Five hours have passed since the time Ara, Guntur, and the other high school graduates from Rama left for Garuda. The tiny boat that they board cannot move fast enough that it takes so long just to get to Garuda.

Ara has been going back and forth to sleep due to her lack of sleep the previous night. But they are still not there yet.

"Are we there yet?" Ara yawned after like the fourth time she fell asleep that day.

"For the fourth time, Ara. Not yet," said Guntur.

His head is bobbing back and forth because of the boat movement, and possibly because he is also sleepy.

"We are getting there very soon. Don't worry." Bunga said.

"How do you know, Bunga?" asked Ara.

"The captain just said so. But you two were sleeping," she laughed a little.

Bunga is another girl in Ara's class. She is the daughter of a fourth caste worker in Rama. Luckily, Bunga is smart and behaves very well. 

"I am so excited to be able to go to Garuda. I can't believe that my destiny is so nice to me," said Bunga joyfully.

Ara just smiles at her.

Yes, for Bunga, being a maid in Garuda is more than a dream comes true. But Ara wants more in life than serving someone. She wants to graduate from University in Matahari and help grow more food so that the fourth-caste worker in Rama like her late mother and Bunga's father do not have to suffer.

"We are arriving in ten minutes. Prepare yourself and make sure you behave," said the Captain of the ship through the speaker.

Bunga's smile can't be any bigger. She is literally smiling from ear to ear. Ara, on the other hand, is getting more and more nervous.

Just like the captain said, the tiny boat they are riding comes to a stop and the door opens.

Ara steps outside following Bunga. Her mouth automatically hangs open. The tiny boat is now floating on an indoor boat parking area inside the huge Garuda ship.

"Welcome to Garuda," said the Captain who is looking gleeful. 

In silence, Ara, Bunga, and Guntur follow the chief of the domestic help team in Garuda.

"Ladies will follow Madam Bintang while the gentlemen will follow me."

Ara and Bunga wave at Guntur. They then proceed to obediently follow an old lady with huge glasses into the East wing.

"I am Madam Bintang. I am in charge of all the maids and ladies in waiting."

She paused for a few seconds then continues," Each of you is given a single cell where you will sleep and stay when you are not working. Your mandatory working hour is eight hours per day. You will scan your moniker when you leave and enter your cell. If your log says you have been in your cell for more than 16 hours, your salary will be deducted. Understand?"

"Yes, Maam."

"Any questions?"

The girls from Rama shake their heads.

"Answer 'yes' or 'no'."

"No, Maam."

"Good. Now, you will follow me around the palace. Remember it well because no one will have time to help you if you get lost after today."

"Yes, Maam."

Madam Bintang takes the girls around the ship that looks more like a floating castle than a ship. The situation in Rama is 180 degrees from how it is in Garuda. 

Ara is amazed, slightly grateful that she has a chance to see this view, yet, sad that the class distinction is so real.

"This is the room of Prince Surya. He does not like to be disturbed so you cannot go inside without his permission even though it is time for you to deliver supper."

The girls nod their heads in unison.

"Please answer 'yes' or 'no'," repeat Madam Bintang.

None of these girls is used to being courteous and answer to every question with such a formal answer before.

"Yes, Madam." They automatically answer in unison in an attempt to avoid anymore warning.

"Next is the room of Prince Chahaya, the younger brother of Prince Surya, as you all probably already know."

The girls secretly swoon over the image of Prince Chahaya in his room, sipping his afternoon tea. 

Of course, they are. Prince Chahaya is a celebrity in the New Kingdom of Indonesia. The whole nation watches them grow up from being two young boys to two young gentlemen. Prince Chahaya, specifically, is known for being better looking and a ladies man.

To be fair, Ara needs to admit that she was once in love with Prince Chahaya head over heels. She would squeal and scream when Prince Chahaya is on TV during the daily prime time news opening speech. 

"And that room on the other side of the lobby is Princess Intan's room. If you do not know who Princess Intan is, she is the only cousin of the Princes."

"Is that where I report tomorrow?" asked Ara.

"Are you Mutiara of Rama?" Madam Bintang asked her back.

"Yes, I am, Madam."

"You are the new lady in waiting, I see. You will report to me first. Princess Intan is not easy to deal with." She lowers her tone at the last sentence.

Without any more explanation, Ara knows that her life in Garuda is not going to be easy.

If only class hierarchy does not exist..

If only she is given the same chance as students on Matahari and Garuda, she will be studying in the top university right now.

If only..