Betrayal

The Mord'Sith standing guard outside the royal apartments watched Rachel impassively as she approached. Another of the red clad women, Mistress Theta, was still fastening her leathers as she emerged from Lord Rahl's suite. She allowed herself a slight smirk as she stared at this timid little creature. Her manner would have been dangerously close to insolence if made in the presence of her master.

Although only a few years older than Rachel, Mistress Theta knew Lord Rahl in ways his daughter never could. She remained careful, never crossing the line into open disrespect.

"I need to see my father," Rachel had always been intimidated by the powerful, arrogant women who guarded Lord Rahl.

She was also aware that they served him in more intimate ways.

Rachel knew her parents had not shared a bed in years, so felt no anger about the fact that he looked elsewhere for physical companionship. It was, however, a part of her father's life that Rachel tried to ignore as much as possible.

"I will inform Lord Rahl of your request." Mistress Theta blocked the doorway with her body to stop Rachel from entering. The warrior was surprised by the calm, cool gaze that met hers.

Well, this was interesting.

"Stand watch" she barked at her Sisters, then turned on her heel and re-entered the royal apartments.

After what seemed forever to Rachel, Theta returned. Her face was flushed and her blonde braid more tousled than before. For the first time Rachel noticed a dark red welt patterning the right side of the other young woman's throat beneath her jawline.

Rachel had never held an agiel. Her father had warned her of the unbelievable pain they inflicted. She had, however, seen their marks on the tortured prisoners her father had ordered her to confess.

Somehow she didn't think that this was just punishment.

"You may enter. Your father is waiting."

Rachel, already angry, was further flustered and embarrassed by the entire situation. Nodding curtly, she walked into her father's chambers.

Darken Rahl turned to greet his daughter. Her timing was obviously inconvenient. He had pulled on a robe of red velvet which trailed behind him like a coiled snake. His face was flushed and a welt similar to Mistress Theta's spread over his collar bone and into the hollow of his throat. Through the entry-way into his bedchamber Rachel could see that the bed was in disarray and several pillows were scattered over the floor.

Feeling a rush of heat in her face, she raised her eyes to her father's.

With a pang, Rachel was struck for the first time at how tired he looked. Although still a handsome man, he had aged over the last three years. There were lines around his eyes and mouth she had never noticed before.

His soft voice wove around her, caressing her, but with an undercurrent of impatience. "Mistress Theta said that you needed to see me immediately. As much as I always enjoy our time together, I would have preferred that this wait until tomorrow. However, now that you are here you might as well tell me what is so important."

oOo

"Well, Speak!"

Darken immediately regretted his tone as he watched his child. She was white as a wraith and just as thin. Rachel had always been slender, but she looked almost emaciated, dark smudges under her eyes. Her body seemed to be vibrating with nervous tension.

Yet all the time her eyes met his without flinching.

"Please sit. You look as if your legs can't hold you up much longer," he gentled his voice, motioning her over to the couch.

He felt the familiar stab of both tenderness and disappointment as he waited for her to begin.

If only she were stronger.

If only she weren't always so afraid.

But underneath Rachel's nervousness, he sensed something else.

she seemed….different.

Upset, yes, but not afraid.

What had happened?

Although he had never again referred to their conversation of the year before, he had not forgotten a single word, pause, inflection or expression.

Darken missed very little and forgot nothing.

Rachel sat as he directed, hugging herself with both arms. He settled himself next to her, so close she could feel the heat from his body. She wanted to lean against him to warm herself. She was cold.

She was always so cold.

"Father", she began, "It's about the time you showed me the Sword. There were things I knew. Things I promised not to tell anyone. "

Once Rachel began to talk, the words came pouring out, "I lied to you. I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't. I have to talk about it now. There are things you need to know. "

The corner of his mouth twisted up in a slight smile.

He knew his daughter would eventually come to him with her secrets.

Leaning forward, arms resting on his knees, Darken soothed his child.

"It's all right, darling. I forgive you. You can tell me everything."

So she did.