One sunny morning, when Princess Sara happened to be quietly leaving the kingdom for a walk, Raden Arda was on his way around the kingdom, fate brought them together under a big shady tree. Their eyes met, and instantly, love bloomed in their hearts.
"How beautiful you are, O princess. May I make your acquaintance?" said Raden Arda politely while reaching out his hand.
"Haha it seems you are very good at melting women's hearts. Introduce me Princess Sara," replied Princess Sara with a gentle smile and returned the handshake from the prince. The two then sat together under the tree, talking about their dreams, hopes, and life experiences.
They continued to meet under the big tree every day. At sunset, Raden Arda would recite beautiful love poems to Princess Sara, and she would dance softly in the moonlight. They were lost in the love that grew between them.
On the other hand, the Islamic Mataram kingdom suffered a setback due to attacks from the VOC. At that time the Governor-General of the VOC, Jan Pieterzoon Coen ordered his member, Vander Marct to attack Jepara. This attack caused Mataram to suffer huge losses. Many Mataram civilians were affected by the VOC attack, houses were destroyed, and many bodies were scattered. They were shot, tortured and dragged. Hearing the news, Sultan Agung was devastated and did not accept the sudden VOC attack. The relationship between the two became even worse after Sultan Agung forbade selling rice to the VOC. Since then, the Dutch began to hate Sultan Agung. After that, allegations emerged that the VOC had robbed Javanese ships. This incident then made Sultan Agung prepare an attack on the VOC based in Batavia. He needed more defense to fight the powerful VOC. He planned to marry his daughter to a prince from another country known for its defense and prosperity.
