The morning sun had just risen in the eastern sky, casting golden light over the elegant gardens surrounding the estate. In the main courtyard, various flowers bloomed in vivid colors—white jasmine and purple orchids arranged neatly in rows, releasing a calming fragrance that lingered in the air. Towering trees bordered the garden, their thick green canopies offering shade, while the cool morning breeze gently carried the scent of wet earth and dew clinging to the blades of grass.
Birdsong filled the air as the dawn chorus came alive. Doves, bulbuls, and starlings fluttered among the branches, their natural melodies adding life to the peaceful garden. In one corner, butterflies of various colors danced from flower to flower, as if performing under the morning sunlight.
Standing proudly at the heart of the estate was the main residence—a majestic structure that harmonized the elegance of Javanese tradition with the grandeur of royal architecture. Its walls were built from sturdy teak wood and red brick, adorned with intricate carvings. Carved gates and grand doors stood as guardians of the entrance, while large windows framed in silk curtains were opened wide, inviting the sunlight into the lavish interior.
Inside one of the spacious rooms filled with writing instruments, ornate furniture, and paintings, a dignified man stood by his study desk, searching through a stack of scrolls and documents.
"A respectful greeting, Master. The carriage is ready," said a servant who had just entered.
Duke Raden Mas Wiratma, a man of commanding presence and sharp gaze, turned to face the servant. With a slight nod, he acknowledged the report.
"Thank you. I'll be there shortly," he replied in a calm yet authoritative voice.
The servant bowed deeply and left the room. Wiratma glanced over the papers one last time to ensure all documents were in order. This morning, he was due to attend an important meeting with the royal council. Yet, beneath his sense of duty, his heart remained uneasy—his daughter, Rara, was still unconscious. His thoughts drifted back to last night, when she had been found collapsed in the reading chamber. What exactly had happened?
With steady steps, Wiratma exited his study and made his way toward the main hall. Along the corridor, servants and guards respectfully bowed as he passed. As he stepped outside, the warm sunlight greeted him, accompanied by the soothing sound of a fountain and the continued melody of chirping birds.
In the front courtyard, a horse-drawn carriage awaited him. The well-trained horses stood patiently, while the coachman—an elderly man who had served the family for decades—stood beside the reins with great respect.
"Good morning, Master," greeted the coachman.
"Good morning, Pak Tirta. Let's depart," Wiratma replied with a short yet warm tone as he climbed into the carriage.
Back inside the estate, in Rara's room, the young woman lay weak and unconscious in her bed since being found by her personal maid, Yuyun. The night before, Yuyun had gone to close Rara's window, only to discover she wasn't in her bed. Remembering that Rara often spent time in the reading room before returning to sleep, Yuyun hurried there.
At first, she couldn't find her. But after walking past a few shelves, she discovered Rara lying motionless on the floor. Panicking, she tried to wake her, but to no avail. She quickly summoned other maids to help move Rara to her room and call the royal physician.
"How is she, Doctor?" asked a woman anxiously.
The physician exhaled slowly, his face serious yet composed. "Lady Rara is simply suffering from exhaustion. There are no serious symptoms, and she should recover naturally. I'll prescribe a herbal tonic for her to take once she regains consciousness."
The woman nodded with relief. "Thank you, Doctor. Please do your best for Rara."
The physician nodded again and began preparing the remedy, jotting down a prescription on the small table by the bed. The woman—Nyai Ratna Kartini Wiratma, Rara's mother and the Duke's wife—remained seated beside the bed, holding her daughter's hand gently and watching her with deep concern.
That morning, Rara remained still and pale in bed, while the physician worked quietly. Nyai Kartini continuously wiped her daughter's forehead with a damp cloth, whispering prayers for her recovery. Outside the room, life in the estate continued as usual—but an invisible tension hung in the air.
Brukk!!
"Madam, please forgive me… forgive my negligence," cried Yuyun, suddenly collapsing to her knees. She clutched Nyai Kartini's hands with trembling fingers, her voice quivering with guilt.
Nyai Kartini looked at Yuyun kindly despite the worry in her eyes. "Yuyun, what happened?"
Taking a deep breath, Yuyun replied, "I... I don't know how this happened. Last night, I closed the window as usual, but when I returned, Rara was gone. I rushed to the reading chamber and found her unconscious on the floor."
Nyai Kartini nodded, gently reassuring her. "It's all right, Yuyun. What matters now is that she recovers."
Yuyun nodded silently, her eyes fixed on Rara's still figure. Tension filled the room—only Rara knew what truly happened last night. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, and weakness washed over her body.
"Rara…?" Nyai Kartini called softly upon seeing her awaken.
Rara gazed at her mother with groggy eyes. "Mother… what happened?"
Her mother smiled gently. "You fainted, dear. But don't worry—the physician has treated you and given medicine to help you recover."
Rara nodded slowly, trying to piece together the fragments of the night before. It felt like waking from a strange dream, yet she couldn't clearly recall what had happened after opening that mysterious book.
"I feel… weak," she murmured.
Nyai Kartini caressed the back of her hand. "Rest, dear. Everything will be fine."
Lying back down, Rara could feel the warmth of the medicine Yuyun had given her spreading through her body, soothing some of the fatigue. But her mind remained restless, caught in a whirlwind of memories from the reading room.
"Was it really just a dream?" she wondered.
She recalled the glowing frangipani flower on the page, the strange sensation that consumed her, and the sudden darkness. Something didn't feel ordinary—it was too vivid, too real.
Still unsure, Rara decided to keep the experience to herself for now—not even telling her mother. In the quiet room filled with the scent of herbs, she rested in silence, keeping her secret close.
"How are you feeling now, dear?" asked Nyai Kartini, her voice tender.
"A little better… thank you, Mother," Rara replied with a faint smile.
Her mother nodded, brushing her hand gently. "Try to sleep a bit more. The doctor said rest is key."
"How long will I have to rest?" Rara asked weakly.
"As long as you need, dear. But remember—tonight is your grandmother's birthday. There will be a banquet in the great hall. I hope you'll feel well enough to join the family and our guests."
Rara thought for a moment and gave a weak nod. "I'll try. I don't want to miss Grandma's birthday."
Nyai Kartini smiled and kissed her daughter's forehead. "That's good. Rest now, sweetheart. I'll leave you to sleep."
After her mother left, Yuyun quickly approached, still worried.
"My lady… are you really okay? I was so scared when you collapsed."
"I'm all right now, Yuyun. Don't worry," Rara assured her.
"But what happened last night, my lady? You fainted in the reading room… that's never happened before," Yuyun asked, confused.
Rara shifted slightly. "I'm not entirely sure. I opened a book tucked in the corner of the shelf and then…"
Yuyun interrupted, "Which corner, my lady? There are so many books there. And there were a dozen that had fallen beside you when we found you."
Rara frowned, trying to remember. "Let's check the reading room."
She tried to rise from bed, but Yuyun stopped her. "Wait, my lady! You're still weak. Please don't push yourself during recovery. What will I say to the Madam if something happens again?"
Rara nodded, acknowledging her concern. "You're right, Yuyun."
"Let me go instead. I'll bring some books from the room so you can check them here while you rest."
Rara turned to Yuyun, her face lighting up. "Yes! Hurry and bring them—I need to examine them."
Yuyun stood and hurried out of the room with purpose. Rara, still lost in thought, stared at the garden outside her window.
"Was it all just a dream…? And why… why did I choose that book?"