations. I still have my daughter's wedding during the monsoon and my son's after. There is more time for Datu Linaw's daughter to meet and mingle with my son. Smart man, calling for a banquet."

"But my lord, Hamabar's messenger told you, didn't he? The Princess of Hamabar is missing and Datu Linaw's best warrior is currently on the case."

"Of course, I am aware of that. I, however, trust that Datu Linaw's daughter shall return in time for the marriage. Knowing the Datu of Hamabar, he will keep his promise to wed his daughter to my son."

"Father!" a voice echoed from behind, followed by rapid footsteps upon wooden floor. "Is it true?"

The Datu of Selurong turned around to see a young man, bare-chested and wearing an embroidered silk headdress, running toward him. "Bumagat," said the datu, "what seems to be the problem?"

"I've only heard the news: my bride-to-be is missing. I would have wanted to meet her, Father! But oh—I'm worried about her. Where she has gone. Would I still marry her, Father?"

"Calm down, child." The Datu of Selurong ruffled the boy's hair. "You haven't even met her yet, and already, you're acting that way!" He placed the back of his hand on the boy's forehead.

"But I cannot help it, Father! I feel that even though I haven't met her yet, the way people described her to me made me feel that she is the one for me. Yet what has happened? Will she be all right? I wish I could rescue her myself."

The Datu of Selurong gestured to his aide. "Leave us for a moment. You are dismissed." The aide bowed his head and went down the cloisters. "Bumagat, where do you get such ideas? I believe you're getting way ahead of yourself. The banquet, it will come. It will be an opportunity for you to meet the Princess of Hamabar."

"I know her name," Bumagat looked up and clasped his hands. "What a beautiful name. She will be my consort, but I will serve her as I would serve the kadatuan someday!"

The Datu of Selurong guffawed. "It's like you want me to die, Bumagat."

"N-no, Father! It's not like that at all."

"I'm just joking, Bumagat. Someday, you will take my place, and I know for certain that someday, the alliance of marriage between Hamabar and Selurong will allow you to rule a realm much greater than Selurong itself, together with your consort. Datu Linaw of Hamabar, I'm afraid, has no male heir. We are looking into who's off to rule Hamabar after he passes—after both of us pass. It shall be you, perhaps, before you sire a child with the princess."

"Please don't burden me with ruling a realm bigger than Selurong, Father," said Bumagat. "I'm only twenty-one. Can't the princess rule her father's kadatuan instead? I want to carry your legacy in Selurong, Father."