THE UNTOLD STORY OF MAHORA

SCENE 10

(NARRATOR) Right after Wanti arrives from her visit to the garden, she quickly searches for Mahora to tell her about the rumors and the mastermind behind it.

Wanti : Your Majesty! (repeatedly)

Mahora : Oh, you're back, Wanti, how was the visit?

Anum : Have there been widespread rumors regarding Her Majesty's generous donation?

Wanti : The donation is being the talk of the town, but your Majesty, someone else is spreading that her Highness, Mahsuri, is the one who gives out the money.

Anum : What? Who dares talk about this nonsense and praise Mahsuri at that!

Wanti : I'm sorry to say this, your Majesty. But I do think it's her Highness herself spreading the rumors, because I overheard the conversation between her three friends and the villagers, and the worst part is, Mahsuri hears the conversation and yet, she does nothing about it.

Anum : That girl and her aids, again? Why does she keep on messing with her Majesty!

Mahora : Calm down, both of you. Maybe Mahsuri has been donating secretly too?

Anum : No way! She is stingy, it's impossible.

(NARRATOR) Just as Mahora is about to try to defend her sister, Deramang and Wan Yahya enter the room.

Mahora : What is the purpose of your visit, your Majesty? (stands)

Wan Yahya : Please sit down, it's not something serious, but did you hear of the mysterious donation?

Mahora : Oh, yes, I've heard about it.

Wan Yahya : People believe that it's Mahsuri's doing, so to show my appreciation for her kindness, I was thinking to reward her.

Mahora : But, dear-

Bodyguard 1 enters the scene.

Bodyguard 1 : Your Majesty, sorry to interrupt, but I have something important to deliver.

Wan Yahya : Yes, wait for a moment. (turns to Mahora) What did you want to say just now, my dear?

Mahora : It's nothing important. You can go ahead and do your work.

Wan Yahya : Alright, I will leave Deramang with you, so you can discuss the ceremony further with him.

Wan Yahya and Bodyguard 1 left the scene.

Wanti : Your Majesty, why didn't you tell the truth to Sultan?

Deramang : Regarding what, if I may ask?

Wanti : The one who has been doing donations secretly is not Mahsuri, it's-

Cuts out by Deramang's laugh.

Deramang : (wipes the nonexistent tear) So you want to tell me that it's not Mahsuri's doing but her? (points at Mahora) Oh god, my tummy's hurt.

Anum : How dare you disrespect Her Majesty like that? Remember she's the queen, she can execute you if she wants to.

Deramang : Oh, please. I can't wait for her to do exactly that and show people her true color. Then people will start protesting more about her position as the queen, which was supposed to be Mahsuri's place.

(NARRATOR) Deramang departs from the scene, leaving Mahora and the maids completely speechless by his hateful words.