Chapter 7

Riddhima couldn't believe her luck because the ointment she was holding could only be taken from the pharmacy with a seal given by the Queen. This ointment was very hard to make and it was something that her mother did not like sharing. The cream was like the "fountain of youth" and just one look at her mother Riddhima knew how precious this cream was. Although she was suppose to only use it to treat her small scratch Riddhima decided that she was given enough to apply it all over her face. As she happily slather the cool cream on her cheeks Riddhima couldn't help but feel a tingly sensation "Hmmm...is it working already? So fast?" Feeling excited she quickly rubbed it on her forehead chin and all the way down to her neck but the tingly sensation started to grow stronger. Looking at herself in the mirror Riddhima's eyes widen when her face felt like tiny ants crawling and with her finger nails she started to scratch vigorously. "AH!! What is happening!!! AH!!!!" Riddhima's personal maid quickly ran inside "Princess! What's WRon..." The maid gasp in shock seeing claw marks on Riddhima's face. She quickly ran to Riddhima's side "Princess! What's wrong?! You mustn't scratch anymore!" "Help me!! I can't! It's so itchy!!"

Maid: Guards!!! Guards!! Notify the King and Queen!! The Crown Princess!! Something is wrong!!

Trying her hardest to hold Riddhima's arms "Princess! Please stop scratching! You are bleeding!

The Guards did not waste time rushing towards the Queen's quarters who was trying to enjoy dinner with Kali.

Kneeling down "Your highnesses."

Putting down his cup of wine and feeling annoyed "What is it?!"

Guard: It's the Crown Princess your majesty she seem to be scratching her face uncontrollably.

Svetlana's brows furrowed "What do you mean!"

Guard: I am not sure what happened but the Crown Princess is scratching very hard.

Svetlana looks at Kali "My King summon the Palace Physician quickly! The Princes are coming next week! We can't let anything happen to Riddhima's face!" Kali's eyes darken with the thought of his plans going astray "Guard summon the Palace Physician at once! And bring the Crown Princess here!"

It didn't take long for the entire palace to be in chaos. As everyone was busy trying to find out what was happening to the Crown Princess who was being pinned down by 3 palace maids as the Palace Physician examines her face.

Ishana: So doctor what is wrong?!!

Svetlana: Ishana! Quiet and let the doctor access the Crown Princess!"

Hearing the doctor sigh Kali started to worry as he sees the scratch marks oozing out blood on Riddhima's face "Why is she scratching?"

The doctor quickly kneels down "Forgive me your majesty but I am not sure why the Crown Princess is so itchy."

Riddhima yells out "It's the cream! I put the cream the pharmacy gave me!"

Svetlana's squinted her eyes sharply "That's impossible! I have been using that cream for years!"

Riddhima still trying to scratch her face "Mother! I swear once I put the cream on my face it felt like little ants crawling and trying to bite me!"

Kali looks at the Palace Physician "Is there anything you could do to stop the itching?"

The doctor frantically started to bow his head in fear "This servant is useless I am not able to determine what is causing the itch. But....."

Svetlana angrily "But what?! Spit it out!"

Still bowing his head "Your highness there is one person who might know."

Kali: Who?

Palace Physician: Princess Gauri.

Kali knew of Gauri's talent in medicine but after what happened earlier in the day how could he force her to examine Riddhima.

Ishana: Gauri?! Mom make her come and help Riddhima! At this rate her face will be ruined!

Even Svetlana did not want to ask Gauri for help because what happened earlier today was something one would not easily forget. Thinking to herself "Did that little girl set this up?!"

Kali: Guard...Go summon Princess Gauri here immediately!

As she sees the Guard rush out of the room Svetlana quickly whispers in Kali's ear "Don't you think it's odd that this is happening?"

Kali "What are you implying?"

Svetlana: We all know of Princess Gauri's talent in medicine as well as poison...

Kali: Queen! If you have no physical evidence I do not want to hear it!

It was enough that he had to be bothered day by day with all these female problems he didn't want things to escalate. The people of Ashen was already unhappy with him when he gave Gauri's Crown Princess title to Riddhima after her mother's death so there was no way he was going to accuse Gauri of poisoning Riddhima now.

Svetlana: Fine. Then how are you going to convince Gauri to help Riddhima after you punished her severely this morning?

"I am the King of Ashen. I don't need to convince anyone! She will do as I say."

**Gauri's Courtyard**

Sitting on her small table enjoying some simple dishes with Sahil who couldn't help but feel that tonight his sister was somewhat happy.

Sahil: Gauri?

Putting a piece of chicken in her mouth "Hm?"

Sahil: Seems like your mood is much better tonight then it was this morning.

Gauri: I am indeed.

But before Sahil could ask why Bhavya came in and knelt down before them.

Bhavya: Princess it seems that everyone in the palace is nervous because of the Crown Princess's condition.

Gauri smiles underneath her veil "I see. I take it that they also summoned that useless Palace Physician"

As Bhavya continued to narrate all that happened in the Queen's Courtyard regarding Riddhima Sahil was the only one who was in shock.

Sahil: Gauri why is that happening to Riddhima?

Gauri leans back on to her chair after finishing her meal "Watch and learn Sahil. This is how a King should deal with their enemies. We should not be like them and strike upfront. You have to be smart...so smart that there is nowhere for them run to. With this they will think twice before wanting to lay their hands on you or me in the future."

Sahil eyes widen "Did you do this?"

Sahil did not need to hear the answer when Gauri's eyes said it all. "Remember...later just do what I say okay Sahil. You will be able to vent your anger from this morning."

Upon hearing that Sahil quickly shook his head "Okay! I will!"

Soon the Guard came to escort Gauri to the Queen's Courtyard.

Guard kneels: Princess Gauri the King asks to see you right away.

Gauri smirks under her mask "Well I would be happy to go but you see I can't walk too fast due to my injury."

Everyone around the palace had already heard of what had happen this morning so the Guard was not surprise to hear the news of Gauri's injury.

Guard: I will escort you slowly Princess but we must go now.

Gauri slowly stands up and instruct Bhavya to get her some more pain medicine since it was quite a far walk from her place to the Queen's.

Sahil: I will also accompany you.

Gauri nods her head as she is happy that Sahil knew exactly what to do now.

Although her wounds on her back were painful from having to walk such a far distance but Gauri purposely walked slower that she had to. Having Sahil be the one to hold her arm while she walked the Guard dare not to hasten the speed.

Queen's Courtyard

Ishana was visibly angry "What is taking her so long?! Mother! It was her! I bet she tampered with the cream!"

Kali sharply looked at Svetlana who quickly slapped Ishana's face "Do not speak nonsense!"

Rubbing her face "Mother!" "BE QUIET! Go and help the maids hold down your sister!"

Feeling wronged Ishana listens and tries to hold down Riddhima who had managed to scratch her face a few more times.

Svetlana: What is taking Princess Gauri so long?

Kali couldn't help but feel annoyed "You should blame yourself for that."

It was true that everything that was happening now was her fault. It was she who made Gauri move to that desolate Courtyard far away from everyone. It was also her who suggested Gauri endure the punishment that was suppose to be for Sahil. But if she knew the price she had to pay was this she would have just left the brother and sister alone today. She didn't want to risk this chance to have Riddhima be married off to Prince Veer and looking at her daughter's face now Svetlana was beginning to worry if their long time plan was now ruined because of her hatred towards Gauri.

It felt like hours before the Guard that was sent out was seen again.

Guard: Your highnesses Princess Gauri and Prince Sahil has arrived.

Gauri and Sahil slowly walked in and knelt "Greetings Your Majesties"

Kali and Svetlana could see the struggle it took for Gauri to kneel.

Kali: You may both rise. Gauri I want you to take a look at the Crown Princess. It seems that she is suffering from some type of poison.

Ishana wanted so badly to point her finger at Gauri and accuse her of doing all this to Riddhima but the sting from the slap earlier was still hurting.

Gauri: I will try my best.

Svetlana could not believe that Gauri did not even put up a fight this gesture of Gauri's made Svetlana even more suspicious as well as nervous. Kali on the other hand knew that Gauri was too smart to throw a tantrum in front of so many people. She was brought up by the late Queen who was always calm and collected unlike the current Queen of Ashen.

Sahil helped Gauri walk over to Riddhima who was lying in bed while being held down by four people.

Gauri: I cannot examine her with so many people holding her down. I need one person to just hold both arms down.

Ishana angrily "what you are you saying! the Palace Physician examined her fine! You are just trying to make trouble!"

Gauri: If you don't trust me than you hold her while I take a look.

Ishana: Fine. You three get out!...Riddhima you need to control yourself! Stop struggling damnit!

Riddhima tried her best to control her urge to claw her face "Hurry!"

Gauri looks at Riddhima for a good 5 minutes before turning around and walking towards Kali and Svetlana.

Kali: Well? Is it treatable?

Gauri: Yes.

Svetlana: How? Do you have the medicine?

Gauri: I have part of the medicine but the main part.....

Kali: Tell me what you need and I will get it.

Gauri: The treatment is easy but the question is the Crown Princess willing.

Svetlana: Princess Gauri quit talking in riddles and tell us!

Seeing Svetlana being all flustered instead of her usual composed self Gauri couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Well I have the medicine but it needs to be mix in with a certain...liquid."

Kali and Svetlana: Liquid?

Gauri: A young male's urine. With this powder it needs to be mixed in with a young male's urine and apply on the Crown Princess's face 3 times a day for 6 days.

Riddhima screamed in disgust "What?! Disgusting!!"

Ishana trying her best to hold Riddhima down "She is lying!"

Gauri: If this powder is mixed in with any other liquid it will make the Crown Princess's condition worse. So as I said before...the treatment is easy but it will only work if the Crown Princess is willing.

Svetlana: How could we allow that?! How could we ask someone to give us their urine! We would be a laughing stock throughout Ashen!

Gauri: Well...there is a way for this to remain only known to the people in this room.

Kali: Say it.

Gauri looks over at Sahil "I see that it should not be too disgraceful if the "liquid" is from the Crown Prince of Ashen.

Everyone's attention was now on Sahil who could not help but smile "I am happy to help the Crown Princess in anyway I can."

Gauri: The powder is to be mixed in immediately so I will be handing this over to the Crown Prince if you choose to use this treatment. Remember come to his courtyard 3 times a day for 6 days. So right now....should be the first treatment if you want to test it.

Kali needed Riddhima's face to be perfect! The Princes of Gopar and Uthon were to visit in 7 days. "Do it."

Everyone eyes grew wider except Gauri who was smiling underneath her veil as Sahil walked towards the bathroom.

Riddhima: This better work! If not I will not let you go!

As Sahil comes out with a bowl he hands it to the nearest maid "I have poured the powder..you mix it in."

The maid quickly takes a spoon to mix it and walks over to Riddhima who couldn't hide her disgust as the maid dips a cloth and starts to dab the contents onto her face. As everyone was busy looking at Riddhima Sahil quickly returns to stand beside Gauri and whispers "Did it have to be urine?" Once again Gauri did not need to say anything because her eyes revealed it all to Sahil who smiled brightly "3 times a day for 6 days. I really did vent out my anger. Thanks Gauri." With a slight nod Gauri looked on as everyone gathered near Riddhima who obviously stopped struggling.

In disbelief Ishana let it slipped "Oh my god it's working." Even Riddhima didn't dare to lie because having the tingling feeling stop she was too afraid not to use this type of treatment. Svetlana and Kali's worries started to ease until a soft sarcastic voice from the back "So I take it as the treatment is working. If so I will return back to my courtyard."

Svetlana still had some resentment towards Gauri because she knew that this was somehow caused by her "Princess Gauri I do have a question to want to ask."

Gauri: Yes?

Svetlana: How did you know how to treat this type of poison?

Gauri tilts her head "Who said it was poison?"

Svetlana: If not poison then what?

Gauri: I am not sure. But I would suspect it must be due to the cream. Too much of a good thing can wind up being harmful. If it was me I would not use it because of side effects like these.

Everyone knew how much the Queen loved this cream especially Gauri who was smirking unbeknownst to anyone.

With her fists clenched underneath her robe "Are you saying there is not a possibility the cream was tampered with?!"

Gauri: That I do not know. The palace pharmacy is very well guarded especially the things that the King and Queen loves to use. If The Queen still suspects you might want to investigate the pharmacy.

It was already late in the night and Kali was relieved to see Riddhima stop scratching her face. "Sahil...escort Princess Gauri back."

As everyone looks on as Sahil slowly walks Gauri out of the room Kali suddenly commanded his secret guards to lock the room.

Svetlana knew what was going to happen and told Riddhima and Ishana to keep quiet while the secret guards killed all the maids and regular guards who knew of what transpired tonight. Even the Palace Physican tried to plead for mercy "please...please don't kill me your majesty!"

Kali: To ensure that the treatment is not leaked out I must!

As Gauri and Sahil leisurely walked back "Gauri! That was great!"

Gauri: Remember...always play on your opponent's weakness. With that they will believe almost everything you say out of desperation.

Sahil happily nods his head. "Sahil...remember to not tease Riddhima when comes to see you...that will cause her to suspect. For these 6 days they will not try to provoke you. This will allow me to be more at ease when I go to Mordis in a few days."

When they finally arrived back Sahil noticed Gauri's back was beginning to show a reddish stain "Gauri...."

Gauri: I know. You go back. It's time for Bhavya to change my bandages and apply medicine. Sahil...be good.

Sahil: Okay. You also take care of yourself Gauri. Wait for me to be stronger!

As Sahil turns to leave he hears his sister soft voice "I will."

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Few days passed peacefully (Night)

Bhavya: Princess your wounds as yet to heal completely let me go with you.

Making sure she has grabbed everything she needed for tonight "No. You lay in my bed. Without you here the Queen's secret guards will know that I am gone."

Bhavya: Fine. But be careful Princess. 

Gauri: I know. Khanna...I am ready.

Out of the shadows Khanna appears to lead his master out of the palace without anyone noticing.

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Mountain cave in Mordis

Omkara was sitting down trying to endure the pain as Dandi and Ranveer prepared the water basin for tonight.

Dandi: Are you sure she will come your Majesty?

Omkara sweating perfusely: I am sure.

Ranveer: Do you want us to take her after she is done proving she can treat you tonight?

Omkara lips curves up as his entire body burns like fire sending jolt of pain "Lets see first."

As the three patiently waits Gauri finally made it to Mordis and out from the trees "Nala..." The white fur from Nala's head as she softly rubs against Gauri's thigh "You smell the medicine on my back?" Whimpering Nala rubs her head even more while Gauri pets it. "Don't worry I am fine. Let me ride you tonight...I can't walk any longer. And he is waiting." Nala started to growl angrily "What is it Nala? Is he not alone?" Nala growls even louder "Well then...I shall also not come alone. We all shall go." Soon the entire pack comes out.

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