TITLE: Deception

AUTHOR: LOTSlove®

CHARACTERS: Richard / Kahlan / Cara / Zedd / Nicci / Original Characters

RATING: R / M

WARNINGS: Author Chooses Not to Use Warnings

TIMELINE: Anything up through S2 season finale (Tears)

DISCLAIMER: I'm completely obsessed with the show Legend of the Seeker and all things Richard and Kahlan. I love to write about them even though they cancelled my show and now I'm fighting to get it back!

SUMMARY: Sequel to me fic Revelation, Richard and Kahlan fight to solidify the D'Haran Empire when a new threat rises threatening to destroy all that they have worked for.

Chapter 1

She made her way through the courtyard with her usual elegant gliding gate, so graceful and yet keenly on guard. Her almond eyes took in everything all the while appearing not to care or notice much of anything at all. And she always used it to her advantage.

People often mistook her as being unaware of the things going on around her or as a complete lack of interest. And yet, she always managed to learn so much more than people wanted her to.

It was a gift really, a talent that she used to help her gain an edge over her opponents to get what she wanted. It wasn't magic so much as it was just paying close attention to every minute detail; every little glance, every seemingly insignificant expression, the way a person averted their eyes or even a subtle change in stance or tone.

Nothing went unnoticed by her. Nothing.

She ignored the smiles and the lingering stares that she garnered as she passed by people and soldiers alike. Her unique beauty had earned her the overt attention of countless men over the years and she knew how to use it to get what she wanted.

And what she wanted right now was still beyond her reach. But not for long, she comforted herself.

There was still much to do, more than she cared to think about. Things had to fall precisely into place if they was going to make it work. And what she had just recently learned had not helped her in the least. In fact, it may have made things even more complicated than they already were.

Dodging a small group of people chatting near a devotion pool, her attention was suddenly captured by a woman walking towards her. She immediately knew who it was even if she hadn't been adorned in purest white or surrounded by her entourage of red leather that followed her everywhere she went. Her captivating presence gave her identity away before her garment had.

Her raven hair was curled and pulled up, her dress flowing like liquid beneath her cloak with her regal movements. Her eyes were like bright sapphire jewels, the intelligence residing there startling to behold as she drew nearer.

Everyone in her presence immediately paused, dipping their heads in utmost respect for the Mother Confessor and Lady Rahl of D'Hara. She smiled and nodded to each one in turn, ignoring no one as her compassion and warmth became evident in her every action. She was intriguing to watch, the strength and nobility that she exuded mesmerizing to witness.

And in the briefest of moments, they passed by one another.

Time seemed to toil at a measured pace as their paths finally crossed, their eyes connecting for a fleeting second before she quickly looked away from the Lady Rahl. Now was not the time to meet or draw too much attention to herself.

Later…later the Mother Confessor would know who she was as would Lord Rahl. Soon, they would know everything and by then it would be far too late.

Continuing on through the busy street, Sangria smiled to herself with the thought.

XXX

Gently kicking his heels into the sides of his horse, Zedd clicked his tongue in an effort to encourage the hesitant animal along. The mare grudgingly complied with a snort and shake of its head, testing the rocky environment before fully proceeding. She was obviously more than unhappy with the rough terrain they were traversing as they pushed on through the snow covered ground.

Since leaving two days ago, they had already encountered some heavy patches of snow here and there along the way. Casting a wary glance at the sky, the dreary gray clouds that followed them overhead divulged the fact that more was soon going to be on its way.

If the snowfall became too heavy, they were going to have to find some shelter soon even though night was still a little ways off. Attempting to travel over this terrain in the dark was beyond dangerous. To try in a snow storm was deadly. While they needed to make good time on their journey to see Caelinus, they wouldn't be any good to anyone if they were all dead.

Peering to his left, Zedd watched as Frederick adjusted his cloak a little tighter around his neck. He had been holding up well so far for a man whose condition was as advanced as his was. He just hoped that it lasted until they could reach their destination and the help that with any luck awaited them.

Frederick's horse abruptly stuttered in its step, stamping its hooves in agitation before proceeding around a rocky formation jutting out from the side of the mountain. Their horses were as skittish about negotiating the steep difficult terrain as they were, but they had little choice. It was the only way to get to the Lo'Gaire Mountains and Caelinus.

Glancing over his shoulder to check on their other companion, the old Wizard was relieved to find Sister Deryn still following relatively close behind on her mare. Bundled beneath thick layers and a heavy cloak, it was difficult to see how she was actually doing with her hood pulled so far over to shield her face. Her hunched shoulders were still evident despite the layers that concealed her and kept her warm from the elements.

She had spoken very little since they had left, keeping to herself and avoiding making any eye contact with either of them. Zedd could tell that she was still furious over the fact that she had been the one to leave instead of Richard, but the girl could hardly blame him.

Richard had a possible war on his hands. He couldn't very well pick up and leave for Creator knew how long no matter the circumstances.

The sadness that had permeated his eyes when Zedd had embraced him before leaving a couple of days ago had spoken volumes as to the guilt that his grandson carried over not accompanying them. It had mirrored Kahlan's when he had told her goodbye as well.

He knew how difficult it was for the two of them to stay behind when lives were in danger, but he also knew that they were doing what was necessary for the greater good. Even though they were the Seeker and Mother Confessor, the Lord and Lady Rahl of D'Hara, it didn't mean that they could be everything for everybody at every moment. It was beyond impossible even for them.

There were some things that had to be left in the adept hands of others to take care of for them sometimes. And this was one of those situations. He was more than capable of getting Frederick and Sister Deryn where they needed to go, powerful enough to keep them all safe, and wise enough to stay out of danger. He may look old and beyond his years, but there was still a lot of fight left, still plenty of spirit in his old bones to handle anything that came their way.

Zedd sighed heavily as he thought about what the future may hold for them all. He just hoped for Richard and Kahlan's sake that war could be avoided. He knew how upsetting it would be for them, how much value they placed on every life. Their compassion and mercy knew no bounds, but these regions were forcing them to set their limits now with this outright defiance against the D'Haran Empire.

He knew that they would do what was right, what was necessary. These regions would be dealt with harshly, but fairly. In the end, they would all come to see that the uniting of the territories was necessary to ensure a peaceful future and prosperity for all.

For some people, though, it was easier to turn a blind eye and stiffen their necks towards what was necessary, to fight against change with every last breath no matter the circumstances. Their ignorance and willful betrayal would ultimately lead to their downfall if they didn't come to their senses soon.

A snowflake suddenly landed on the tip of his long nose, melting as soon as it came in contact with his skin and pulling him from his deep reverie. He tugged his hood a little further over his face, shielding himself from the onslaught about to come. If they were fortunate, they might be able to get in another league before the heavier snow began to fall.

XXX

"If you keep reading all the time like that, you're eyes are going to go cross."

Cara looked up from her book, startled by the sound of his deep voice. So engrossed in what she was reading, she hadn't even heard him enter their suite. "I'm working," she replied with a prideful smirk.

"Just don't work yourself into more trouble then you're already in," Garren frowned as he came to sit on the edge of the bed.

"I'm fine, Garren," she reassured him. "I haven't had any headaches in a couple of days at least and the baby is just fine."

"If you say so," he replied, unconvinced. Leaning over, he kissed her on the forehead. "What does Zedd have you reading now?"

"Still looking for anything that might help Frederick or Michael," she muttered, her brow furrowed as she focused again on her book.

Slipping off his boots, he moved to sit beside her on the bed. "Having much success?"

"Not a whole lot yet," she scowled. "I've got a few notes jotted down, some more books that I'm going to need brought up for me from the library."

"Make me a list and I'll see what I can find for you," he replied, proud of her tenacity.

With a raised eyebrow, she looked up from her book again. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?" he asked incredulously.

Cara hooked her hair behind her ear before closing her book. "I thought you'd be beside yourself with worry about me working on this."

"I am worried about you, but you seem to be handling it well," he relented. "And if it keeps you from losing your sanity from being cooped up in here, then I'm more than happy to help you accomplish your 'mission'."

"I can think of some other things that you could do to keep me occupied as well," she purred, turning over onto her side so she could face her husband, her finger lightly tracing the curve of his face.

Taking her book from her, Garren set it aside. "What exactly do you have in mind, Mistress Cara?"

She stroked his hair, her eyes roaming over his handsome face before settling on his lips. "Maybe it would be better if you just showed me what your ideas are first."

Pulling out of the kiss, he brushed his nose against hers, keeping her as close to him as possible with her belly in the way. She quickly pressed her lips against his, deepening the kiss as her hands began to wander down his chest.

"Cara," he breathed heavily, closing his eyes in a futile attempt to regain control as she began to remove his clothes. "I don't think…this a good idea."

"I think it's the best idea we've had in a long time," she murmured as she kissed seductively along his throat. "In fact, I don't know why we didn't think of it before."

"Who says I haven't thought about it before?" he smirked. "But what about you…and the baby?"

"We're fine," she insisted. "If the headaches start to come back, we'll stop."

"Do you honestly believe we'll be able to stop once we start?" he chuckled, his laughter morphing into a deep moan of pleasure as she kissed and nipped her way down his chest.

"No, but Nicci said we could if we take it slow and easy," she revealed.

"Really?" he asked, suspicions rising.

"I asked her this morning when she stopped by to see how I was doing."

"Good thinking," he smiled as he leaned in and eagerly kissed her. "But we have never been very good at slow and easy."

"We'll just have to try harder," she purred in his ear. "Maybe we'll like it better this time."

XXX

Entering their bedchambers, Richard found Kahlan on the far side of the room, sitting on the floor before the fireplace. Even from this angle, he could tell from her hunched shoulders and lowered head that her mind was a thousand leagues from here.

Flickering flames illuminated her, outlining her beautiful form that lay hidden beneath the black nightdress that she wore, creating a halo around her. He could feel his longing for her suddenly blaze in the pit of his stomach as his eyes wandered over her scantily covered body, the almost sheer gown that did little to hide her perfection. His hungry gaze travelled the full length of her gorgeous long legs that her bent at the knee in front of her.

Entering their changing room, he quickly stripped off his clothes and slipped into his sleeping pants. He was eager to be with her, but more than that he was anxious to find out what was weighing so heavily on her mind.

At this point, it could any number of things that were spiraling out of control around them right now. Peace was just a fleeing fantasy in their lives.

He softly made his way to her, slipping up to sit behind her, his arms and legs wrapping around her and drawing her gently against his body. He heard her barely perceptible sigh as she melted into his hold on her. Her arms quickly covered his as she leaned her head back against his shoulder.

He nuzzled her luscious hair, brushing it aside with his nose as he sought out her neck. He kissed her softly, inhaling her scent that caused a euphoric flood to drift through him.

"What are you worrying about now, my beautiful wife?" he murmured against her throat.

"My father and Zedd," she revealed with weighty sigh. "I hope they're alright."

"I'm sure they're fine," he replied. "They just left yesterday morning. It will take them at least a couple of days to get to the Lo'Gaire Mountains and then they still have to find Caelinus."

Kahlan lightly caressed his arm that was draped across her chest, her thoughts leading her to other things, other worries despite the safe cocoon that he had wrapped her in. "The girls turn one year old in a few days," she said, suddenly changing the subject.

He smiled against her throat as he kissed her again. "I can hardly believe it."

"I know what you mean," she smiled softly. "Lyla in the kitchen thinks we need to have a big celebration for the girls. Evidently the entire Palace is buzzing with plans. The staff is beyond thrilled to at last have heirs of the Lord Rahl that they can spoil and have parties for.

"I understand their excitement about finally having something they can celebrate, but I'm not sure it's the best time what with everything that's going on right now. How can we celebrate when Michael and my father are dying?"

"We could let them have their big celebration and then have a smaller one when Zedd and Frederick return."

"I guess we could do that. It just doesn't seem right to have a celebration when we're on the brink of possible war and with Michael and my father's lives still in danger."

"I think our girls should have some sort of celebration," he replied with growing excitement at the thought. "It's not their fault that all of this is going on. Besides, it's not every day that our twin girls turn one year old."

"I know," she agreed, the corners of her lips turning up. "Can you believe it's been almost a year since you helped bring Paige and Priya into the world in Zedd's cabin in Hartland?"

"No," he admitted, internally shuddering with the bittersweet memory. "I was so scared that I wasn't going to be able to find you. It turned out to be one of the most amazing days of my life and yet I was so terrified that I was going to lose you."

"You can't get rid of me that easily, Seeker," she chuckled softly.

Richard squeezed her tightly, momentarily burying his face in her hair as he fought back the horror that flooded him from that reawakened memory. "You were so weak when I found you I didn't know how you were going to do it, but then you delivered two beautiful daughters. You were so incredibly strong and brave. You never cease to amaze me, Kahlan."

"You got me through it, Richard. I couldn't have done it without you."

"We make a good team, Mother Confessor," he huskily murmured in her ear, the flames of desire burning within beginning to match the fire blazing before them in the hearth.

Kahlan turned her head, kissing along his jaw. "The best, Lord Rahl," she whispered.

Turning his head, his lips met hers as his hand drifted down her body. His fingers softly caressed her abdomen before skating down along her thigh, playing with the hem of her nightdress as his other hand cupped her breast. She pressed her body back, giving into him as his fingers snuck beneath her gown.

He captured her gasp with his mouth as he began to caress her, bringing her unimaginable pleasure. She suddenly broke the kiss as she arched her back, already panting from his focused ministration. He could turn her into a writhing incoherent mess with barely doing anything at all.

"Rich-ard…" she gasped as he began to set her body on fire. "If we're not careful…we're going to make another heir."

"I would love nothing more…" he breathed heavily. "Then to make many more heirs…with you."

Needing to feel him inside of her, she swiftly turned in his arms, her legs straddling his lap, her lips crashing into his as she silently begged him to take her right there. His hands slid up her back, his fingers playing with the straps of her nightdress as she began to work at removing his sleeping pants.

Making love before the fire was one of her favorite things, the heat of the flames battling the blazing heat of their passion as they became one again. He hungrily kissed her as he lifted his hips, his tongue tangling with hers as her fingers twisted in his hair.

He swallowed her moan as she took him inside of her, her hands moving down to grasp hold of his shoulders. He kissed down the length of her neck to her chest, kissing and suckling her as she slid against him. Sweat began to form on their bodies as they made love, their repeated gasps and moans filling the air as they lost themselves in one another, forgetting for just a little while the chaos storming outside of their suite.