Chapter 62

The room was all too familiar as the warm sun brightened up the lavish bedroom. With black silk sheets and a sheer black drape engulfing the large round bed brought back so many fond memories. Even the scent of wild flowers flowing through the room made her body remember the long nights with him. The promise that was made between the two felt like it was just yesterday. She grew up in the deep woods of Mordis behind the Fire Blossom Mountain and knew the legend of the Fire Blossom like it was an everyday bedtime story. A fairytale story that she believes will be her very own happily ever after. Raised by a scarred woman that found her abandoned in the woods Svetlana was only grateful for that fate. Lavanya was her name, the old woman that taught her everything. If it wasn't for her mother's teaching Svetlana would not be where she is today. Coming back to Mordis was bringing back so many memories, especially her deceased mother Lavanya. A beautiful woman tossed aside by The King of Mordis for none other than her half sister Geet.

Her mother died with so much hatred left in her heart so that she vowed to take revenge on her behalf. Using the most potent poison she had ever created with her mother Svetlana was able to give it to Tej who became her sword. When she heard how the King and Queen jumped to their death while their only son was poisoned her heart burst with happiness. She remembered running back into the woods where her mother was laid to rest to tell her all about it.

Flashback

"They are finally dead mother. Are you proud of me? The many years that you had to hide here while they lived in bliss has ended. Their son is poisoned and their beautiful daughter would no longer be able to face anyone with that hideous scar! Even in death I will not let those two lovebirds rest in peace! I will not allow their offspring to have what is ours! Once that Fire Blossom blooms and Tej takes it he will be unstoppable! I will finally become his Queen! We will rule all the Kingdoms and let our children sit on every throne!"

Svetlana's eyes grew darker as the memories kept rushing back to remind her that only the strong will have it all. The dark path she decided to take was the only path that will help her prevail. She had no regrets.

"They left you to burn but did not realize that you had survived but with scars so gruesome it was worse then death for you. However, that just pushed you into perfecting what I need now."

As she slowly walks out to the balcony she could see the dark woods just behind the Fire Blossom Mountain.

"If it wasn't for the Fire Blossom they would have tried to burn down our home mother. It didn't matter that it was also where Queen Geet grew up. They just wanted the memories of you erased but fate had other plans. She had the swords skills that painted her as the "Demon Beauty" while you were known as the "Witch of Poison." Was it wrong for you to fight for The King's affection?! How could she have been so cruel to attack you?! She knew how much you loved King Maan and yet she still didn't back down! You didn't even get the chance to use that potion on him when she caught you and he cruelly punished you by exiling you back into the forest. Still, you tried at the very last minute to throw the potion at him only to have him set it on fire with his torch where they stood and watch the flames engulf you! Luckily rain poured heavily that night, giving US this chance."

Svetlana's eyes narrowed as the fire grew inside of her. With her fingers clenching tightly against the balcony she felt his strong arms.

"It's been so long Svetlana."

She could feel his warm lips against the crook of her neck as she embraced her from behind.

"Why haven't I heard from you?"

"Do you think I haven't tried? But it seems that boy has figured out that I have someone in Ashen."

"Things are not going according to our plan Tej. The poison should have killed him so that you could be only one to take that Fire Blossom."

Tej continued to lay soft kisses on Svetlana's neck as his hands started to roam free.

"Blame that on the Princess of Ashen. She was the one to cure him."

Svetlana bit her lower lip in frustration at the thought of Gauri.

"Gauri......."

If it wasn't for her interference in her plans then Riddhima would still be targeting Prince Samarjeet and Ishana would have been on her way to marry the Prince of Uthon without a hitch. Instead, she has to change the course. If only Tej was guaranteed to be successful in obtaining the Flower Blossom then she wouldn't have to resort to these backup plans.

"You do know she was here but has now disappeared."

"Oh? Where did she go?!"

"I don't know but I do want to ask you again. Daksh is poisoned...since it was your creation....are you sure you don't have the antidote?"

Svetlana turns around to wrap her arms around Tej's neck. "I only know how to make poison. Mother has taught me that a good poison is one without the antidote."

"Then how did Lady Gauri cure Omkara?!"

Svetlana could see the anger in Tej's eyes but she was unsympathetic since Daksh was not her son. He could die for all she cared.

"She was trained by the Grand Physician....the very one that treated Queen Geet. Don't be so angry. We finally get to see each other after such a long time and you are showing me this side of you?" Svetlana pouted. "Besides...if she did it once....she could do it again."

When she saw Tej lift her up from the ground to head towards their bed she knew she was successful in calming him.

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Meanwhile Riddhima was enjoying her tour with Priyanka who seem to be a very worthwhile escort. She even tried her best to speak with the people of Mordis in order to be seen a good light. When she finally saw the signal her mother told her to look for Riddhima was all geared up to act out her part as a small child was suddenly pushed out in front of their carriage. Priyanka suddenly sees Riddhima jump off and hailed her body over the small child. With such a shock the guard riding the horses and to pull the reigns upward to stop their horses from trampling over the two. As the horses were pulled back Priyanka had to hold onto the edges of the carriage to maintain her balance.

"Is everyone alright?" Priyanka called out before stepping down from the carriage. However, when she turned her gaze to look for Riddhima and the child there was already a group of people surrounding them.

"My child! My child!" and woman in her late 30's called out while embracing her son.

"How could I ever repay you! You have saved my only son!"

Riddhima smiled at the woman ass she extended her hand to help the mother and son stand up.

"You need not think about repaying me. As Crown Princess of Ashen it is my duty to protect children."

Priyanka could see the look of respect in her people's eyes as they stared at Riddhima who's dress was slightly torn and hands soiled.

"Oh my! Look at your hands!" The woman tried to use her handkerchief to wipe the dirt from Riddhima's hands but was gently nudged away.

"Do not worry about minor things. Go take care of your son."

As Riddhima returned to the carriage she could already hear whispers out in the crowd.

Man1: I heard the Crown Princess of Ashen was a beauty but unfortunately an accident has scared her face.

Woman 1: No wonder she was wearing a veil.

Woman 2: Her heart has shown me just how beautiful the Crown Princess of Ashen is.

Man 2: Agree.

Woman 2: I heard it was Lady Gauri who refuse to treat Princess Riddhima's scar. I didn't really believe it until I saw Princess Priyanka's face just now! I heard from a maid in the palace that Lady Gauri was the one who gave Princess Priyanka medicine for her face.

Man 1: I also heard that! That must be some magical medicine because that scar is already fading!

Riddhima's eyes lit up as she heard those words and her eyes immediately looked towards Priyanka.

"Is it true that my step sister gave you medicine for your scar Princess Priyanka? She was here in Mordis?!"

Hooking up her lips Priyanka nodded.

"Do you mind if I try some myself? The royal physicians has given me many ointments but none has been useful."

Riddhima was hoping that since she was practically a special royal guest of Mordis that this request would not be rejected but to her dismay Priyanka did not hesitate to say "No."

"Lady Gauri has only made enough for my treatment. I am afraid you will have to wait until she returns."

Riddhima's eyes grew wide "Return? Where did she go?!"

"I do not know. Even brother does not know. However, he says she will return in 11 days. So till then I am afraid I can not oblige to your request."

During the rest of the tour Riddhima could not stop looking at Priyanka and wishing that she could get her hands on that medicine.

"Well..it is getting late. I think we should return to the Palace" said Priyanka as she looked towards the setting sun.

"Will we be dining with The King tonight?" Riddhima excitingly asked.

"I am afraid ever since Lady Gauri left the King has been eating alone. I will instruct the kitchen to deliver your meal."

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Fray

After leaving the Royal Tombs Kalyani had taken Gauri see the rest of Fray. Even though the entire land was coated in snow the people were eagerly trying to get a better glimpse at her. Suddenly she felt a little tug at the bottom of her dress. With cherry cheeks and big doe eyes a little girl happily smiled at her.

"Are you our Princess?"

Gauri could see the girl's mother try to run over to take her daughter away but Kalyani gently raised up her hand to stop the woman.

Gauri crouches down to look at the little girl that was beaming with joy.

"I will be your Princess for 11 days."

She could see the confusion in the girl's eyes as she gently stroked the girl's head.

Kalyani then signaled the mother to fetch her daughter.

Gauri could see her grandmother was trying hard to hide her sadness but the eyes were her tell.

"Are you sad that I said that?"

"Just a little."

"I don't want to lie to the people."

"I know. After the crowning ceremony tomorrow the people of Fray will embrace you...even if it is for only 11 days." Kalyani smiled.

When they returned to the Palace Gauri was greeted with a table full of delicious food for dinner. After such a long day and a big meal Gauri finally retreated back to her chambers that her grandmother had set up for her. The room was decorated in white lace with tables and cabinets made out of crystals but what caught her eye was what was lying on her night stand.

"The mask....."

Gauri held up the mask made from the white dragon's scales and placed it over her eyes.

"Omkara......."

**Hope you guys like this update. Do vote if you did. Hopefully it's not dragging but I can't just skip Svetlana's backstory 😊**