Despite her uneasiness about the ball, Kahlan found herself getting more and more excited with each passing day. The though of getting all dressed up and going somewhere with Richard thrilled her immensely and she secretly hoped that when all those people see them together, she could pretend for a brief moment that Richard was hers. Knowing it was just pretense made her feel like her heart was being ripped apart but since meeting Richard and realizing she had feelings for him, that sensation seemed to be constant. During the days she spent in her room thinking about Richard and how they could never be, she though a lot about the future and realized that at some point Richard would have to find someone else to be with. The fact the she could never have love seemed even worst, knowing that the man she loved will someday find someone he liked, maybe loved, and they would get to have all those wonderful things she was denied. She didn't think he'd do it right away, but eventually, he must, and when he does, she didn't think a man like Richard would bear a loveless marriage or an unkind woman. She was sure his future wife would be great, and with time he would forget all about her. But for Kahlan, love was not an option. Her future marriage, if she was to marry, would be purely out of duty to the people of the midlands. Her life will belong to others and she hoped the good she will do would be enough to ease the pain caused by knowing that the man she loved belonged to another. After going back to class, Kahlan started noticing the other girls more. She evaluated their looks, brains and character, wondering who of them will be lucky enough to have Richard. It was a bad habit that caused her much grief, but Kahlan kept thinking that Richard deserved the best. She wanted him to be happy even if she wasn't, and as the ball drew nearer she started forming a plan that will turn Richards attention from her to someone else, a girl that was worthy of him and who could give him what she could not. The girl she had in mind was Nicci, a young sorceress that was a year older than her. Nicci was gorgeous, with long blond hair and startling blue eyes. She was also at the top of her class and came from a good family in the old world. From the few times Kahlan got to talk to her, she found Nicci to be smart and funny. If she had to pick someone for Richard, Nicci would be perfect and Kahlan decided to set her plan in motion.

The day before the ball, she spotted Nicci in class and decided to approach her and set her plan in motion. She noticed before that Nicci seemed to like Richard, which was supposed to make things easier.

She patted the girl on the shoulder, and Nicci turned.

"Hi Kahlan, I haven't seen you for a while. How are you?" Nicci smiled, and for a moment Kahlan wished her smile wasn't that beautiful.

"I'm okay, thanks for asking. I was actually wondering about something. Do you have a date to the ball?" she asked.

Nicci blushed before answering "No. I didn't want to go with any of the boys who invited me and the one I do like is already taken." Nicci smiled softly, knowing that Kahlan knew exactly who he was and who was going with him, but keeping the conversation friendly. Following suite, Kahlan also smiled "if you mean Richard, and I know you do" she paused as she noticed Nicci blush at her bluntness "we're only going as friends. In fact, as a friend I wanted to help him meet someone, special and I thought you would fit perfectly."

Nicci's bush deepened. "Kahlan, I think you're wrong. It's clear that he likes you and I don't want to get in your way. Besides I don't think Richard needs that kind of help, and anyway it would be to obvious if you try and set us up"

Kahlan sighed, hating what she was doing, but one her plan was formed she was determined and wouldn't take no for an answer "Nicci, me and Richard are only friends and that's the way it's going to stay. As for obvious, don't worry. I will take care of everything. Just come and look nice and I'll do the rest"

She gave Nicci's shoulder a reassuring squeeze and the girl nodded. With a last smile, she turned around and walked down the hall to her next class. Tears silently fell from her eyes as she realized what she'd just done. It was for the best, really, she thought, but after she and Richard appeared at the ball together, she would use that moment of joy to help her endure watching him with another girl.

XXX

Richard knocked on Kahlan's door at exactly 9 o'clock. He was dressed in the traditional Rahl colors, red and gold, and looked fabulous. When Kahlan saw him, her breath caught in her throat and she was lost for words. Richard chuckled softly, looking at her with admiration. She was wearing a blue dress, one that brought out her eyes and accentuated her perfect figure. Despite his best efforts, Richard couldn't ignore her womanly curves and spent a few moments trying to calm his nerves.

"Kahlan, you look beautiful" he said in a playful tone, smiling at her and offering her his hand. She took it and smiled back

"You're not half bad yourself" she answered with a giggle.

"Shall we?" Richard found their little game a lot of fun. He could almost pretend this was a real date and he liked the feeling. With Kahlan being so close, her arm wrapped around is, he though it was the best ball he ever attended. He smiled to himself as he thought about his plan to convince Kahlan to dance with him all night long. It might be less than he would have wanted, but defiantly better than nothing. Without a doubt, he was going to enjoy this night.

XXX

When they stepped into the ball room, Kahlan felt a wave of overwhelming happiness wash through her. All eyes were on them and she couldn't help but feel proud to be with Richard. Than, she saw Nicci, standing at the far end of the hall wearing a beautiful form fitting black dress. She looked perfect, and Kahlan cringed inwardly, knowing that in a moment she would push Richard in the arms of this gorgeous woman and he would surly find her alluring. Still, she pulled at his hand, dragging him across the room and facing Nicci. Before the girl had a chance to talk, Kahlan turned to Richard and forced a smile "Richard, this is Nicci. I'm sure you've met before." Richard nodded politely and Kahlan continued "Nicci and I have a little bet going on, you see, she says you'll never dance with her, and I promised her you will. You won't mind do you? I really hate losing." Her tone was light and playful, but Kahlan knew she was pushing it, and that Richard saw right through her. Still, she was positive that Richard was too polite to embarrass the already blushing Nicci and that despite her obvious rouse he would play along. She was prepared for his anger, but the cold glare he gave her knocked the wing out of her. Imitating her tone, Richard held out a hand to Nicci "I wouldn't like to upset you, Kahlan. Nicci, would you care to dance?"

Nicci took Richards hand while looking at looking at Kahlan for reassurance, but a slight tag form him made her turn and a minute later they were standing together on the dance floor. Richard didn't bother looking at Kahlan as he walked away and she could feel her heart breaking all over again.

She took a deep breath and watched them dance. They made a beautiful couple and it seemed like her plan was working. Kahlan felt like someone punched her in the gut but she forced herself to look. This was for the best, she chanted. Richard would be happy with Nicci and she had to get use to watching them together. She kept trying to catch Richards gaze and remind him she was still there but he seemed not to have noticed her any more. After an hour of watching them dance, Kahlan was struggling to hold back tears. She tried telling herself that this was good, and that her plan was working perfectly, except now she could only feel burning pain in the pit of her stomach. A few minutes later, it became unbearable. It took Kahlan all her strength not to run out of the room, but once she was out, she ran. She didn't care where she ended up, all she wanted was to be away and forget.