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 21

Richard watched with bated breath as the three men approached, their eyes dark with the disdain that he knew they held for him. From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Mistress Rachel's red leather as she slowly moved in closer while still maintaining some distance. He had no doubt that Garren and Holland were doing the same from the other side, prepared for any trouble that may arise.

The only good thing about their sudden appearance was the fact that Sabinus Dorst wasn't in attendance with them.

He knew that he was probably over-reacting, but he was not about to take any chances with the lives of his wife or children. Fortunately, Aiden was still up in their suite, Katrina bringing him down after his nap. It meant one less family member that he needed to worry about at that moment.

"Gentlemen," Richard tightly greeted them, his raptor gaze silently warning them not to try anything.

He could feel Kahlan's every muscle tense beside him as they came to a stop before them, her grip on his hand tightening. He gently caressed the back of her hand with his thumb in an attempt to soothe her, silently reminding her that he was there with her, would always protect her.

"Mother Confessor," Frinhill coolly greeted them, his voice hardening as he turned his attention to Richard. "Lord Rahl."

His title was practically a curse on the man's lips, but the Seeker couldn't have cared less. These men were the ones in the wrong, condemning their own people to a difficult life that they didn't have to lead. This was their doing, not his or Kahlan's.

"So kind of you to come," Kahlan just as coolly replied, her countenance every bit that of the powerful Mother Confessor.

She still felt the sting from their last meeting, still heard the hateful contempt that had laced their words. They had accused her of putting her own desires and wishes before that of the people that she loved. It had cut her deeply, the wound still so fresh, but she wasn't about to allow them to get to her like that again.

She suddenly realized her free hand was balled into a tight fist at her side, her fingernails digging into her palm. She forced herself to relax her grip, stretching the fingers that were itching to snatch the throats of all three men and confess them right where they stood.

Gorrim gave her a broad, smug smile that made her skin crawl. "We have been looking forward to this joyous day," he gushed, his eyes flashing with cunning as he suddenly bowed dramatically. "In fact, we wouldn't have missed this for anything in the world."

Richard felt his insides suddenly twist painfully with the man's words, his gaze narrowing with renewed suspicion. There was an unusual pleasantness in his expression, a sense of excitement coloring his voice. Something was definitely going on and these men were somehow involved.

"And why would that be?" Richard snapped before he could stop himself.

"Only that is has been a very long time since any Confessors have been born," Gorrim immediately corrected with an indifferent shrug of his shoulders. "It's a great pleasure to be able to celebrate the birthdays of our future Mother Confessors."

Richard appraised them for a long tense moment, weighing his words. He fought to keep his face impassive as he studied them, fighting back the anger that swelled like a thunderhead in his core. He wanted so desperately to draw his sword and strike them all down before they did something that would hurt his family.

They had been rude and disrespectful from the moment they had first arrived here. They had come questioning their motives and intentions, degrading Kahlan and causing her to doubt herself and the decisions that she had made. That alone was grounds enough for him to have them banished to the Old World for good.

Seeing them now, though, he was more convinced than ever that there was something more going on with them, some ulterior motive to their presence here at the People's Palace then pleading their case before the Lord and Lady Rahl on behalf of their regions.

If they attempted to harm even one hair on Kahlan or his children's heads, he would make them curse the day they were ever conceived.

"Thank you for coming," Richard finally replied, his flaming gaze burning holes through them.

All three men bowed before turning and walking away to enjoy the party, the self-satisfied smiles on their faces making the Seeker grind his teeth in annoyance. It took all he had not to give the nod to Holland to have them physically removed from the courtyard.

"Richard," Kahlan softly called his name, wanting to turn his attention away from the representatives.

He turned to find himself staring into the face that he loved so much, his anger suddenly quelled for the moment in the wake of the love that mirrored his own. She always quieted the storm in his soul unlike anyone he had ever known could.

"Just let them go. What they think doesn't matter," she firmly told him. "I'm so very proud of you, Richard. You've done so much good, accomplished so much more than anyone could have ever imagined. You've defeated your brother twice now as well as stopping the Keeper. You've managed to bring peace to a territory, uniting two lands into a powerful empire and saving so many innocent lives.

"They can never take that away from you…from us. Never."

Her words caused warmth to coalesce in his core, Kahlan's pride in him making his heart swell and putting a smile on his face. What she thought of him meant everything in this world to him. The fact that she believed so fully in him, loved him so deeply never ceased to amaze him.

He cupped the side of her face, a soft sigh slipping past his lips as he lost himself in her bright blue eyes that were brimming with love. "How do you always manage to make everything better?"

Kahlan melted into the feel of his hand so gentle against her cheek, a smile lighting her face. "It's easy when I'm married to such a handsome, incredibly amazing man," she replied.

"I'm just fortunate that the good spirits saw fit to create such a beautiful and amazing woman to be my wife," he told her, his voice suddenly thick with emotion. A frown abruptly filled his face then, replacing the love and longing that had just been there as his hand fell from her cheek. "I still don't trust them, Kahlan. They're a little too pleasant, a little too excited about today for my liking. They're hiding something."

"If they try anything, I'll confess all three before they can even draw their next breath," she ground out as she watched the representatives joining in with the other guests. "I refuse to allow them to ruin this day for our girls."

Richard couldn't help but notice the raw fury that suddenly flashed through her blue eyes like a bolt of lightning. He knew firsthand the magnitude of her powers, felt its ferocity every time they made love and her magic was released into him, had seen it on display when the Blood Rage took control. No one could begin to rival it.

And still he felt such a powerful deep-seated need to protect her, one that resided in his core, never wavering no matter how powerful she was. She was his and no one would ever harm her or take her away from him.

"Are you certain I cannot just agiel them and remove them the Palace?" Rachel huffed in annoyance as she came to stand beside them, her hands coming to rest on her hips.

"Not yet," Richard grudgingly said. "Keep an eye on them, though. I think they have something planned."

"Like what?" she cocked an eyebrow at him. "They wouldn't dare try anything here today."

"I'm not sure, but, at this point, I wouldn't put anything past them," he heatedly stated. "They're desperate to keep our army from invading their regions. I'm sure they'll do whatever they have to do to keep that from happening."

Kahlan couldn't stop the shiver of dread that raced up her spine with his ominous words. She could sense too that the representatives knew something that they did not. She wished now she would've just confessed them instead of allowing them to roam freely about the courtyard.

If she had, they would've been her lap dogs right now instead of roaming about, plotting only spirits knew what.

"Make sure your Sisters stay near Paige and Priya at all times," he ordered her.

"I'll alert them right now," Rachel replied before leaving them alone once more.

"Richard, you don't think they'll hurt the girls…do you?" Kahlan murmured, her chest constricting.

"No, they haven't done anything yet that warrants any action being taken on our part, but I just want to make sure they're safe," he told her. "One misstep and Holland and Rachel will immediately have them removed."

"Maybe we should have Paige and Priya taken back to the suite," she suggested. "I don't want them anywhere near our girls."

"Cara and Garren are with them now by one of the devotion pools," Richard told her, nodding in their direction. "They'll be fine, Kahlan. It's their birthday party. I don't want to spoil it for them.

"Besides, the representatives have political motives, not personal. Hurting my family wouldn't make for a very pleasant confrontation with me and my sword. If anything, they'll try to discredit me to the other guests, get people to see their side."

Kahlan turned to see Cara sitting on the stone edge of the devotion pool while Garren did his best to keep Paige and Priya dry but her daughters were obviously bound and determined to grab hold of one of the fish despite the Commander's best efforts. The scene being played out before her brought a smile to the Mother Confessor's lips.

Drawing a deep breath, she did her best to quiet the fears that had settled over her, knowing that Richard was right. They wouldn't try anything here with all of these important guests, soldiers, and Mord'Sith wandering about. It would be foolhardy to create any type of scene here. They definitely wouldn't garner any sympathy from the guests if they did anything now.

She watched as Richard and Holland exchanged silent glances, the Commander maneuvering closer to where the three men were talking privately together by a table of food. It was as if Richard and Holland could read each other's minds sometimes, knowing exactly what the other was thinking just by the slightest shift of expression on each other's faces. It was eerie sometimes.

She had to admit, though, that it made her feel better knowing that everyone was on guard against any trouble.

"Lady Rahl, what a delightful party this is," a dignitary's wife from Elmhurst paused to say.

"Thank you, Mrs. Rannald," Kahlan smiled warmly as she attempted to mask her fears. "So good of you and your husband to come and celebrate Paige and Priya's birthday with us."

"We wouldn't have missed it," Isla Rannald prattled, her gaze suddenly roaming over the Mother Confessor. "And you, my dear, look positively radiant in that dress."

"I have to agree," Richard beamed proudly, slipping his arm around his wife's shoulders. "Even though she's the most beautiful woman here, I must say that you look quite stunning yourself, Mrs. Rannald."

Blushing with delight, the stout woman bashfully giggled with the Lord Rahl's compliment, her eyes sparkling with his flattery words. "Why thank you, Lord Rahl," she beamed, flashing him a bright smile.

Watching Isla Rannald walk away, Kahlan turned to Richard with a smirk on her lips. "I think I may have some competition for your affections now," she teased.

"I only have eyes for you," he softly replied with a lop-sided grin, his chestnut eyes suddenly darkening with longing.

"Be sure you keep it that way, Seeker," she murmured. "Or you could find yourself sleeping on the couch all alone."

Richard chuckled softly, amused by her threat. "I only want to sleep on the couch as long as you're there with me to keep me warm," he huskily replied, leaning in and kissing her softly. "I need to go talk to Garren and Holland. I'll be right back."

Kahlan watched him as he walked away, admiring how striking he looked in his black jacket and breeches. It reminded her almost of the outfit he had worn for their wedding day. He was the most handsome man she had ever met and he was all hers.

Turning, she made her way to where the girls were playing at the devotion pool. Their attention was completely engrossed in the fish as she sat down on the stone ledge beside Cara. The four Mord'Sith guarding her daughters backed up some, allowing them some space while still maintaining a close watch over them.

"How are you feeling?" Kahlan asked.

"Fine," Cara sighed as she watched her husband talking with Lord Rahl and Commander Holland on the other side of the courtyard. "I wish everyone would stop worrying. If Garren asks me one more time how I'm feeling, he's going to find himself in one of these devotion pools swimming with the fish."

Kahlan softly chuckled at her friend's annoyance. "He just loves you, Cara," she rubbed the Mord'Sith's back. "We all love you. We just want to make sure you're alright."

"Mama!" Priya suddenly squealed in delight, pointing excitedly at the bright orange fish that splashed water at her with its fin. "Fishy!"

"I see," Kahlan grinned at Priya, running her fingers through the fine chocolate ringlets that hung at her neck. Tiny droplets of water glistened in the sunlight on her daughter's cheeks and nose, highlighting the freckles sprinkled on her face. "I think these girls are more like their father than me sometimes."

"I wouldn't go that far," she replied. "There's definitely plenty of you in both of them."

"Don't get me wrong," Kahlan replied. "I love it that they're like father. It's so amazing to see the man that you love with all your heart reflected in your children."

"Well, I'm hoping this baby will be exactly like Garren," Cara sighed, rubbing her belly.

"I'm sure your baby will be the right combination of the both of you."

Cara grimaced as she stood to her feet, her hand supporting her belly. "Well, the baby's hungry. I'm going to get something to eat. Do you want anything?"

"No, I'm fine," Kahlan shook her head. "Do you want me to get it for…"

The Mother Confessor was abruptly cut off by a threatening scowl on Cara's face. She suddenly remembered what it was like to be so heavy with child and everyone treating her like some invalid who could not take care of herself. It had annoyed her to no end too.

She bit her bottom lip to stifle the laughter bubbling up inside of her as she watched the Mord'Sith walk away, one hand on her back and the other on her belly. She couldn't wait until Cara and Garren's baby came. It would be nice to be able to raise their children together.

Kahlan's attention was suddenly captured by the familiar sight of shoulder length white-blond hair entering the courtyard. He would recognize him anywhere. Sabinus Dorst had just arrived, the Mother Confessor's unease growing with the man's sudden appearance.

A cloaked figure moved beside him, the hood pulled up and concealing the person's identity. They worked their way around small groups of people scattered throughout the courtyard, smiling and nodding at familiar faces as they ate and chatted.

Try as she might, Kahlan couldn't quell the apprehension that was rising within her. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was not right no matter how badly she wanted everything to be perfect for her daughters' special day. She would give anything for just one day without trouble in their lives.

She felt her skin prickle as Sabinus Dorst finally spotted her, his penetrating gaze immediately locking on her as he made his way towards her. There was something unusual about the man today, a look in his eyes that was disturbing.

Standing to her feet, Kahlan forced herself to smile politely as he drew near, her cheeks growing warm with the intense way that he was staring at her. There was something about him that caused a tickling in the back of her brain, something in the way that he gazed at her. She found herself almost mesmerized by him, the penetrating orbs that held her fast in his grasp causing her pulse to suddenly quicken.

"Mother Confessor," he smoothly greeted as he came to a stop before her. Taking her hand in his, he brushed a soft kiss across her knuckles as he bowed deeply before her. "You look positively exquisite in that dress."

"Ambassador," Kahlan softly gasped, fighting to catch her thoughts that were suddenly scattering like fallen leaves in a fierce wind. There was just something about his eyes.

From across the large courtyard, Richard spotted the Ambassador, immediately bristling with the way that he was staring at Kahlan. His blood became hot with fury as he watched the man kiss Kahlan's hand, his hungry gaze wandering over her body like she was his to have.

Straightening, Sabinus held Kahlan's hand a breath longer than necessary before finally releasing it. "Thank you for inviting me to your daughters' birthday celebration. It is an honor to be here, Lady Rahl."

"I'm glad that you could come, Ambassador Dorst," Kahlan replied, smiling warmly despite herself. She suddenly found herself feeling a little lightheaded. "It has turned out to be a beautiful day for a party."

"It most certainly has," he smiled in response to her.

"Did you come alone?" she asked, feeling herself flush with the way his eyes practically drank her in.

"No, I brought someone with me that I want you to meet," he admitted, turning to look for his companion. "She was just here a moment ago. Ah, there she is."

"You have a wife?"

"No, not at all," Sabinus said with smile, casting a glance at Kahlan as he draped an arm around the cloaked figure's shoulders. "I would like you to meet my twin sister, Sangria."

Reaching up, the woman pulled the hood of her cloak back, finally revealing herself to them. "It is a great pleasure to finally meet the famous Mother Confessor and Lady Rahl of D'Hara."

Kahlan felt her heart stop as cold realization slid over her like icy fingers as she stared into the woman's unusual almond eyes, her straight silver hair falling to her shoulders. It was the same woman that she had seen in the marketplace, the same woman who had been following her.

And now she was here with her family and loved ones.