"And are you sure you want this, Ryan?"
"Yes, Lord Rahl."
"You wish to be the binding force that brings the Midlands and D'Hara together in a peaceful union?"
"Yes, Lord Rahl."
Richard was pacing back and forth, trying to summon questions that could throw Ryan off track. Everything he asked, Ryan answered flawlessly, and with conviction. Richard truly believed that this is what Ryan wanted - peaceful relations with the Midlands. Just like Kahlan wanted. He brought his hand up to the bridge of his nose, attempting to relieve some of the pressure that was building up. He glanced over at Kahlan. She was uninterested in the interrogation, leaning against the wall and staring out the window, twirling a strand of hair in her hand.
He had no idea who Ryan was before this meeting, but then again, Richard wasn't even acquainted with half the generals in his army. Ryan Finn was a typical D'Haran, adorning blonde hair and blue eyes. He had a strong build, and was an inch or two taller than Richard. Ryan was relatively young, and despite his hard exterior, had soft features. When Richard would turn to pace, he would catch Ryan glancing over at Kahlan. Richard recognized the look in his eyes - it was the same look Richard was sure he had when he layed his eyes on Kahlan. This only infuriated him more. He was going to have what he was so close to obtaining. Richard leaned against the doorframe and slid his eyelids closed.
Richard never thought he could hold as much resentment for someone as he held when Zedd interrupted him and Kahlan in the courtyard. After the words spilled from her lips and before she was able to take his mouth with hers, Zedd came stumbling through the courtyard - arms flailing.
"BAGS! What do you two think you are doing!" Kahlan had turned her head to see the oncoming elder, and put her hands on Richard's chest for support as she pushed herself upright. They both seemed to sigh in unison. Richard had never seen his grandfather's face that red before.
Kahlan blew a strand of her hair out of her face before pouting at the old man. "You're ruining all the fun." Richard chuckled as he attempted to sit upright, only to meet Kahlan's hands as she pushed him back onto the ground - still sitting in his lap. Richard could see daggers in Zedd's eyes, but no words came out of his mouth. The wizard was able to finally gather his words.
"Kahlan Amnell! You would risk Richard's soul in a moment of fleeting pleasure?"
Kahlan lifted her eyebrow, "Moment?"
Richard bellowed out a hearty laugh, soliciting a huge smile from Kahlan and a scowl from Zedd. Kahlan tossed her hair over her shoulder, staring up at the old man.
"You underestimate me, Wizard. I wouldn't have let it go that far - there is much fun to be had without confession being the end result." She lifted an eyebrow at him, gesturing with her left hand to shoo him away.
"Mother Confessor!"
"Yes?" She crossed her arms below her breasts, making Richard stifle back the murmer that was creeping it's way up his throat.
"I will not talk to you while you are straddling my grandson's lap."
"Fine, I'll come find you when I'm done." She gestured with her hand again, turning back to Richard, her left sided smirk illuminating her features. The sun shone directly behind her - leaving a halo effect around her whole body.
Zedd's face became red again, and despite his desires, Richard pushed himself up off the ground. Kahlan's face was only inches away from his, and her blue orbs were staring directly into his, as if commanding him to lay back down. Instead, Richard wrapped his arms around her waist, and hoisted her off the ground with him, setting her down beside him as he readjusted his clothing. Kahlan rolled her eyes. She took a few steps towards Zedd and jabbed a finger into his chest.
"Next time, I'll make sure we're in a room. With the door locked." She huffed. She glanced behind her at Richard, shaking her head slightly as she pushed her way through Zedd and returned to the interior of the palace.
Richard sighed as he opened his eyes, rubbing them with the back of his right hand. He turned to look at Ryan, who had been sitting in the same seat and position for over an hour, answering all of Richard's questions. Richard took a few steps forward, glancing over at Kahlan. She was still indifferent to the situation, more entertained by the scenery outside than her fate within the room. Richard was about to change that.
"Do you feel for this woman, General Finn?" Richard could tell by Ryan's expression that he had not expected such a question. Ryan's ears got red and he looked down, fumbling with his hands. Kahlan turned around to look at Richard, her mouth slightly parted and her eyes slinted. She moved her gaze between the two men, a smile creeping on her lips.
"Well?" Richard felt maybe this was the foothold that would allow the entire plan to crumble.
"I .. I .. well .." Ryan stumbled over his words, scratching his neck and looking cautiously over at Kahlan. She showed no emotion. "I think only a fool wouldn't be mesmerized by her beauty. Aren't you, Lord Rahl?" Ryan's eyes grew wide in shock, realizing what he just said. He lowered his head in his hands, shaking it from side to side.
"No need to fret, Ryan. Her beauty is obvious." Ryan looked up at Richard, his eyes showing his relief. "But, I asked if you felt for this woman. Not how you react to her looks."
Ryan looked down, seeming confused. He let out a sigh. "I don't really know her, Lord Rahl. I'm sure she's an amazing woman, especially if her beauty is any testament towards it. I know that once I'm confessed, it won't matter whether or not I had feelings for her previously, I just know that I want D'Hara and the Midlands to be at peace. Our army brought those people many hardships. We shed so much of their blood .." he trailed off, mumbling to himself. Kahlan walked behind him and rested a hand on his shoulder. Richard felt a pang of jealousy.
"Thank you, General Finn. You can go now." Ryan was more than pleased to remove himself from this situation, and Richard was more than pleased to let him go. Right before Ryan made his way to the door, he turned and picked up Kahlan's hand in his, lifting it up to his lips to place a light kiss. "Goodbye, Mother Confessor." She held a tight smile and nodded her head, letting her hand drop from his embrace. He smiled and walked out of the room.
Richard slumped his shoulders as he let his hands rest on the desk. He glanced up at Kahlan. She hadn't moved from her position, seeming to wait for him to speak. Richard felt the heat move to his face, and he was suddenly very enraged - at Ryan, at the situation. At Kahlan.
He stormed out of the room.