Princess Rahl, Chapter 12 of the Heir to the Throne

[hrhrionastar]

Title: A Mord'Sith's Honor (Ch. 12 of The Heir to the Throne)
Pairing: Darken/Kahlan, background Darken/Cara, Richard/Kahlan
Length: 811
Rating: T
Spoilers: Reckoning, mostly, but eventually there'll be a few references to things we learn later.
Summary: Reckoning AU: what if Darken and Kahlan's baby was a girl?

 

A Mord’Sith’s Honor

Mistress Cindi didn’t think she was unreasonable. She served Lord Rahl with a calm efficiency that was a marvel, particularly when compared with her Sisters. She harbored little affection for any of them—particularly Dahlia, who seemed to delight in little sharp barbs about her competence, appearance, and leadership as compared to Cara’s. She hadn’t liked Cara. If Cara was killed in some magical explosion, so much the better for Cindi, new First Mistress.

But Alina was a different matter. Not that Cindi had liked her better than any of the others. Alina was older than Cindi, and if she ever felt any resentment that Cindi was the one promoted to First Mistress, she never mentioned it.

Of course, that made her that much more dangerous—but that much less irritating on a daily basis.

It was not Alina, per se, that Cindi was so devastated to lose.

She wasn’t sure what it was—security perhaps?

All she knew was that she was not anxious to let those horrible little monstrous children get away with this.

As she strode through the halls of the Palace, she vowed she would teach them some respect.

But Cindi knew Lord Rahl would never allow her to take liberties with his heir. Lord Nicholas was a murderous, impertinent brat—but Lord Rahl was not Panis Rahl, who, Cindi had heard, had actually ordered his son to be trained by a Mord’Sith.

So there was really no point imagining all the torments she might inflict on Lord Nicholas.

In a way, however, Lady Nila was even worse.

Cindi had listened to her description of what had occurred—her callous disregard for Alina’s suffering had stung more than Cindi cared to admit.

These soul-stealing Confessors were a menace, and Cindi would never understand how Lord Rahl stooped to bed one of them, even if he was immune to her powers.

But there was no need to consider Lady Rahl. She was unimportant, in the larger scheme of things. Besides, Cindi was a Mord’Sith—she knew to always go for the pain. And what could be more painful for Lady Rahl than the lesson Cindi would teach that Underworld-spawn of hers?

Her course of action decided, Cindi followed the little brat, Lady Nila, up to the attics.

She ignored the towering World Mirror (it was said to show any time, any place, the viewer desired), the nondescript Wheel of Chaos (if properly activated, it could erase the minds of all in the Land of the Living, making them little more than animals), and the Dragon Scales (a weighing device made entirely from the scales of the Great Dragon’s hide, that was said to weigh love, hate, evil, and other intangible matters of the soul).

Mistress Cindi had a prosaic mind, and the only thing that interested her was the gawky, awkward little girl clambering up the Dragon Scales, in order to peer into the World Mirror.

Refusing to waste time on a request, Cindi simply reached up and yanked the Lady Nila down by the collar of her dress.

“Hey!” the little terror shrieked. “Do you mind?” When she saw Cindi’s set face, she asked, “Does Father want me?”

“No,” Cindi said, with relish. “He never did. Lord Nicholas is the heir—only Lord Nicholas matters. You are extra—unnecessary, redundant. I don’t know why Lord Rahl didn’t have you killed at birth.”

Now the brat was really squirming, screaming that it wasn’t true, Father loved her, Nicholas was useless and not much of an heir, put her down at once…

Cindi tuned it out, bored already. Little girls were all the same. Lady Nila reminded her of the new recruits she was supposed to be training. Lord Rahl had told her to be especially careful with this batch—they had all been born about the same time he had won the war and the Seeker had been killed, and he wanted them as some sort of Statement.

Cindi wasn’t too clear on the point of this, but she would do as she was told; she was loyal to Lord Rahl.

Cindi put the screaming Lady Nila in with the other little girls, the ones she and her Sisters had gathered, from the various corners of the kingdom. Let Lady Nila feel the cold, the rats nibbling at her toes and the grim uncertainty of her fate nibbling at her thoughts.

Cindi wasn’t sure if she were really going to break the little princess; Lord Rahl might think that was going too far. But suppose he did punish Cindi? Cindi thrilled at the thought, guilty pleasure rising through her.

Maybe now was the time to show Lord Rahl it wasn’t only Cara who had a mind of her own, and wasn’t afraid to disobey orders.

Cindi smiled, willing to take the risk. She was Mord’Sith; this was what she had been created for.
 

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Comments

[16beckyb.livejournal.com]

A Mord'Sth POV chapter - It's nice to see how things look from their side. And I love the way you write their characters.

I can understand Mistress Cindi's anger, but isn't she treading a fine line by doing this to Nila? Especially since her ambitions hinge on Lord Rahl's favor, how can she possibly think Darken will ignore such a blatant show of disrespect to his family?

Such cruel words, Cindi! Although Nila has shown a complete disregard for Cindi's "family".

Just curious - I know that Nicholas is Darken's favorite, but doesn't he still love Nila, too? I am never quite sure of his feelings for her apart from his dimissive actions with her when he failed to discipline Nicholas. Although disappointed that she wasn't a son, he seemed genuinely fond of her at the beginning of the story, although we have never seen them really talk to each other.

The speed of your writing is rather terrifying - I can't keep up with you.

[hrhrionastar.livejournal.com]

Thank you!!

I love the Mord'Sith - definitely expect to see more of their perspective :D

I can understand Mistress Cindi's anger, but isn't she treading a fine line by doing this to Nila? Especially since her ambitions hinge on Lord Rahl's favor, how can she possibly think Darken will ignore such a blatant show of disrespect to his family? Good point - Cindi isn't quite thinking straight about that. Furthermore, from the Mord'Sith point of view, Kahlan and Nila, and to a lesser extent Nicholas, are a tolerated caprice of Darken's - Cindi doesn't consider Nila very important. However, you're absolutely correct that she underestimates what Darken's reaction will be ;)

I know that Nicholas is Darken's favorite, but doesn't he still love Nila, too? He does - but Nicholas is the heir. And Darken doesn't really know how to be a father - he makes it up as he goes (just like all parents, I supppose). In fact, this is one of Nila's sources of stress - both her parents are inconsistent.

although we have never seen them really talk to each other It will happen... :)

The speed of your writing is rather terrifying - I can't keep up with you. It just seems that way because I posted so much at once. Besides, Princess Rahl isn't actually done--the first part is written, but I'm still working on the rest (and it is incredibly long - I'm nervous about how huge this story is getting...)

[dorothydeath.livejournal.com]

O_o
Okay... Now I officially do not understand.

Darken being so dismissive of Nila and forgiving of Nicholas in the previous chapter, Kahlan's "he's just a kid" attitude, Cindi going for Nila...
It's like they all have suddenly gone blind and deaf.

And as for Cindi's plan. I thought training took time. Wouldn't Darken notice his daughter's disappearance?

What's going on? o_O
I feel like I'm missing something here.

O_o
o_O

O_O
*puzzled*

[hrhrionastar.livejournal.com]

It's like they all have suddenly gone blind and deaf. A little - Darken is focused on Nicholas because he's the heir, and Kahlan is desperately trying not to decide to kill Nicholas, at the same time as she feels if she doesn't kill Nicholas she's failing in her duty to the Confessor line, and the world as a whole...Cindi hates Kahlan, and Nila and Nicholas. The Mord'Sith view Darken's family as a tolerated caprice, something you have to accept because he's the Lord Rahl - but whatever power Kahlan has, not to mention Darken's love for his family, Cindi underestimates.

And as for Cindi's plan. I thought training took time. Wouldn't Darken notice his daughter's disappearance? Cindi assumes he won't, since most of his energy spent on the children is focused on Nicholas. Also, being royalty, the kids actually spend a lot of time with either their tutors or their Mord'Sith babysitters, all of whom Cindi figures she can intimidate. She doesn't see Kahlan as a threat at all. However...

Sorry it seems confusing :( Thanks for reading!

[dorothydeath.livejournal.com]

I really hope Darken will come to his senses. He has an ability to feel when something goes awry, he doubts "the very Sun at noon". Sure he should be more careful about something as important as his own family.

In canon he really had made only one big mistake. He loved Nicholas too much.
*sad*

but whatever power Kahlan has, not to mention Darken's love for his family, Cindi underestimates
I have a feeling I will enjoy the next chapter immensely!

being royalty, the kids actually spend a lot of time with either their tutors or their Mord'Sith babysitters
What about good night kiss?
For some reason I thought both Darken and Kahlan visited their children to wish them good night.

She doesn't see Kahlan as a threat at all.
Yeah. Big mistake.
Even Darken is very careful around Kahlan. He never counts her out. Or so I thought.
Oh!
Will we see more Darken/Kahlan in the future?
I'd love to! ^_^

[hrhrionastar.livejournal.com]

In canon he really had made only one big mistake. He loved Nicholas too much. So true. And still an issue, in this AU...

What about good night kiss?
For some reason I thought both Darken and Kahlan visited their children to wish them good night. They do - at least most nights - but Cindi doesn't know/discounts this.

Will we see more Darken/Kahlan in the future? Probably...at any rate, it's all mixed in with the actiony bits. But I love Darken/Kahlan, so... :D

[dorothydeath.livejournal.com]

And still an issue, in this AU...
Oh, that's too bad! But I guess nothing can be done about it really.((
Maybe Kahlan can open his eyes?
But how exactly will she do that if she's so blind herself when it comes to Nicholas?

but Cindi doesn't know/discounts this.
Oh, she's gonna pay for this... I can tell...))

But I love Darken/Kahlan, so... :D
Yay!)))

[meridian_rose]

But Alina was a different matter. Not that Cindi had liked her better than any of the others. I like this idea that there's some loyalty between any two Sisters but not too much between again given pair.

Cindi was the one promoted to First Mistress, Is this an actual title, canon wise [and if not can I steal/borrow it?] I'm thinking a lot about titles and honorifics at the moment. As far as I understand it, all Mord'Sith are Mistresses once their training is complete, but there are Junior Mistresses and 'full'/actual Mistresses. And is there only one First Mistress as this title implies or is a bit like being made a General? [I need a title for a Mord'Sith above all Mord'Sith, a Commander of the Fleet to mix my rank metaphors, and assumed that there was not already such a thing—I was toying with Chief Mistress]

It was not Alina, per se, Huge internet hugs for per se, in its correct form :D [per say drives me mad]

her callous disregard for Alina's suffering had stung more than Cindi cared to admit. Mord'Sith do have feelings :D

World Mirror Sounds interesting :D
the nondescript Wheel of Chaos (if properly activated, it could erase the minds of all in the Land of the Living, making them little more than animals), I find it somehow amusing and yet believable in the LotS world that such a dangerous and powerful object is left lying around in the attic instead of under lock and key
Dragon Scales (a weighing device made entirely from the scales of the Great Dragon's hide, that was said to weigh love, hate, evil, and other intangible matters of the soul).Pun :D And another fascinating idea.

little girl clambering up the Dragon Scales, in order to peer into the World Mirror. Because that's exactly what daddy told her not to do.

"No," Cindi said, with relish. "He never did. Lord Nicholas is the heir—only Lord Nicholas matters. You are extra—unnecessary, redundant. I don't know why Lord Rahl didn't have you killed at birth." Cindi doesn't seem aware that had Darken killed a daughter, Kahlan would probably have never borne him the second child, the precious son

And he wanted them as some sort of Statement. I love this concept and phrasing so much.

Cindi put the screaming Lady Nila in with the other little girls, the ones she and her Sisters had gathered, from the various corners of the kingdom. Let Lady Nila feel the cold, the rats nibbling at her toes and the grim uncertainty of her fate nibbling at her thoughts. This is not going to end well, Cindi. On the other hand, I love the imagery.

Cindi wasn't sure if she were really going to break the little princess Surely an hour in the dungeons might scare Nila enough?

Lord Rahl might think that was going too far. But suppose he did punish Cindi? Cindi thrilled at the thought, guilty pleasure rising through her. This is the problem with the Mord'Sith; they treat the discipline like a reward :P [I wonder if part of it isn't just the pain but the personal attention of Rahl himself]

Maybe now was the time to show Lord Rahl it wasn't only Cara who had a mind of her own, and wasn't afraid to disobey orders.Cara is such a bad role model for obedience

Cindi smiled, willing to take the risk. She was Mord'Sith; this was what she had been created for. Enjoy it while you can, Cindi. I don't see you surviving the next chapter somehow

[hrhrionastar.livejournal.com]

Thank you!!

Is this an actual title, canon wise [and if not can I steal/borrow it?] You know, I actually don't know? And you can certainly use it :) I think it may come from the books, but I never read past the first one so I can't be sure...

And is there only one First Mistress as this title implies or is a bit like being made a General? Yes, only one First Mistress. Although Chief Mistress also works :D

Huge internet hugs for per se, in its correct form Yay! Someone else who cares about grammar!! (per say, really? Who writes that? Sad.)

I find it somehow amusing and yet believable in the LotS world that such a dangerous and powerful object is left lying around in the attic instead of under lock and key Of course - where were the Boxes of Orden, again? I feel like Darken has at least one at the beginning of Season 1 - he could've gotten it from the attic, right? Although I suppose Queen Milena stored hers in the treasury...

(Also - some of these dangerous magical artefacts may reappear...)

Cindi doesn't seem aware that had Darken killed a daughter, Kahlan would probably have never borne him the second child, the precious son True - Cindi doesn't see Kahlan, a Confessor bound by a Rada'Han and the captive of a conquered land, as much of a threat. Unwise, perhaps. She thinks of Darken and Kahlan's relationship as being far simpler than it is - it would be inconceivable to her that Kahlan (a weak non-Mord'Sith) would be able to defy Darken, even about something as important as their children.

Surely an hour in the dungeons might scare Nila enough? We'll see - she's her father's daughter, after all ;)

[I wonder if part of it isn't just the pain but the personal attention of Rahl himself] OMG, yes. Absolutely :D

Enjoy it while you can, Cindi. I don't see you surviving the next chapter somehow Without giving anything away - Cindi doesn't understand how important Darken's family is to him. And her contempt for Kahlan, not to mention Nila, is a mistake ;D