Chapter 6

Walking towards his sister's courtyard brought back many memories for Omkara. Every large white jaded pillar that decorated his palace halls reminded him of the many times he played hide and seek as a child. A place once filled with laughter now felt cold and desolate with every step. The memory of his father chasing him and throwing him up in the air while his mother giggled from afar could no longer warm his heart. As the moon shined upon the many small pools that lined his pathway he tried his best to put on a nice smile for his sister while his heart was filled with nothing but hate. His dark brown eyes only showed small flashes of light as he strolled down the cold path towards Priyanka's chambers. His silk black robe with a delicate gold trimming along the collar and cuffs could be seen dragging along the cold stone floor. With a shiny black crown made from a unique black diamond that only the King of Mordis can wear made it seem as if the King of Hell himself was making an appearance in the mortal world tonight.

As he finally entered the courtyard of the Crown Princess of Mordis Omkara was happy with himself that at least the decor here was warmer than compared to the rest of the palace. A part of him was glad that just maybe he was able to protect the dark from spreading to his sister. After the loss of their parents Omkara had made a sworn promise that he will protect Priyanka and bring nothing but joy and happiness in her life but the scar that was left on her face that day was a constant reminder of that dreadful day. As he closes his eyes to invite back the screams of his sister whenever she saw her reflection made his heart bleed from within. It took 5 years of daily screams and nightmares for Priyanka to finally crawl out of her own hell. While the scar on her face has faded but the pain was still as deep as the day she saw her parents leap to their death.

When one of Priyanka's maid caught sight of the mighty King of Mordis she hurriedly kneeled down "Greetings your Majesty." Nodding his head and waving his hand the maid quickly stepped aside to make way for her King. Upon entering the greeting room he could see Priyanka standing by the balcony staring off into the night. "Priyanka...." Wearing a light blue dress with light pink flowers embroidered along the bottom Priyanka slowly walked over to her brother. The swaying of her footsteps made the flowers come alive. As she started to kneel down "Greeting your Majesty." Gently grabbing his sister by the arm to help her up "You know I don't like you addressing me so." With a soft smile "But tonight dressed as the King of Mordis who dare not to refer you as one." Raising his fingers to touch Priyanka's white diamond crown "And you dear sister is the Crown Princess of Mordis and tonight I have a gift for you." With her hand she gently grazes her fingers along the scar on her cheek "I don't like seeing them brother." Hooking up his lips "Come. Tonight I will make you smile." Trying to move his sister's hair only to have her step back "Please brother." Pulling his hand back as he sighs "I told you before. You are beautiful. No need to hide because of that scar." Tears were welling up in her eyes "Okay Priyanka. I won't ever try again. Don't be sad..not tonight."

As they made their way to the palace dining room Priyanka tried asking Omkara what was going to happen tonight but all she got in return was the wave of chills hearing her brother's chuckles echoing through the dark halls. Sneaking side glances Priyanka could see as well as feel the coldness of Omkara's eyes and the sinister smile that would escape from him now and then. "Will there be blood tonight?" As the question escaped his sister's lips Omkara stopped walking and looked at his sister "No. Too early. It's more fun to play with our prey Priyanka. They will be reminded again tonight what the King of Mordis is capable of."

Tej and Daksh was escorted into the dining hall by Ranveer and Dandi. Seeing the extravagant dark stone table in front of him made Tej clench both his fists as he sat down. He hated dining here because whenever he looks up he could see the large white jaded table that only the Royal family was allowed to sit at. The thought of having Omkara stare down at him while they ate made his blood boil. If only his plan 10 years ago had not failed it would be him sitting at that table. Sitting next to his father Daksh was getting nervous "Father. Do you think Omkara knows that we were the ones to send the assassins?" Tej furiously looked into his dumb son's eyes "Did the pile of bodies in front of our doorstep not answer that question?!"

Feeling scared "Then do you think he invited us here to punish us?!" Looking at the empty seat above "Invite? It was more like an order! But don't worry too much. Omkara knows that I still have power over the troops that is protecting the Northern border. He can't risk having the King of Ashen invade so he will not act rashly." Knowing that they still had some sort of power Daksh felt a bit more relieved until he heard Omkara's voice reverberate around the room "Good evening." Seeing The King of Mordis escort the Crown Princess to the Royal table the father son duo quickly stood up and walked towards the center of the hall to kneel down and in unison "Greetings your Majesty..Greetings Princess." Taking his time sitting down Omkara could already feel a slight sense of satisfaction running through his veins "You may rise." With Dandi and Ranveer standing by Omkara's side Tej could only grit his teeth knowing that because of those two that his plan 10 years ago was not fully executed. He had underestimated their abilities back then. If he could turn back time he would have sent more assassins that day. Tej and Daksh walked over to their table as the servants slowly filled up their glasses and set their table with many delicious dishes that one could only have in the presence of Royalty.

The silence was putting Tej and Daksh on edge while they ate and this made Omkara very happy to see.

Tej: Your Majesty...I heard that you were attacked by assassins lastnight. I am happy to see that you are okay.

Om's eyes flashed a trace of malice towards Tej "News travels fast. I see nothing can escape the Lord."

Tej: Did you find out who was behind this attack Your Majesty?

Just hearing Tej's voice made Priyanka grip her handkerchief and twist it in knots underneath the table. Om slowly puts down his wine glass "Pretty sure they received my gift this morning on their doorsteps." Trying not to feel effected Tej could only play coy "Is that so. I am sure the message was well received. What does your Majesty plan to do with them?"

Om leans back into his chair and with his powerful gaze at the father and son sitting below him and with a smirk "I plan on letting them know what happens when you try to kill the King of Mordis." Daksh accidentally drops his wine glass and when his eyes met that of Omkara's he quickly tried to grab the fallen cup.

Om: Is something the matter Daksh? Is the palace wine not to your liking?

Daksh stammers "No...I mean...yes...I mean the wine is very tasting its just after eating these delicious dishes I feel the palace wine is too strong for me tonight." Tej wanted to just slap his son at this moment. What kind of man would say such weak words!

Om's lips hooks up "Well if that's the case I have the perfect drink for you." Whispering in Ranveer's ears Tej and Daksh could only sit and continue to finish eating.

Tej: I hear the King of Ashen has invited the Princes of Uthon and Gopar next week. It seems they are making their move by forming an alliance through marriage.

Priyanka's heart started to tighten as the thoughts of marriage filled her mind.

Om: Oh?

Tej: We need to also take some steps. How about having our very own Crown Princess seek out a marriage proposal.

Tej knew that Omkara hated anyone who dared bring up marriage prospects in front of Priyanka. It was already insulting enough that not one Prince from either neighboring countries ever made an effort to ask for her hand let alone have his sister openly ask for a marriage alliance. Om's eyes grew colder "I don't think it's necessary to involve the Crown Princess in the affairs of men."

Tej: If you don't mind me saying your Majesty if the Crown Princess is not willing to help the country of Mordis then maybe it's time for you to find us a Queen.

Omkara could sense Priyanka's sadness hearing these words. Her hands were tightly twisting her handkerchief and her eyes were now looking down at her empty plate of food.

Omkara: So what does the Lord suggest.

Tej: I think we should also send out a letter asking the King of Ashen that the King of Mordis would also like to join this delightful meeting. I hear that the King of Ashen has 3 daughters. I think that to prevent our two countries from fighting maybe its best to make one of his daughters Queen of Mordis. That way we can control Ashen.

Omkara knew that Tej was a very scheming man and to suggest something like this tonight must have taken a lot of courage. "I see. Then I will send out a letter tomorrow. I too would like to see how beautiful the Princesses of Ashen are."

Tej: I hear the Crown Princess Riddhima is a beautiful woman as well as her younger sister Ishana.

Om: And the third Princess?

Tej: I hear the Third Princess is from the previous Queen of Ashen. I hear she is so hideous that she wears a mask. I don't think she is fit to be Queen of Mordis.

Om bangs his hand on the table startling Tej to run out and kneel down quickly "Sorry your Majesty. Forgive me."

Om: You should know that I will decide who is best to be Queen of Mordis. Even you should now your limits of what you are allowed to say to me.

Clenching his teeth and gripping his fists as he bangs his head on the stone floor asking for forgiveness Tej could only curse Omkara under his breath.

Om: You may go back and sit.

Priyanka felt so delighted as she saw blood slowly trickling down at the center of Tej's forehead.

Om: I will make a trip to Ashen to sightsee. Do not for once think I am there to bring back a Queen. My reason to be there is to remind them that no matter what alliance is made the King of Mordis is unfazed. My shear presence is enough to warn them. No need to go beg the King of Ashen for one of his daughter's hand in marriage. To dare go up against me will be their downfall.

Priyanka softly lets out a chuckle as she sees Tej wipe the blood from his forehead. Om leans over and whispers "See. I told you I'd make you smile tonight." Priyanka nods her head agreeing that she did not regret dining with these two vile monsters.

Daksh could only sit quietly after seeing how Omkara had just humiliated his father. Trying to quickly eat to end the night Daksh almost choked on his food.

Om: Ah. I almost forgot. Ranveer..quickly poor the tea for Daksh.

Tej had a bad feeling while seeing the tea being poured into his son's cup. "Tea?"

Omkara smiles "Yes. You should feel honored to have the chance to drink this tea."

Daksh confusingly " What kind of tea is that?"

Omkara leans back onto his chair once again "This is the tea that only the King of Mordis drinks."

Tej's eyes widen as he looks towards a smiling Omkara "Your Majesty! How could my son dare to drink such special tea! Daksh put that down!"

Omkara laughs "I insist. It would be a great insult if he does not try it." Not knowing what was going on Daksh quickly drank the tea to not further infuriate the King. He didn't want to be on the receiving end like his father. Seeing his son gulp down every drop Tej's heart sank.

Om laughs "So how does it taste?" Daksh wipes his mouth "Very good your Majesty! The best I've ever had."

Om smirks at Tej "Oh? Your son seem to love it. Then does the Lord also want a taste?"

Om could see the anger in Tej's eyes "I don't care for any tea your Majesty."

Om smiles "Then I will not force you. But since Daksh likes it so much I will gift him some. Dandi! Ranveer! Bring it out."

As he sees the two men carry the large clay pot that he had gifted Omkara long ago Tej could only clench his fist till his knuckles turned white. "How could we dare accept such a gift your Majesty? Besides I gifted you this container for your tea leaves..do you not like it?"

Although Omkara was laughing his eyes were full of murderous intent "You see. I was lucky enough to stumble upon a talented physician who told me that this tea is not good for my body. No wonder all these years I have not been feeling that well. I have found something better in its place. So you go and enjoy this tea from now on."

Tej: Then we will only take the tea leaves no need to return the clay pot your Highness.

Omkara's eyes grew colder "I remember you telling me that this Clay pot was made specifically to enhance the taste of this type of Tea only. It would be useless for me to use it now."

Tej: Then who is this renowned physician. I too would like to meet him.

Omkara: No need. The physician is for me only. You don't need to know.

Tej could not believe that there was someone as talented as that damn physician in Ashen. Did he not instruct Svetlana to make sure he was dead? How can there be someone who could figure how Omkara was being poisoned!? And now that is own son is poisoned he needed to know who the physician was more than ever! All these thoughts were already guessed by Omkara who was now relishing in the joy knowing that Tej would have to see his son suffer every fourth night of the week like he has for 10 years.

Daksh lips began to turn purple as he started to slump over the table "FATHER! something is happening! UGH!!!" Tej did not dare to accuse the King of Mordis of poisoning his son he could only plead for the same pill that Omkara received from the late Queen to prolong his life. "Your Majesty please call the palace physician!" Holding his only son in his arms who was now struggling to breathe "Daksh!" Omkara slowly stands up and gestures Priyanka to follow him. As the two walked down the few steps to look upon Tej and Daksh "Seems like Daksh is poisoned brother." Om sarcastically questions "But the Tea is something I drink everyday. It could not be the Tea. Impossible that it was the food because we all ate the same dishes."

Omkara: Does the Lord have any ideas to how this happened?

Tej looks over at the clay pot and back at Om who was smiling evilly "I have no idea."

Om pulls out the pill out of his sleeve "Here. Try this. It won't cure him but maybe it will prolong his life." Tej quickly grabs the pill and force feeds it to Daksh who immediately feels better. "Thank you your Majesty."

Om: It would be unsightly to have someone die tonight. The Crown Princess might end up having nightmares. You two should go back to your manor now.

Tej begrudgingly helps Daksh up. "Then we shall leave. Pardon your Majesty."

Om: Dandi please help the Lord and his son back to his Manor. I don't want rumors to spread saying that the King of Mordis tried to kill anyone tonight.

Tej knew this was Omkara's way of warning him to be mindful of what he says. "Don't worry your Majesty."

As the two left Priyanka could not help but ask "Why did you give him the pill! Should have let him die!" Omkara laughs louder "Death is too easy. To see his son suffer once a week without a cure is much...much....better."

Priyanka knew that Omkara was always suffering from that poison 10 years ago but she was never allowed to witness his pain. Omkara would never allow her to see it but she knew it must be excruciating. "You go rest Priyanka. The kingdom should have some peace for awhile. Tej will be busy trying to find out how to help his worthless son."

Priyanka: And you? What about that physician you mentioned earlier?

Omkara smiles as he thinks of Gauri "She is someone who will save me."

**Hope you guys like this update. And yes they will meet soon lol..do vote if You did.