Chapter Forty-Eight

Leo had failed to appear the next day, as he'd promised, and Dahlia had been glad. For the first time since they had been captured, Dahlia was able to just spend time with Cara, something she hadn't done in years. Not since the time of Darken Rahl; really, not since Nikolas's birth.

"Hey." Cara said, bringing Dahlia out of her daydreams - she had been thinking of all that had happened in the past few months.

"Hello." There was awkward silence for a moment as Dahlia sat on the log and Cara stood watching. "Sit down." Dahlia offered.

Cara sat down next to her, both of their leathers creaking as they adjusted to the new position. "So . . ." Cara started.

"Are you all right, Cara? I know he couldn't have hurt you that bad, but with everything else that had happened . . . " Dahlia trailed off.

The features of Cara's face scrunched up into confusion for a moment. "Leo . . . Leo is just really confused, and I think I can help him with that. Besides, you know me, I'm always fine."

"We are Mord-Sith." Dahlia put it simply.

"Yes." The silence continued for a moment. "How did things go after I left you and Kahlan . . ."

"Oh." Dahlia winced. "He'll understand some day." And pause. "I hope. Mostly we were just worried about the other Cara, but he locked us in the dungeon so that he could deal with us later. The last time I saw the other you, I thought you were going to die."

"I see." The silence continued. "So – "

"Cara!" Both Mord-Sith snapped their heads in the direction of her name. "Cara." Zedd was walking in to see them, his hair flying everywhere.

Cara stood up. "Zedd." A pause. "What do you want old man?" She asked, and Dahlia couldn't tell if she was being playful or mean.

"I need to talk to you." Cara didn't move. Zedd looked at Dahlia suspiciously, "I need to talk to you alone, Cara."

Cara looked to Dahlia and then back to Zedd. Realization dawned on her face, and then she nodded. "All right." They walked away into the tent that had never been taken down.

Dahlia sat on the log, wishing her conversation with Cara had gone better. At some point she went back to daydreaming of Kahlan; the way she moved, how she talked, the feel of her lips. She didn't even notice him until it was too late.

"Dahlia." He moaned, almost tackling her off the log.

Dahlia made a move to grab her Agiel and then realizing she didn't have it swung a kick at her attacker. He grabbed her leg and then spun them face-to-face. "Leo." She whispered in surprise. They stood there for a moment, staring into each other's eyes as Dahlia tried to figure out what he wanted.

"Dahlia," He moaned again, moving in to kiss her.

She pulled away. "No."

"Just one more time. Please." He made a move to kiss her again.

"Leo, I said no." Dahlia said sternly, turning her Mord-Sith glare on him

"Now I know why I shivered every time you looked at me that way." He whispered, and then continued. "Why not." He pouted, but didn't let go.

"I'm with someone, Leo. Now let go of me." Dahlia pulled away, and this time he let go.

He stared at her like she was crazy. "Who could you possibly be with that is better than me?" Dahlia remained silent. "Niki." He shook his head. "I bet you're with him. There was always something strange between you two, even when I thought you were brother and sister, but now – "

"I'm not with Nikolas, Leo." She said. Dahlia couldn't tell him that she was with the Mother Confessor of the Midlands, especially considering Kahlan and Leo's history.

"Then who? Who is he Dahlia?"

Dahlia just shook her head. "I'm not going to tell you Leo." Dahlia caught a glimpse of Benjamin walking up to them.

Leo saw her look, "Him." He said with scorn. "You could be with a Lord Rahl, or the Seeker of Truth, and you chose him? A nobody from D'Hara."

"Leo –" Meiffert cut Dahlia off.

"Is everything okay over here?" Meiffert asked, his hand was in a fist and he looked like he was ready to defend Dahlia's honor.

"We're fine, Captain." Dahlia said, ordering him to leave with her eyes, but he didn't respond. That's what she hated about him being with Cara - his lack of fear for Mord-Sith.

"Yeah, get out of here, Meiffert." Leo's comment made Benjamin frown.

"What's going on Dahlia?" He asked, ignoring Leo.

"I just wanted to rehash some old memories with her, but she doesn't want to." Leo told him. Dahlia gave him a sharp glance, few people were aware of her relationship with the Seeker.

Benjamin seemed to realize what he was talking about. "Dahlia is with someone." He stated.

"She won't tell me who." Leo said accusingly. Benjamin stared at him. He turned back to Dahlia. "Come on Dahl, you know you want to. It's just a release, nothing real. We both need it."

Dahlia shook her head, not at all interested. "I told you. No."

"Why not?" He whined, taking a step toward her. Dahlia looked around and noted all the guards who were trying to look like they weren't staring.

"Because, I'm with – "

"Me." Benjamin said, moving to her side. She looked up at him, shocked. "She's with me, so back off."

Leo stared between them, "I don't believe . . ." He faded out as Benjamin pressed a kiss to Dahlia's lips. He was very gentle, but Dahlia couldn't help but feel as if she was cheating on Kahlan, even if it might be saving her from getting hurt.

"What's going on here?" All three turned to see an open-mouthed Cara.