TITLE: Marked

AUTHOR: LOTSlove®

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

RATING: PG-16 / R later

WARNINGS: Author Chooses Not to Use Warnings

TIMELINE: Anything up through S2

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 my fic Revenge, Richard finally has Kahlan safely back with him, but does he really?

Chapter 36

Richard followed a little ways behind Kahlan, the Sword of Truth strapped securely to her back. She kept a tight hold on the rope that bound her prisoner's wrists, leading him like she would a dog.

It reminded Richard of the time that Zedd had transformed Kahlan's appearance to look like a Mord'Sith in order to save her sister Dennee. It had been unnerving to see her dressed like the deadly but seductive Sister of the Agiel and yet it had been highly erotic to say the least.

It still shocked him even now how arousing it had been when Kahlan had led him around by the chain around his throat, being forced to follow the sensual sway of her leather clad hips as she led him to the prison that held her sister. It had taken everything that he'd had to keep his focus on their quest to save Dennee and off of Kahlan's perfect form.

He'd never seen that side of her, never realized she could be that domineering and controlling, so very seductive in her every move. It had definitely fed his already erotic dreams that were filled with nothing but her.

Even with the severe direness of their current situation, he found it near impossible to ignore the site of her enticing femininity walking ahead of him. The definite purpose in her stride, the tantalizing movement of her hips, the way her raven hair flowed like an inky river down her back was causing arousal to erupt in the pit of his belly.

Memories of being held between her gorgeous thighs teased and tormented him with how truly incredible being with her had been. He longed for that passionate connection with her, desperation to love her again heating his core. Spirits, he missed her.

A rough tug on the rope quickly snapped him out of those blissful thoughts, bringing him back to the crisis at hand. Kahlan cast a glance back at him over her shoulder, her expression hard and icy. It somehow did little to quell the fire that burned in his soul for her. Nothing in this world could ever destroy his desire for her, diminish his need for her in any way.

"You need to keep up, Seeker," she snapped. "The sooner we reach Lord Demos, the better it will be."

"Yes, it certainly will be," Richard agreed, anxious to get his hands on his brother and end this once and for all. Even if it cost him his life, Demos would at least be dead and Kahlan would finally be free.

"You really think I'm going to let you hurt Lord Demos?" she asked, not even bothering to turn around.

"Kahlan, you need to trust me," he replied. "I'm going to save you no matter what it takes."

"And I will do whatever I have to do to stop you," she bit out.

Richard couldn't help the shudder that rolled over him at that moment. The very thought of having to face off against Kahlan again nearly took his legs out from under him, but he was going to have to sooner or later. He just prayed that he'd be able to handle the rage that seemed to eat away at every fiber of his being.

Demos had interfered in their lives long enough. They should be finding the Stone of Tears right now, stopping the Keeper and planning the wedding that he dreamed of having with her. After all that they had been through and sacrificed, the countless times they had risked their lives, they deserved just a small bit of peace and happiness together.

That was all that he wanted – a life spent with her. Why was that so much to ask for? Hadn't he done enough, given and lost enough already without having her ripped out of his life as well?

He could feel his fury heating, pounding away at his sanity. It was a dark ugly knot that continually lived in his core, expanding and growing harder to control with every passing day. Kahlan didn't deserve to have this happen to her. She had been through more than enough for two lifetimes already. He wanted her to know nothing but happiness and true abiding love.

After learning of her past, he had sworn to himself long ago that he would do everything in his power to keep her safe, to bring her as much joy and love as he possibly could, making each day brighter and better than the last.

But he had failed her in every way. He had failed to keep her safe from either of his brothers, allowing her to be almost raped by one only to practically escort her right into the bedroom of the other. She had no idea the utter hell that awaited her now.

He felt sick with the thought, bile rising in the back of his throat. He couldn't let Demos touch her. He'd never be able to live with himself if Demos raped her. It was bad enough knowing what Darken had tried to do to her without dwelling on the vile things Demos no doubt had planned for Kahlan.

What kind of man was he if he couldn't protect the woman he loved above all else?

He was the damn Seeker of Truth and he couldn't even save his own Confessor. Hot bitter tears welled in his throat causing it to constrict. He hated himself for what Kahlan was being forced to endure now because he had failed to anticipate this.

He should've known that Demos would try something like this, would have another plan to fall back on just in case. He had told Richard that he was prepared for anything and he had made it perfectly clear that he wanted Kahlan for himself.

Richard's heart suddenly leapt into his throat as the People's Palace suddenly came into view. They were finally here, one step closer to stopping Demos and getting his Kahlan back. Tears pricked his eyes at the thought of her being safe again, with him where she always should be.

He needed her so desperately. When she wasn't with him or she was in danger like she was in now, it was like he couldn't breathe, couldn't draw enough air to survive. His body, his mind just wanted to shut down, but he kept going for her.

"We're almost there," Kahlan smiled broadly at him.

Richard's chest clenched, wishing more than anything to see the special smile she gave no one but him. It felt like an eternity since he'd seen it last, the beauty of it, the love behind it giving him the strength of a dozen men.

Now, walking towards the unknown future that awaited them, he suddenly felt anything but strong, anything but the powerful Seeker. All that he knew was that Demos was going to die and that he very well might die trying.

XXX

Zedd began to stir, a weary groan filling the Spirit House as the old Wizard finally woke up. He rubbed his eyes as he sat up only to stop at the feel of a firm hand suddenly against his shoulder.

"Oh no you don't, Wizard," Cara grumbled. "You've caused me enough trouble the last few days. You just stay put. Odo's orders."

"What?" Zedd frowned, scratching the white thatch of hair on his head in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"You slept through yesterday and most of today," she told him. "Don't you remember anything that's happened?"

"No," he murmured, looking around him. "I'm starved. Let's eat."

"Now, I know you're better," Cara rolled her eyes, sitting back on her heels.

"What was wrong?" he asked.

"You had a bad concussion," she told him. "Odo saved your life. He cured you."

"Well, I should go find the man and thank him," he said.

"No, you don't," she insisted. "Don't force m to use my agiels to keep you down. Odo said I'm not supposed to let you get up until he has seen you for himself."

"Bags!" Zedd fumed, folding his lanky arms against his chest. "I feel perfectly fine!"

Cara appraised him for a long moment, her lips pursed into a frown. "You do seem more like yourself," she admitted. "But I can't let you have a relapse. I need you well so we can go help Richard and Kahlan."

"Why? What did I miss?"

"Nothing," she huffed. "That's the problem. We're no closer to them than we were two days ago. We need to go after them."

"Cara, Richard wanted us to stay here and see if we can find a way to save Kahlan," Zedd reminded her.

"If he went after Kahlan, he should have been back by now," she scowled. "We've been here for almost three days now and still no Richard and Kahlan. I'm telling you something is very wrong."

"Maybe Richard is having trouble reining Kahlan in," Zedd supposed, stroking his chin in thought. "The spell has to have taken full control by now. I can't begin to imagine Richard's pain especially if he has to try and stop Kahlan from whatever it is Demos wants her for."

"That's my point!" Cara cried in exasperation, throwing her hands up in the air. "They need our help and we're not there. Darken Rahl even told us the key to saving Kahlan was Demos. I'm sure Richard has figured that out by now and is headed there to stop him.

"The problem is can we trust anything that Darken Rahl says," Zedd grumbled.

"You said yourself that there's no way to break a marking spell," she said. "It seems to me to break the spell we need to break the source of the spell and I am more than anxious to do that."

"I guess you're right," he sighed. "Bags! My brain is just not keeping up like it should. Everything is still sort of fuzzy."

"It's a good thing you have me than," Cara smugly replied.

"Do you think Tolla Nakunam will help us get to Richard?"

"I think so," she nodded as she got to her feet. "He's genuinely concerned for Richard and Kahlan and wants to help. The only one we need to watch is Hadi. He's on his own personal war path right now. I pity anyone who gets in his way next."

"That bad?" Zedd asked, getting to his feet to test his legs. He was pleased to find they weren't as wobbly as they had been before.

"You missed a major blow up last night," she told him. "Evidently, the girl he's in love with chose another to be her mate. It didn't go over well at all."

"I imagine not," he winced. "That boy has got a hot head. Everyone better take cover when he finally blows."

"I'm more than happy to be the one to tame him," she smirked.

"I'm sure you could, my dear," he nodded his head in agreement.

"I'm going to go talk to Tolla and see if he'd be willing to send a few warriors with us to go after Richard and Kahlan," Cara told him as she started towards the door. "You need to rest while I'm gone. I'll let Odo know you're finally awake."

"Do you think it's wise to take any one with us?" he suddenly asked, his eyebrows knitting together.

Care paused to look back at him. "Why? What do you mean?"

"If Kahlan is no longer in control of herself, she will be even more dangerous now than ever," he explained. "She will confess anyone and everyone who tries to get in her way. The only person who can be near her right now is Richard."

"It's just a risk we're going to have to take," she simply stated. "Richard and Kahlan need us now more than ever and I'm not going to turn my back on them just because I might get confessed."

A smile of pride spread across Zedd's face as he stared at her. "I couldn't agree with you more, my dear," he grinned.

"I will warn Tolla of the risk and let him decide if they want to help or not," she replied. "Either way, we leave at first light."

XXX

Demos could barely control the smile that spread across his face or his excitement as he paced back and forth. Kahlan was finally here, his greatest possession had come to him at last and she had brought his brother.

He knew that Richard would follow Kahlan to the ends of the earth so it was no surprise to him that she had managed to bring him with her. Little did Richard know the plans that he had in store for both of them.

He had sent Egremont to bring them to him quite some time ago. He was beginning to wonder what was taking him so long. His whole body was humming with anticipation, knowing that Kahlan was going to finally be his tonight.

He was going to drive her into a heated frenzy and make her scream his name over and over again for all to hear while Richard watched. He'd be forced to watch as Demos raped Kahlan again and again and there was absolutely nothing that Richard could do about it.

He could already imagine the pleasure he was going to take from the Mother Confessor, the countless ways that he was going to degrade her and make her scream for his mercy. He could already hear Richard's desperate pleas for him to stop hurting her, but he wouldn't. Not for anyone.

He deserved this, had waited for far too long to take Kahlan to his bed. Tonight, she would learn true pleasure that could accompany pain and he was going to be the one to teach her.

He would need a healer on hand as well as Lucinda to give the breath of life should Kahlan not survive what he had planned for her. Of course, Lucinda had gone to the Mord'Sith temple to bring back newly trained Mord'Sith. She had left early this morning, but should be back late tonight.

Demos knew that he could get any Mord'Sith to give the life-saving breath to Kahlan if needed, but he wanted Lucinda to be there with him as well when he broke the Mother Confessor. She was the only one who would truly appreciate it.

"My Lord," General Egremont called as he entered the large room. "The Seeker and Mother Confessor."

Demos turned to find Kahlan standing there before him, a rope in hand that led to his brother Richard. A wicked smile played on his lips as he stared at them, savoring the victorious moment.

The Mother Confessor stood humbly before him, her head bowed in submission. The mighty Seeker stood behind her and off to the side. He looked beaten down, broken. He could only imagine his shock when Kahlan suddenly turned on him, taking him prisoner and shattering his whole world along with all his hopes and dreams of a future with her.

"Kahlan, you've done well," Demos praised her as he came to stand before her, his hands clasped behind his back.

She had been wounded, numerous bruises and agiel burns marring her pale skin making him wonder what had happened to her. Despite all of it, she was still breath-taking to behold.

"Were you attacked by Mord'Sith?"

"Yes, my Lord," Kahlan replied, keeping her gaze lowered. "Twice, but I was able to defeat them with the Seeker's help."

"I never sent them to attack you," Demos angrily snapped. "Do you know why they attacked you?"

"No, my Lord," Kahlan shook her head.

"One of them told me their leader had sent them to kill Kahlan so that she couldn't make it here to you," Richard suddenly interjected, not wanting to give away too much about what he had learned from the Mord'Sith.

"I never sent them," he bit out. "I want Kahlan here with me. Why would I put a spell on her only to have her killed?"

"I don't know," Richard ground out. "Why would you? I would've thought that someone like you would be in better control of your faithful Mord'Sith."

With a move that shocked both men, Kahlan suddenly turned, back-handing Richard hard across the face, the cracking sound of her hand connecting with his skin echoing throughout the large room.

Rage immediately oozed through the Seeker like hot lava, scorching everything it touched. He clenched his teeth against the painful sting, doing his best to quell the fire blazing inside of him. All he wanted to do was let it run rampant, to save Kahlan and destroy all of those who got in his way…starting with Demos Rahl.

Demos watched as his brother practically trembled with the fury that pulsated through his veins at that moment. He was almost afraid of him…almost.

"Very good, Kahlan," he gloated as he slowly sauntered his way around his personal Confessor, his hungry eyes appraising her sensuous form.

Richard's nostrils flared, his breathing growing ragged with the way that Demos was staring at her, the vile lust that darkened his eyes. He was desperate to feel his blade plunging deep into his brother's chest, but he knew he would have to bide his time at least for the moment.

Demos reached out a hand, allowing his fingers to lightly trace along her arm and up over her shoulder, along her collarbone and down between the valley of her breasts. Kahlan stood perfectly still, a small smile on her lips knowing that her master was pleased with her.

Richard ground his teeth, clenching his jaw as Demos stroked Kahlan's breast, his lips finding hers and kissing her firmly. Kahlan responded to her master's passionate kiss, further enraging her Seeker despite the fact that he knew she was under a spell. It didn't make the pain of what was playing out before him any less.

Demos pulled back, casting a glance at his brother. "Everything I dreamed she would be," he smugly said, walking past Kahlan to come to stand before Richard.

"I am going to cut your black heart out," Richard hissed, his raptor gaze boring straight through him.

Demos chuckled softly with his words. "I'm going to have her tonight, Richard, and you're going to watch as I take her over and over again," he told him. "I'm going to make her scream my name for you to hear, but I'm not going to stop there."

Richard bristled as Demos leaned in closer to him, his brother's mouth just inches away from his ear. "I'm going to hurt her so very baldy and you won't be able to stop me," he continued. "I'm going to steal her purity and make her bleed."

Richard's chest began to heave with Demos's words, his heart thundering with the rage that seethed inside of him. His vision began to blur with the depths of his fury that churned like a violent storm in his soul, threatening to rend him apart.

Without a second thought, Richard suddenly turned and in one swift move wrapped the rope that Kahlan had led him by around his brother's throat, pulling it tightly and cutting of his air.

Demos was finally his.