Richard wasn't even aware that Ryan was still alive until Kahlan called his name. He was like a living skeleton. The guards said he had refused to eat for the past week - since Kahlan had told him he could do nothing to please her. Richard was surprised he had lived this long. His eyes were sunken, his face ashy. The mass that was previously on him no longer existed, leaving frailer limbs.

Zedd had came to the two that morning and said they needed to figure out exactly what to do with the confessed man. Since the news that Richard hadn't been touched by Kahlan's magic, Zedd seemed to put himself in the background, letting the two new lovers get better acquainted. He hadn't heard from his grandfather in awhile, nor had he heard from Cara since the incident the morning after. Richard shrugged it off. He appreciated the time they were granting him with Kahlan, soon enough they would have to go back to dealing with the problems of the world. That day had been today.

"Yes Mistress?" Ryan's voice was weak and hoarse, his water cup discarded to the side of the cell, still full.

Richard wasn't sure what Kahlan was going to do. Zedd advised Kahlan to put him to some useful work but Kahlan scoffed at the suggestion. She said that if he was out for blood, then she was as well. Zedd shook his head before walking away. It was very apparent that arguing with the Mother Confessor was a losing battle. Before long, everyone in the palace had known that fighting with her was futile. Richard noticed how some of the maidservants walked as if on eggshells around her, how they wouldn't look her in the eye. She never lashed out at any of the servants, never made a spectacle. The only time she argued was in the company of Zedd, Cara, and himself. He didn't know how she suddenly had a reputation for being so confrontational.

"Have you lost your will to live?" Kahlan towered over the cowering man, glaring at him.

"If it pleases you Mistress, then yes."

"You disgust me." Although Kahlan had never said how she felt about confessing men, Richard thought he could read it pretty well. She was a strong woman who liked to be in control, but she didn't like being treated like a divinity. Whenever something was brought for her, she always thanked the person giving it. If she needed something in the market, she didn't allow others to pay for it or give it to her just on her standing. He figured that confessing men was a last resort for her, that she didn't like their obsessive devotion. Yet, there was a part of him that was convinced that she had the world on a string, that she enjoyed being pampered. The conflicting emotions always surprised Richard, but then she would smile at him and he would forget the nagging feeling that confession thrilled her. This was a moment that made him forget.

Ryan had started placing kisses along the ground by her feet, begging for forgiveness and to be commanded. Kahlan kicked him in the shoulder, causing him to make contact with the wall behind him.

"If you have lost the will to live, then you can stay here and die." Her words were harsh and laced with venom. Ryan looked up at her, confused.

"Do you wish me to die, mistress?"

"Do you wish to die, Ryan?"

"If it pleases you, mistress."

"Do you wish to die, Ryan?" She repeated, her voice more harsh.

Ryan was still thoroughly confused at the words, trying to comprehend if she wanted him to die or not. His eyes teared up in frustration. Kahlan tapped her foot impatiently.

"It would please me if you answered the question truthfully, Ryan. Do you wish to die, knowing that other than answering this question, you can never please me?"

Ryan sighed in relief, finally understanding what she was asking of him.

"Yes mistress, I do." Kahlan's foot stopped tapping as she took a step forward and leaned over. She pressed the tips of her fingers on his chin, urging his face up to look at her. Richard felt the anger boiling in his blood.

"I offer you no such luxury." She removed her hand and turned away, starting to walk out of the cell. Ryan was sobbing.

"What do you wish me to do, mistress?" He called out, barely audible through his tears. Kahlan made no effort to respond to him as she walked out of the room, her white dress trailing along the stone floor. Richard followed her. He nodded to the guard to close the door behind them.

"Continue to give him food and water. If he ever decides to eat or drink, inform me." Richard told the guard, who nodded at his command. Kahlan stopped in her tracks, turning around to look at Richard.

"Don't bother."

"We can't just not offer him food and water, Kahlan."

"The food would be of better use giving it to someone who wishes to live. He doesn't. Don't offer him luxuries he shouldn't have." Kahlan turned and continued down the corridor. Richard sighed as he nodded to the guard, letting him know that Kahlan's word was now what was to be done.