chapter 1

Chapter 1: The Reign of Rajah Gambang

(rajah Gambang pov)

I sat on my throne, watching the people of Tondo go about their daily lives. The market was bustling with activity, as merchants and traders haggled over prices and goods. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, and the smell of fresh food and spices wafted through the streets. I smiled, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction. As the ruler of Tondo, it was my duty to ensure the well-being and prosperity of my people. And from what I could see, they were thriving.

As I gazed out at the crowd, my eyes landed on a young timawa. She was standing at a nearby stall, carefully selecting a bunch of fresh herbs. Her long black hair was tied back in a neat knot, and her smile lit up the entire market. I found myself staring at her for a moment, admiring her beauty and poise. She seemed so carefree and happy, completely absorbed in her task. I felt a pang of... appreciation, I suppose, for her simple yet elegant presence.

I turned to one of my alipin, a young man who stood discreetly behind me. "Who is that timawa?" I asked him quietly, nodding towards the woman. The alipin followed my gaze and bowed slightly. "I believe her name is Alingat, my lord," he replied in a low voice. I nodded, filing away the information for future reference. I couldn't help but wonder more about her, but I pushed the thought aside for now.

I turned my attention back to the market, watching as the people of Tondo went about their daily business. I nodded to a group of merchants who bowed to me, and I smiled at a group of children playing in the streets. It was moments like these that I cherished, moments when I could connect with my people and see the impact of my rule. And as I sat on my throne, I felt a sense of pride and purpose.

As the day wore on, I began to attend to my duties as rajah. I met with my advisors, discussing matters of trade and diplomacy with neighboring kingdoms. I reviewed the accounts and taxes, ensuring that our kingdom's finances were in order. And I met with a group of petitioners, listening to their concerns and grievances.

Despite the demands of ruling, my mind kept wandering back to Alingat. I wondered what her life was like as a timawa, what her family and background were like. I wondered if she was happy, if she had a sense of purpose. And I found myself looking forward to seeing her again, to learning more about her.

As the sun began to set, I rose from my throne and walked out onto the balcony. The market was still bustling, but the crowds were beginning to thin. I looked out over the kingdom, feeling a sense of peace and contentment. Tondo was a prosperous and happy place, and I was grateful to be its ruler.

But as I stood there, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change. That my life, and the life of my kingdom, was on the cusp of a great shift. And I wondered, fleetingly, what role Alingat might play in it.

I returned to my throne, my mind still wandering. I knew that I had to focus on my duties, to ensure the continued prosperity and safety of my kingdom. But I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement, a sense of anticipation. What lay ahead, I didn't know. But I was ready to face it, head-on.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of meetings and paperwork. But my thoughts remained with Alingat, and I found myself looking forward to seeing her again.

As the day drew to a close, I decided to take a walk through the market. I wanted to see my people up close, to hear their stories and concerns. I walked among them, nodding and smiling, as they bowed and greeted me.

As I walked, I noticed the vibrant colors and lively atmosphere of the market. The smell of fresh food and spices filled the air, and the sound of laughter and chatter was music to my ears. I stopped at a stall, admiring the intricate carvings on a wooden statue. The vendor, an old man with a kind face, smiled and offered me a discount.

I continued on my way, taking in the sights and sounds of the market. I passed by a group of children playing with a ball, their laughter and shouts filling the air. I smiled, remembering my own childhood, playing in the streets of Tondo.

As I walked, I noticed Alingat again. She was standing at a nearby stall, haggling with the vendor over the price of some goods. I watched her, admiring her confidence and determination. She was a true timawa, with a spirit that shone brightly.

I decided to approach her, to strike up a conversation. As I walked towards her, she looked up and caught my eye. She smiled, and I felt a spark of connection. I nodded to her, and she bowed slightly, showing respect.

"Good evening, Alingat," I said, using her name. "I see you're a shrewd negotiator."

She smiled, and we chatted for a moment, discussing the market and the goods on offer. I learned that she was a skilled weaver, and that she was looking for a specific type of fabric for a new project.

As we talked, I felt a sense of ease and comfort with her. She was intelligent and witty, with a quick mind and a sharp tongue. I found myself laughing and joking with her, feeling more and more at ease.

But as the conversation went on, I realized that I was getting a little too comfortable. I was the rajah, after all, and she was a timawa. I didn't want to take advantage of her, or make her feel uncomfortable.

"I should be going," I said, nodding to her. "It was a pleasure talking to you, Alingat."

"The pleasure was mine, my lord," she replied, bowing slightly.

I smiled, and turned to leave. But as I walked away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. I had enjoyed talking to Alingat, and I looked forward to seeing her again.