I Love You, J!
Chapter X - The Next Surprise

Note: The place names, characters and storylines in this novel are fictitious.

Getting into the palace environment is the most deb-degan thing in my entire life. Mas Yudha went to Mulyosari yesterday afternoon to meet Ki Sura, the healer who was Kinasih's father.

Last night Kinasih taught me everything I need to know to be a ladyboy. The manners and ethics in the palace make me dizzy. I also just found out from Kinasih, that I - who lived in 1809 - was quite a haphazard person and often fought. So I had enough trouble walking without a voice and speaking softly.

I can't believe I can hit someone with my fist. If indeed I could rely on my fists, I should have at least beaten Jumanta once.

I've taken the exam to be a palace lady. Although not very smooth, at least I was declared to pass with a record. It might be true Kinasih said, I could really fight because one of the senior ladies said I had a strong hand grip.

It was discovered when someone patted me on the shoulder from behind and I reflexively clasped his hand. Turns out it's part of the test to find out how well our reflexes work. Dayang testers also accidentally drop the cup only to find out if the prospective lady is responsive enough or not.

I think I got a plus because my reflexes were good. But it could be a problem if I was asked to massage. Even if I pass the next stage, it looks like I won't be assigned to massage.

Now I am with other prospective ladies sitting together and lined up to wait for the results of the assessment. I never imagined they would be this serious about choosing a lady.

“Kirana,” call one of the senior ladies.

I put both hands together to respond, as Kinasih had taught me.

“You were chosen to be the lady-in-waiting of Prince Natawijaya,” said the senior lady.

WHAT'S?!

Did I not hear wrong? Dayang Prince Natawijaya said? Are there many candidates who are more skilled than me?

“You will attend the training of maids with Laras until it is really painstaking to be able to serve the prince,” explained the senior lady while pointing at Laras.

Laras was young, his age was probably only 2-3 above me. Her stature was slim, her smile was thin and exuded elegance. I think she's very potential to be the prince's concubine.

“After this announcement, you can follow Laras to the hostel and train from tomorrow,” continued the senior lady.

Hmm, I was chosen to be the prince's lady-in-waiting. Although still in disbelief, this should be good news since I will be very close to the prince!

***

Baras is a good teacher. She was so patient in teaching me the manners of the ladies. Starting from simple things such as bringing tea to the prince, to clean the corners of the difficult space. He said Prince Natawijaya does not like to fall apart.

At rest, I who was still curious ventured to ask Laras.

“Mbak Laras, if you may know, why I was chosen as the prince's lady-in-waiting?”

Baras laughed softly. “You must be very curious.”

I'm nodding.

“I also wonder why I was chosen as the prince's lady-in-waiting,” said Laras. “But after seeing your test results, I realized something. Turns out our records are the same.”

I frowned. “Note? Does Mbak Laras have a strong grip as well?”

The barrel then takes one apple and squeezes it until it is crushed with one grip only. Waw.

“You can do it too right?”

“I'm not sure.”

“I'm pretty sure you can.” Barrel took another apple for me. “Try to destroy with one hand.”

I hesitated to take the apple. I never smash an apple with one hand. For a few seconds I just looked at the apple, cuddling, should I just try?

“Ayo,” urged Laras.

“Crue? You're even doing better. You master martial arts, Kirana?” ask Laras.

I didn't answer. I've never done a certain style. It was only said Mas Yudha and Kinasih if I was good enough in martial arts.

Suddenly Laras' hand floated and almost hit my face if only I hadn't fended him off. I thought he would only attack me once, but it turned out that he did so in a row and forced me to defend with the Baras attack.

“Hey! Why suddenly attack me?” my protest while avoiding punch and kick Baras.

“Do not just dodge, try attacking me!”

“Ah, can't be so!”

“Quick attack me!”

The Barrel movement is getting faster and blindly. He managed to hit my left cheek. I felt a painful twitch and inevitably I had to strike back. As if I had done so long ago, I launched an attack towards Laras. Without a doubt I shot my fist at him and managed to land on his face.

“Sorry Mbak Baras!” I said panic.

Out of the blue, Laras smiled. “Already expected, you are not an ordinary lady,” he said. He wiped his slightly injured lips. “Regardless of whatever destination you enter the palace environment, our duty is only one, protect the prince.”

“Protect?” i cringe. “Not serve?”

Laras. “You think why we're both needed? We are not just a lady-in-waiting who helps the prince, but are also expected to be able to protect. Enemy would not expect a ladyboy like us to beat someone.”

I'm dumbfounded. So that means what? The prince also needs a warrior in a rower to trick the enemy.

“When you show up, I feel good about not being alone anymore,” said Laras. “Are you ready to see prince?”

“Hah?” I'm a little surprised. Is this the time to meet the prince?

“Follow me,” Laras give instructions. He walked out of the training area and I followed him from behind.

We walked down the path that connects the dormitory and the palace service area. I smelled the smell of cooking before stopping at the edge of the field surrounded by large trees.

There was a man practicing silat in the middle of the field. An old man stood by her, like a teacher. The movements of the man practicing were nimble and powerful. Over and over he broke the jug that was placed lined up with his fists and kicks.

“Prince Natawijaya,” whispered Laras. “You've seen it.”

I held my breath. I was so close to the prince. For some reason I was suddenly nervous, my heartbeat was beating faster than usual.

“Wah, what is this Kirana? Why do you look nervous?” Laras noticed my strange movements, now I anxiously squeezed my finger. “You're not that close to the prince yet, why are you nervous? What happens if you have to stand nearby? Control yourself!”

“Ma.. sorry, Mbak Baras,” I said stammering.

“Let's take a closer look, I'll introduce you to the prince. He does not like to be disturbed at work. When this is the best time, soon the prince will rest.”

I had no choice but to follow Laras walking to the middle. I still don't understand why my heart still doesn't care.

I see the prince still practicing hitting. He punched balls out of rattan that bounced back and forth. This is obviously dangerous, why doesn't Laras wait for the prince to actually rest?

“Sorry Ma'am, should we just wait until the prince is done?” I glanced at Laras.

“Why? You afraid of getting rattan?” ask Laras in a defiant tone. “You can already see the prince's face more clearly now.”

I turned my gaze towards the prince who was still busy hitting. It turned out that his skin was pure white, like it was shining. From the side his jaw looked sharp, very masculine. Then when he moved a little round, I could see his face from the front.

Shock. That's how I feel right now. Again I was surprised by the unexpected.

“Javier??”

BUGS!!!

Right after I muttered Javier's name, something hit me in the face. I felt myself spinning, from slow to fast to blurred. My body was pulled to the ground, until I felt my body go weak. I fell to the ground. Then dark. I can't see anything.