The next morning, Vala woke to see the door to her room was wide open with Daniel standing in the doorway.

"Adria wishes to speak with you," he informed her. Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, Vala rolled out of bed and walked towards the Prior. He moved to one side, allowing her past, and as Vala walked by, she stared into his eyes, trying to see if what happened last night had been a dream. His milky eyes stared back, giving no hint that he remembered last night's happenings. Disappointed, Vala walked on. The Prior closed the door behind him and followed her as they walked to talk to Adria.

XxXxX

"Mother!" Adria greeted warmly, her arms stretched out. Vala stared at her coldly. The Prior, having done as ordered, took his position by the entrance to keep watch of the mother and daughter. Seeing Vala wasn't going to return her greeting, Adria turned and picked up a book that was sitting on a ledge behind her.

"Do you like to read, Mother?"

Vala shrugged and the Prior's eyebrows rose. He couldn't imagine Vala reading.

"I don't mind it. Don't get to do it much."

Adria, who had been caressing the book lovingly, held it up.

"This book's a favorite of mine. Ever read it?"

Again, Vala shrugged. "Might have. What is it?"

Adria looked up and grinned. "The Book of Origin."

Vala rolled her eyes, groaning. "Why don't you get it? I'd go to hell and beyond before I even begin to consider the Origin."

Adria's face grew hard, harder than last night at dinner, and she turned away, setting the book back down. A long moment of silence passed before she spoke again.

"There comes a time in a person's life when one has to decide between two things one loves." Adria turned to look her mother in the eyes. Daniel could feel his back tense at the fire burning in Adria's pupils.

"I'm your mother," Vala reminded her, guessing where Adria was headed.

"And I'll do anything to show you the truth," Adria countered. She looked to the Prior. "Daniel…" she started. But then she narrowed her eyes. "Never mind. Guards," she called. In came two burly guards. "Take my beloved mother to her room while I talk to Daniel here," she ordered, her eyes never leaving Daniel's face. The guards did as commanded, the doors slamming behind them. The moment they were alone, Daniel spoke.

"You know the reason I'm here," he said through gritted teeth. Adria smiled, the spark of a villainess in her eye.

"I am perfectly aware, Dr. Daniel Jackson. But do you know the wonderful thing about your deal with the Ori? I wasn't in on it."

Daniel glared at Vala's daughter, clamping his mouth shut in fear of a sharp retort. Adria smiled, as if sensing his thoughts.

"I want no more hesitations, no more flickers of doubts from you, Dr. Daniel Jackson. Understood?"

A tense few second passed before Daniel nodded curtly and replied, "Yes, Oracle."

A/N: I love reviewers and live for constructive criticism!