When Ranveer saw Riddhima clutching onto Omkara's arm he wanted to come and intervene but with one look from his King he withdrew his hand.

"Princess I think you have mistaken my arm to be Prince Samarjeet's."

Pretending to compose herself Riddhima apologized for her rash behavior hoping that Omkara would see her as a virtuous woman.

"My apologies your Majesty. I was just too shocked to see her body floating in the water."

For a moment Riddhima was afraid Samarjeet was insulted but when she turned to glance at him his eyes were only looking at Gauri who was still staring at the direction of the floating body.

"Prince Samarjeet? Is something the matter?"

His gaze and focus was so strong at the woman in red that he didn't hear Riddhima's voice. All he could think about was wanting to see her face just one more time to make sure. But when his view was suddenly obstructed Samarjeet met with the darkest pair of deep black eyes.

"Princess Riddhima is calling you Prince."

His smile sent chills down Samarjeet's spine. The black eyes glaring at him made him snap back to reality. Turning back his focus on Riddhima who was not too happy being ignored "Sorry Princess. I was just a bit surprise that the maid we saw earlier has died."

Hooking up his lips as he heard Samarjeet spit out lies Omkara turned his sights to Gauri who seemed to be deep in thought.

"Are you also in shock to see a dead body? Do you need this King's arm for comfort?"

A small chuckle escaped her wine colored lips "Comfort? I am not sad nor scared."

With his hands around his back Omkara leaned down close to her ears to take in her lavender scent.

"Unlucky me."

By now Gauri was use to his teasing nature but what she didn't like was how hot his breath has gotten. Turning around to look at him Gauri could see little droplets of sweat forming on the sides of his temples. And when Omkara saw the concern on her face he couldn't hide his big smile. Leaning in close once again with their lips almost touching Omkara couldn't help himself.

"Do not worry Princess..Your King is perfectly fine."

Turning her head sideways to avoid his hot breath penetrating her thin veil Gauri did not bother to answer.

While the two was in close proximity of each other Riddhima's jealousy was at it's limit. She was tired that after all the effort she had put out this morning it seems everyone was still interested in Gauri only. Not wanting to admit defeat Riddhima was going to take the chance to ask Omkara to spend time with her alone by using the excuse that in Ashen there was a cave that had beautiful black diamonds. But as she came close to try and grab his sleeve to get his attention Ranveer quickly stood in front of her.

"I apologize Princess but please refrain from touching My King so leisurely."

Gauri and Omkara turned their gaze away from one another to look at Riddhima who was unhappily staring at them.

"Ranveer. That is no way to talk to the Crown Princess."

But with the smirk on his face everyone could see that Omkara did not blame his guard one bit.

"Did the Princess want to speak to me?"

Twirling her chiffon handkerchief "I know that in Mordis you have many caves with beautiful diamonds and here in Ashen we have one. I was wondering if your Majesty would like a tour there?"

Lifting up his brow as he looks at Riddhima who obviously had other motives.

"Does everyone want to go? What about the hunting expedition?"

"That wont be till another 3 hours your Majesty. Unfortunately I am only allowed to take one outsider along with me to the cave since it's one of the riches of Ashen. And I thought you might be the one most interested."

Her heart was pounding hard thinking that this time there was no rhyme or reason for him to reject her Riddhima couldn't hide the joy that was overcoming her entire body. But that bright smile of hers froze the minute Gauri grabbed onto Omkara's sleeve.

Hooking up his lips when he saw Riddhima's unpleasant expression Omkara knew the tug he felt was from the one and only Gauri. Her honey brown eyes were bright as ever against the morning sun and looking down at her small fingers grabbing hold of his sleeve only made him wish that there was a shy smile under that veil.

Trying hard to maintain her composure Riddhima was beyond livid.

"Princess Gauri! Do not not touch..."

Raising his hand to stop such words to spread to her ears Omkara wasted no time to further infuriate Riddhima.

"For Princess Gauri I will always make an exception."

3 hours was all she had till the hunting games begin she had no time left to be bothered with Riddhima's jealousy or Omkara's playful nature.

"I would like a moment with your Majesty before the time of the hunt. It is of utmost importance."

"Then we shall go at this instant."

Seeing Omkara and his guard escort Gauri away Riddhima was still hoping to intervene.

"If such importance I may be of some help Gauri."

Not even bothering to turn back and leaving Riddhima with no more than a few words.

"You will never be able to help."

Riddhima and Samarjeet could only stand side by side as the two left them gazing at their backs. Meanwhile Veer could not believe that he had trusted his idiot brother who was still suffering from last night's hangover.

Standing away from the Riddhima and Samarjeet Veer wanted more answers.

"How did it end up being the maid?!"

Rubbing the back of his head to try and soothe his aching head Ajay tried to recall what had happened last night to the best of his recollection.

"I don't know brother. I don't remember seeing that maid. I could have sworn it was Ishana that I slept with last night."

"Are you sure?! You can't even remember how you entered someone else's room!"

"Come on brother. Even if I mistakenly went into the wrong room there is no way I wouldn't remember her face and her naked body. Trust me it was Ishana. Don't you find it odd that she hasn't made an appearance all morning?"

"I do find it odd. But what use is it now when everyone think it was that damn maid."

"We still have a few days here big brother. There's still plenty of time."

Glaring down at his useless brother Veer could not allow anymore mistakes.

"No! You have disgrace us enough! Besides look at Riddhima. That woman only has eyes for the King of Mordis. Even with him walking away and not even a glance she is still entranced."

"So? What if he is the King of Mordis? If my brother wants the Crown Princess of Ashen then I will make it happen!"

Veer: Well make me proud by doing your best during the hunting expedition. We can not lose our face in front of so many.

Ajay: Do not worry brother. You know my skills are the best in Uthon.

Veer: Since we have three hours it is best to go rest up first.

"Princess Riddhima."

"Yes Prince Veer?"

"My brother and I will be returning to our chambers to rest before the hunting expedition."

Riddhima slightly curtsied to bid them farewell as Samarjeet once again escorts her back to her courtyard. But while he was suppose to try and make conversations with is so-called bride prospect Samarjeet's mind was filled with the woman in red.

Riddhima: Prince Samarjeet seem to be thinking a lot this morning.

Samarjeet: It's nothing Princess. Just that a lot has happened in such a short amount of time.

Riddhima: I hope this doesn't cause you to see Ashen in a bad light.

Samarjeet: Of course not Princess. Ashen is a beautiful place....

(Samarjeet's inner thoughts):....with a beautiful goddess hidden deep for no one to see.

*************************

The moment they reached her old courtyard Gauri gestured Bhavya to leave them and upon seeing that his Princess wants privacy Omkara quickly gave Ranveer a look to do the same.

With his hands behind his back Omkara playfully stood in the middle of the room and tilted his head playfully.

"Was my embrace this morning that addictive that you are missing it so much? Or is there something more that we could do in three hours Princess...."

His flirtatious words seem to not effect her as she gradually takes small steps towards him. Seeing her hand slowly disrobe him Omkara's eyes flickered while his smile disappeared. Her warm fingers softly trailed along his chest trying to find that crystal needle she inserted earlier this morning.

"Don't move."

As she pulls her needle out from his chest the pain returned 10 times worse than before. She could tell in his eyes that he wanted to ask her why.

"If I let the needle stay inside you any longer the pain will be unbearable later. I have to treat you another way so that you could protect yourself during the hunt. You must bear with it till night time when I can prepare the medicine as well as the hot water basin."

His fever has returned in full force making everything in front of him hazy except for the sound of her voice.

"See. I knew you were worried about me."

"The moment you became my patient your health will remain my concern."

"So what is this new method to buy me time?"

Gauri hesitated for a bit because this method was not one she enjoyed doing.

"Do you trust me your Majesty?"

As his lips curved up letting his fingers trail along the lobe of her ear to unhook the veil that was hiding her beauty.

"You ask as if I have a choice Princess."

This time Gauri took out three long white needles with silver threads attached to the ends.

"These silver threads are stronger than that of fishing lines. They have been soaked in medical herbs. When I pierce this needle inside your chest and one on your neck the thread will stay inside while slowly releasing the medicine into your body. But be warned your Majesty. If you exert too much strength the faster the thread will release the medicine hence you will need to control till night time."

"That doesn't sound so hard."

As her veil dropped down to the floor Gauri gestured Omkara to sit on her bed.

Finding it hard to breathe did not stop Omkara from teasing his physician.

"Such a shame that you only come this close willingly when you are treating me. You know Princess you can come close to me anytime you like."

"This method forces me to be closer than I would like your Majesty."

Her words were a bit confusing until she simultaneously inserted the three needles through his body letting the silver thread become completely embedded within him. As he felt the effects of the thread his breathing pattern returned to normal and his fever immediately subsided.

"How do you feel?"

"It's working."

With the needles still in her hand Gauri needed to tie off the ends of the thread without moving the needles that she was currently holding. The only option for this method was to use her teeth.

Her warm lips slightly grazed his chest and the moment she wrapped the thread around her tongue she quickly made a knot. When she released the first tied thread from her mouth she could feel his gaze on her. Her cheeks were heating up and her heart was pounding hard as she saw her lipstick leave marks on his chest.

"Remember your Majesty...don't move."

"Easy for you to say Princess. Taking liberties with me like this."

Trying to drown out his words Gauri quickly tied the second knot on his chest only to stare at the very last one that was on his neck.

He could feel her breath slowly coming closer forcing him to clench onto the bedsheets to remain still. When she opened her mouth to take hold of the thread his entire body wanted to erupt. Having her tongue twirl around his neck to make the last knot drove him into the depths of hell. His eyes were now pitch black while his hands were full of torn bedding with his mind full of impure thoughts.

"Princess...You sure expect a lot from me."

Refusing to let him see her face Gauri tried to get off the bed only to have him quickly pin her down.

"Your Majesty!"

As her eyes shot daggers at him Omkara could only heave a heavy sigh while leaning down into the crook of her neck.

"You truly are amazing. Do you know what you have done?"

Gauri didn't care what she had done to him all she wanted was to get him off of her. The warm breath against her neck was making her nervous and clouding her mind.

"Your Majesty should rest."

Pulling away from her neck to focus on her soft lips "At least give me this."

Her heart felt like it fell to the floor the moment his lips pressed against hers. The tip of his tongue was teasingly licking her lips while trying to slowly pry it's way inside. And when he couldn't hold on the his senses anymore Omkara deepened the kiss. Seeing that she never fought him off Omkara grabbed the back of her neck while chasing her tongue to every corner. But when he felt her soft hands against his bare chest he knew he had to stop. Using every ounce of sanity that he had left Omkara pulled away only to have her pull him back to meet her misty golden eyes.

"Your Majesty should know thy limits."

Gently pushing him to the side so that she could get off the bed Gauri didn't even give Omkara a second look as she walked towards the door.

"Your Majesty should return to rest."

Closing the door behind her Gauri touched her numbing lips with her shaking fingers.

"That man is just too dangerous."

*************************

Queen's Chambers

Svetlana had sent Ishana back to her own courtyard to rest up before joining everyone at the hunting grounds later in the afternoon. Tej's letter was already infuriating her to no end.

"If Gauri is the physician he needs then I somehow have to get her to Mordis. Then he can do whatever he wants with her but until then she is mine to play with!"

The leader of her secret guards quickly came back with a bag filled with what she had asked.

"My Queen I have got the snakes."

Pulling out an empty vile from her jewelry box Svetlana threw it to the guard.

"Extract it's poison and brush it on every arrow that we have. Use all your men this afternoon. I don't care how much it takes but I only need one arrow to hit the Crown Prince!"

"As you say my Queen."

This time Svetlana was determined to hurt Gauri regardless of Kali's warning of Sahil being off limits.

"Blame your daughter for this Kali. I can't let it go after what she did to Ishana! Your heir is unfortunately collateral damage."

**Hope you guys liked this update. Do vote if you did or leave comments, feedback, etc. Or even cute emojis LOL.