The awkward silence ends with Madam Bintang opening the door of the study room. She was taken aback by what she sees, the new lady-in-waiting and the crown prince, alone behind closed door.

She clears her throat to make her presence noticed.

"Excuse me, Your Highness. I did not mean to interrupt but I was asked by Princess Intan regarding the whereabout of Mutiara," she said.

"I was just about to leave," he said. He stands up and makes her way out of the door.

He turns around a little bit to glance at Ara as if he is wondering if she is going to be alright. But then he keeps on walking as the door slams shut behind him.

"Mutiara, why are you here with Prince Surya?" asked Madam Bintang. 

"I.. I was just asked to talk, Ma'am," answered Ara.

"And what happened to your face?" She asked.

"Something happened, Ma'am. It was an accident."

Madam Bintang sighs.

"Did Princess Intan do this to you?"

Ara nods her head.

"We are not supposed to be here. Come with me and you can tell me the story," said Madam Bintang.

Ara follows Madam Bintang. Both of them were walking in the corridor with all eyes of maids and hall boys on them. Perhaps a weird rumour has spread about Ara and the crown prince. Or maybe, with the other prince. 

Madam Bintang brought Ara to her private room. Madam Bintang scans her moniker and the door clicks opened. Her room looks similar to the maids' room. Only it is slightly bigger.

"Have a seat," she said.

Ara walks toward the writing table and takes a seat on the chair while Madam Bintang sits on the corner of her bed.

"Tell me the whole story," she ordered.

"Well, I honestly don't know where to start, Ma'am."

Madam Bintang waits patiently as Ara gathers her thoughts.

"You see, Princess Intan was being very nice to me in the beginning. She told me what she usually had for breakfast and sent me to the kitchen to grab it for her."

"Go on."

"I got lost because I was still unused to this palace. I mistakenly entered Prince Chahaya's room."

"I see." Madam Bintang seems to already understands the story even before Ara finishes her story.

"It's the second prince. Princess Intan is madly in love with him."

"Yes, I know that. I..I mean know that now. I did not know it before... Prince Surya told me the back story," said Ara.

Madam Bintang sighs again. 

"Mutiara. I am not sure how to tell this to you but.. You have been removed from your position as Princess Intan's lady-in-waiting." Madam Bintang said as softly as possible.

A little part of Ara dies inside. But to be very honest, she knew this was going to happen from the moment the Princess hit her.

"Then, what will happen to me, Ma'am?" she carefully asks.

Her eyes are fixed on her skirts, afraid to meet Madam Bintang's eyes. She cannot handle the truth if Madam Bintang told her she was to be demolished to fourth caste in Rama. 

"Well, for now. You are going to be a regular maid like your friends."

Ara nods her head in silence. 

'At the very least, it is not as bad as I thought it would be. Being a maid is okay. As long as I do not get demolished to the fourth caste. I won't be able to face my father if that ever to happen.' Ara thought.

"You be strong, Mutiara. I think it is for the best anyway," said Madam Bunga.

She smiles warmly. She fixes Ara's hair that falls on her face and slips the strains behind Ara's ears. 

***
 

Thanks for reading Mutiara, everyone.

I am going to reveal some exciting chapters soon. 

Feel free to give me any advice or message. Any warm advices are welcome!