The Obsession

Chapter 39

Ranvijay stormed out of Maanvika's chamber, his face dark with anger. His Chief Guard, standing at attention, approached him. "Your Majesty—"

Ranvijay cut him off, his voice thundering. "Stop this nonsense. Tell me why today's incident happened in my palace. Where were the guards when someone entered Maanvi's chamber?"

The Chief Guard state. "From what I knew, those guards were assigned to Concubine Maanvika(Leela)chamber, Your Majesty. After the food toxin scheme, Queen Dowager wanted to protect her from further harm."

Ranvijay's anger intensified. "Queen dowarge assigned?? I want my best imperial guards here on Maanvi's chamber now,I don't need half-measures. Arrange it."

The Chief Guard nodded attentively. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Ranvijay's gaze narrowed. "And what about the assassin?"

The Chief Guard replied, "We're checking every possible lead, Your Majesty."

Ranvijay's anger flared. "The palace is so unsafe now.An outsider can harm someone here."

The Chief Guard placated him. "Don't be angry, Your Majesty. I'll investigate this incident properly and report to you."

Ranvijay's expression turned calculating. "Investigate all the concubines and queen Dowager too. Its one of them who wants to harm Maanvika. she already know who but won't name anyone, not with her nature to see good in everyone, even in her worst enemy."

The Chief Guard nodded saying. "This is why I advice you to be cautious lady Maanvi became everyone target here because you gave her so many sweeteners, Your Majesty."

Ranvijay's voice was cold. "The strongest pressure comes from her luck to be admired and envied by everyone,it someone from the harem who have access to inner palace who else it could be if not one from these women and Queen Dowager."

With a wave of his hand, Ranvijay dismissed the Chief Guard and left .

Ranvijay descended into the crystal-clear waters of the palace lake, the darkness of the early morning hour of 4 A.m enveloping him like a shroud. He settled onto the pool floor, his eyes closing as he began his meditation underwater.

The water pressure pushed against his eardrums, but he focused on his breath, letting the silence and stillness calm his mind.

As he meditated, Ranvijay's body relaxed, his muscles releasing the tension of the day. His mind cleared, and he focused on the present moment, letting go of worries and doubts.

Time lost meaning as he meditated, the world above fading away. Ranvijay's soul rejuvenated, refreshed, and renewed, ready to face the challenges ahead.

Finally, he slowly rose to the surface, breaking through the water's glassy calm. He emerged, gasping slightly, and climbed out of the pool, his eyes opening to the first light of dawn creeping over the palace walls.

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Leela's maid, come trembling fearing, bowed low as she updated her what's going on."Your Highness princess Maanvika(Leela), I regret to inform you that the goons failed to kill lady Maanvi. The guards were alerted, and security is now on high alert. The goons managed to escape without getting caught, but if they had been just one minute late, the guards would have caught them,and we will be in deep trouble."

Leela's face twisted in frustration, but her maid continued, "As for the poison, I have bribed a few people to administer the dosage to my gardener brother. The medicine is highly poisonous, and he will be dead within 38 hours of consuming it. Nobody will suspect anything, and our involvement will remain hidden."