Snakebite

I soon came to realize that Darken was a jealous lover…no surprise there. I also soon discovered that Kellie had told him about my original mission. I must admit, I was horrified he'd kill me. However, he told me that it made no difference to him; he knew that I was completely loyal to his side of the fight, so the past is past. I had trouble believing that he was truly at peace with it, yet I feared that stating this might only fuel the fire. So, I opted to leave well enough alone.

But, knowing that I still kept contact with Zedd, Richard, and Kahlan regrettably fueled his jealousy. He once accused me of having an affair with Richard. Yes, Richard.

"Wait," I said, raising a finger and scrunching my entire face in confusion, "you think I did Richard Cypher? The Seeker! Darken, putting aside the fact that he's not only your brother, but also your mortal enemy…he's too young for me! Besides, I'd never dream of leaving you," I concluded, easing my way into his arms and kissing his neck.

He tightened his embrace and replied, "I hoped you would say that."

"You knew I would say that," I chuckled. "Got any other wild accusations?"

"Legitimate ones," he began, tilting his head and arching an eyebrow in thought, "no. but I could make some up," he added with a chortle.

This ought to be interesting.

"Humor me, love," I giggled, burying my face in the side of his neck.

I could feel his vocal chords vibrating as he spoke. "Alright…how about Zorander?"

I tore myself from his arms and gagged. "ZEDD?" I shrieked, my face flooding with disgust. "Zedd? Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander? Eew!"

Darken doubled over with laughter. "You asked for it!"

"Be that as it may," I responded, "you are one sick bastard. But I love you for it."

He smirked. "I love you too, and you're just as sick; you just don't advertise it."

I shrugged in concession. He was right; my mind is warped beyond reason. I actually had a dream once of him and Richard having sex…it was REALLY jacked-up on SO MANY levels…but, in a perverted way, it was actually kinda hot….

I yanked myself out of the memory of that bizarre dream to see that Darken was fumbling around in his pocket. I could tell that he was searching for something, and by the look of confusion on his face, I assumed he was having little success. He produced a small object and closed his hand around it.

"It's not the one I was looking for," he began, gently taking hold of my right hand, "but I intended to give you this one anyway."

He opened his hand to reveal a silver ring, in the shape of a rattlesnake: complete with an open mouth and two menacing fangs.

"It's beautiful…in an evil sort of way," I commented, as he slid it onto my right ring finger.

"Like the woman wearing it?" he inquired, smiling.

"You are so full of it," I muttered, shaking my head. Angling my hand to get a better look at the ring, I smiled. "It truly is unique. Thank you, Darken," I finished, kissing him.

"You're welcome, Ember," he responded. Glancing down at the ring, then back into my eyes, he added, "Now everyone will know you're mine; and if they touch you, I snap their neck."

Wow…territorial much?

I smiled slightly and averted my eyes.

Either that or incredibly over-protective…in which case, it's kind of touching.

I cocked my head and furrowed my brow. "That being the case," I began, looking into his icy-blue eyes once more, "shouldn't it be on my other hand?"

Yes, I was hinting at him asking me to marry him. I wouldn't say it outwardly, but I desperately wanted him to.

He seemed mildly stunned at first, but rapidly regained composure. He stifled a suspiciously nervous-sounding chuckle and held me tightly. Kissing my ear, he whispered, "Patience, my dear; all good things in due time."

What exactly is that supposed to mean?

Not knowing what to say or do, I simply lost myself in his embrace.

Once Ember had set off for her cave, Darken Rahl began to search his bedchamber frantically. Flinging open his wardrobe, he emptied the pockets of every article of clothing he could find. He inspected the contents of every drawer, every table, every shelf. He even went so far as to rip the sheets off the bed and examine them, but to no avail.

Suddenly, the door flew open. Darken's head snapped up to see Kellie entering, appearing to be on the warpath.

Oh shit…this won't end well.

"You didn't do it?" Kellie queried, one of her hands making its way over to one of her agiels.

"No," he answered, more calmly than he had anticipated.

Jerking her agiel from its holster and gesturing about with it wildly, she nearly charged toward him and scolded, "Darken Rahl! If you weren't my best friend, this agiel would be up your ass right now!"

Darken gulped. Cautiously setting the bedsheets aside, he coaxed, "Calm down, Kellie. Put the agiel back."

"What if I don't want to?" she snapped.

He exhaled heavily and shot her an "I don't care" look.

"Why didn't you ask her?" Kellie persisted, slowly settling down.

His eyes met hers and he stated, "I couldn't."

She put her hands on her hips and smiled. "What? Are you chicken? Do you hide Zedd's junk from Confessors?"

Darken cocked his head. "What? No! I just couldn't find the ring, that's all."

Kellie scoffed. "What are you talking about? I gave you the ring this…"

She trailed off.

"…morning."

Guilt flooding her face, she looked at her feet. "Oops—hey, check it out: a penny!"

Darken rolled his eyes. "Kellie."

She groaned and reached into her pocket to produce a tiny black box. Sheepishly she placed it in his hand.

"Must've given you the snake by accident," she theorized. "Couldn't really propose with that."

"Indeed I couldn't," Darken chuckled.

"Well," Kellie continued, "you have the right ring now, so…ask her!"

He smirked and slipped the box into his pocket. "I intend to, Kellie; don't think I'm not going to for one second."

"Good!" she exclaimed, pivoting away and heading for the door. Before exiting, she turned to face him again. "Oh, and Darken?"

He arched an eyebrow aristocratically. "Yes?"

Kellie brandished her agiel threateningly.

"Watch yourself; I cutcha."

THE END.