Rolling onto her side, Kahlan pulled her blanket tighter to her chest and sighed. "It's growing colder each night."

"I think we will see snow before the week ends," Richard responded with a slow glance in her direction. Her teeth were chattering, though she was trying to keep it quiet. "Do you want me to add more wood to the fire?"

"No, it's fine, thank you. Richard... Are you alright?"

"Fine."

"No, you're not," she said as she pushed the blanket from herself and sat forward. "Richard, please... You can talk to me."

"No, not about this."

"Why?"

Looking away, he stared at the trees ahead of him. "Because it is not something you should have to think about."

"I may be able to help you. Richard, I-"

"Please let this go."

Kahlan nodded, but she didn't lie back down. "Alright, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed." Coming to her feet, she walked over to the fire and sat down close to him, wrapping half of her blanket around herself and the rest, around him. "Cara and Zedd should be back tomorrow."

"It's possible."

"If Cara hasn't buried his body in the trees somewhere."

"The food in his pockets would make him too heavy to move."

With a soft chuckle, Kahlan pushed her shoulder against his for a moment, quickly realizing a part of his mind's struggle. "I'm sorry. I'm going to try and sleep." She didn't wait for him to respond, she wasn't sure he would. His eyes followed her back to her bedroll; she could feel them intensely. She wanted to look back and meet them, but she wasn't sure she could. He was clearly upset and if having her near made him flinch, she wasn't sure she could handle what was on his mind.

She feared the worst. If this was the moment she had been dreading, it came too soon. She knew that one day he would come to see her the way that everyone else did, a monster who shouldn't be near anyone, but knowing the time would come, wasn't making it any easier. She wanted to cry and scream, but it would do her no good. A man as smart as him would come to the conclusion sooner than later and it was best for him to see the truth now.

She would never hurt him, not intentionally, though, she would admit that the thought did cross her mind when he was near. Her body ached in ways she had never known before, a soft cry half escaping her lips when they were close or stole a kiss in secret. She had never believed a pain of wanting to be so strong and with each breath, she waited for it to end. She was to take a mate when the rifts were closed, an action she feared doing. If she was unable to be with the man she loved, she didn't want to spend a night for the sake of a child.

He would be a wonderful father, her mind whispered. There could be no one greater. Shaking her head, she pushed her head back and into the ground, fighting the images her mind spat at her of him holding their daughter. Sitting up rapidly, she sucked in a deep breath and wiped her hands on her dress. She was freezing, yet covered in a warm sweat, her mind mocking her at the feeling of him against her.

"I'm going to walk for a few minutes, maybe it will quiet my mind."

He said nothing as she half ran into the trees, only watched, wondering if he should go after her. Her voice had strained to speak, an action that didn't go unnoticed, but her effort made him question his response. If she wanted him to know what was wrong, she would have told him, she always did. His mind questioned his own thoughts, reminding him of the secret he kept from her. They had a friendship unlike any other and yet, there were things that could not be shared.

With a heavy sigh, he came to his feet, holding the blanket she had left around his shoulders. She was right, the nights were getting colder and the wind was showing no mercy.

Her trail circled the camp before darting away, telling him that she had thought about returning, but from how deep the footprints were, he knew she was too upset to do so. He wondered if somehow she knew what was on his mind, making him embarrassed as he caught sight of her ahead of him.

She was kneeling in a patch of long grass, looking down at her reflection in a small pond. He froze for a moment, stunned by the beauty before him. Her hair fell over shoulders flawlessly, her white dress standing out upon the darkness of the forest and it all made his body grow weak.

It wasn't the first time he wanted to throw her to the ground beneath him and bury himself in her warmth, and it wasn't the first time they were alone when the thoughts screamed to be heard. She was the only woman to take his breath while filling his lungs and boil his blood while sending ice through his spine. Everything about her made him want to scream in agony and cry out in passion. She is the one woman he wanted and the one he could never have.

"Are you alright?"

"No, but it is not something I will burden you with." She didn't look up as she spoke, even as he made his way toward her. "You didn't have to come out here."

"I know, but you- You're upset."

"So are you."

"Kahlan-"

At last, she looked up, meeting his eyes. "You do not have to follow me around, I am not a helpless child."

"No, you're not," he agreed softly. "I wanted to make sure you were alright."

"And if I was not? What was your plan?"

"I don't know," he said as he sat down beside her. "I thought that maybe I would be able to help." He reached out to her, brushing his thumb beneath her left eye to catch her tears, fearless resting his hand against her. "I don't like it when you're upset."

Her mind spun in confusion, lost as to what was happening. He had come after her, sat at her side and touched her, surely it didn't mean what she hoped it to. Searching his eyes, she tried to find words, but nothing remained long enough to form in her mouth. His lips were inviting, the soft pink that whispered her name as he inched forward. Her eyes darted back to his, and at the concern, she pulled away.

"You shouldn't be so close to me."

"Because you'll confess me?" he said through almost a laugh. Upon her nod, he shook his head. "No you won't. That is the one thing I am sure of."

"Then you are a fool."

"No. You would never Confess me, even if I was killing innocent people, you'd do everything else, anything else, even if it killed you."

Staring into the darkness, she sighed. "I've come close to letting go." The words left her lips softly, a secret she hated to reveal.

"I know, but not as many times as I hoped you would. You would never let go, no matter how much we wanted it, when the moment came... You would hold on with everything you have." Crossing his legs, he closed his eyes. This was the conversation he didn't want to have with her. Laying back, he turned his head, studying her. "It doesn't matter how I feel, you'd never take me."

"How can I?" she asked as her head jerked in his direction. "If I Confessed you, everything you are, the man you are... Everything you do and think on your own, they'd be gone. I could never do that to you."

"Because it's not what you want."

"No," she said breathlessly in shame. "Because it wouldn't be fair to you. I cannot force you to love me. If I- If I Confessed you, you would never have a chance to find- I would take away your chance to be happy."

"And I can never be happy with you," he told her without making eye contact.

"I'm a Confessor, no one around us is happy."

"Not even you."

She looked away, back to the darkness of the night around them. "We were not created to be happy. We have our duty, it is all we need."

His eyes came to her face, seeing her jaw lock as she finished her sentence. "And you've been spoon-fed that soup all of your life, it must be right."

"I've been fed everything that is keeping you safe. I am not a woman, I am a monster."

"You are more of a woman than any of them and your magic doesn't change anything. You see yourself as a monster because that's the way your people want you to and you allow it. How dare you be happy?"

"I am not made-"

"To be happy, I know," he said, annoyed. "You've already said that."

"It doesn't make it any less true."

"It frustrates me," he admitted without thought. "I can never- You're close, but I can never have you close enough. You would rather take a stranger to your bed, than spend a single night in mine. It's not fair. If I wasn't to love you, why- Why didn't you stop me?"

"Because I never believed it was possible for you to care about me."

"And you were wrong." He looked over to her, noticing her hands in her lap. She was experiencing the same frustrations he was, but she said nothing. He wondered which was more painful. "Your magic doesn't change the woman you are, Kahlan. If anyone, if they took a chance to just sit with you, they'd see it. The magic is beautiful and I cannot imagine the burden you feel with it, but the fear in others... There is no reason to fear you."

"I destroy families," she whispered in reply. "Richard, my basic instinct is to take away a person's entirety. With a breath, I can destroy everything around a single person. I am feared because it is my nature to destroy, to take-"

"As punishment," he said. "Kahlan you do what you must and only to those who deserve it and then you... You give those people a better life and a chance to do something greater with theirs."

"What of their families?"

"They should be grateful. You do not kill them, instead, you allow them to help others. They should be proud and honored, that you have shown such grace. That is the woman you are, the woman I... I know you and I see the way it hurts you, each time you use your magic and you do it because you must, not because it brings you pleasure."

She saw opening in the conversation, a way to change his feelings for her and she took it. "The pleasure I feel when I release my magic is beyond words."

"Because that is the only pleasure you know," he replied in a voice that made her body tense with desire. "It's your freedom."

"Richard-"

"I know," he whispered. "I shouldn't think those things."

"We should go back to camp. The fire has probably already died, I'll find more wood."

Reaching out, he grabbed her arm and held her still. "Don't go, please."

"There is nothing left to be said."

"I disagree."

Relaxing, she let out a soft sigh. "I can't imagine there's anything more."

"That, this is what I was- Earlier, when you asked if I was alright, this is what I was thinking about and now... If I don't say it now, I don't believe I will have the chance to say it again."

"Maybe it shouldn't be said."

"I meant what I said before," he said as though she hadn't spoken. "It's frustrating and I know that you would never... I keep imagining this life we could have, our children, so many of them. Everything I have wanted, it will never happen." Meeting her eyes, he held them in their sadness. "I can't have the woman I love and there's nothing I can do to change it."

"You will be grateful one day. When you're with your wife, your son... You'll be happy."

"I don't want a son, Kahlan. I want your daughters. I want you."

Shaking her head slowly, she deepened her frown. "I cannot give myself to you. You deserve more than a life as my slave." She continued to look down at him as she moved to her feet, holding his gaze with each move. "I am sorry for what I am and there are times when I wish it away, but I do not do this to hurt you. I am what I am and I love you too much to take away everything within you. It's not fair for me to be so selfish, no matter how I long for you."

She walked away while his mind wrapped around a single set of her words. They were not ones she would use lightly, and hearing them made his body quake. It was almost hard for him to believe what she had said, his mind instantly telling him that he heard wrong because he wanted her to reveal her feelings for him. She loved him and the words left her lips smoothly, freely and in the brief moment, passionate. He almost rushed after her, almost lept to his feet before realizing he had nothing to offer her. He had been upset, but now as he thought more on it, he had no right to think he was feeling it alone. The woman inside the Confessor had given him a glimpse of a deep secret and he couldn't help the feeling that she wished she hadn't.

She wanted the same life he did, making him believe that if he found a way to have it, she would be just as happy. He knew there were rules and things she wouldn't consider and many he would dismiss, the idea of a Rada'Han instantly thrown from his mind. It would make it easier, yes, but it would take away a piece of her and it was not something he was willing to accept. He often wondered what it would feel like, having her magic run through his veins. Being Confessed to Annabelle had shown him more than he thought possible, connecting them in a way he couldn't imagine. He felt her fears and her excitement, her love for Flynn and it had been so powerful, he would swear they were his feelings.

He wanted the same kind of connection with Kahlan, one deeper than what they already had. He wanted to know her every fear, feel every ounce of excitement and prove that with out a doubt, he loved her. His heart was hers, but in no way to prove it. The images he had created in his mind of being with her had taken over nearly every one of his thoughts. His dreams were filled in places they were able to share a bed, clinging to each other with no worries or regrets. Awakening had become painful, ending the pleasures he had felt with her alone in his mind.

The images only frustrated him more, finding it nearly impossible for him to be close to her without wanting to make them reality. A single glance from her had his body thriving for hers. She would speak and he wanted to throw her beneath him and then, her smile sent a bolt through him, making him focus on her mouth and the sounds he longed to hear escape her lips. His body responded at the thoughts, bringing him to a quick decision.

She was laying beside the fire when he returned, her back facing the flames as she held a blanket tightly to her chest. It made sense, he thought, an enemy wouldn't come from the fire, leaving the only option of attack to be before her and she would see it all coming. His heart was pounding was he came closer, his mind trying to anticipate her response. If the night ended the way he planned, she may carry his child.

Laying down, he inched forward, draping his left arm over her side. She didn't wake up as he thought she would, instead she inched forward and buried her face in his neck. It was comfortable, his body relaxing against hers as though it was the way they ended every night.

"You're warm," she said sleepily as she pulled her head back.

"If I told you that I found a way for us to have a family together-"

"Richard-"

He grabbed her waist and held her still as he inched forward. "Don't do that. Don't dismiss the thought before hearing what I have to say. Kahlan, if I found a way to give you children without your magic releasing into me, would you consider it?"

"I don't know," she whispered.

"I have a way, Kahlan. I can give you a daughter."

"How?" she managed to say breathlessly.

Licking his lips, he stared at hers. "It would be better if I showed you."

His lips grazed hers, testing the moment, waiting for approval to continue. Her hesitation was obvious, her mind questioning it all as she tried to see his plan. Richard held his ground, pushing forward just a bit with each touch of their lips. When their kisses became more frequent, he pressed onward and without hesitation, moved one of his knees between her legs. She allowed the action without caution, accepting his motions as she returned his kiss.

Pulling the blanket from between them, he snaked his hand over her stomach, resting it on her chest just before he took hold of the laces of her dress. Kahlan wound her fingers in his hair, holding him close as he brought himself to lay almost above her. It was risky, he knew, opening her dress, but he needed to give her something more. His body ached against her thigh, growing warmer as his tongue touched hers.

Richard moved his hand through the opening of her dress, skipping her breasts to glide along her side, surprise and disappointment flooding through her. His fingers pushed into her back as he pulled her closer, both thriving on the new feeling of skin. A surge of bravery flooded through her, sending her hands to the hem of his shirt with a soft pull. Before their lips reconnected, she leaned forward and pressed her chest against his, a low moan of passionate content leaving both of their lips at once.

It was almost too much, his body climbing higher to the point of release. Reaching between them, he began unlacing his pants, pulling himself free the moment he was able. Their lips returned to claim the others, pleasantly bruising with each breath. His hand moved between them slowly, the back of his hand sliding over her, gaining her attention. Continuing her bravery, she reached down. He bit her lip in surprise as her fingers touched him, his hips rocking forward as his head pulled back.

He nearly exploded against her hand, and the low growl that left his throat told her to pull back. Pushing her onto her back, he moved her dress, bunching it at her waist before gliding his fingers over her gently, once. Her head pushed back into the bedroll with a loud moan, her hips bucked upward and as her eyes darkened and he pushed his chest into hers. She moved her legs, instinctively allowing him to comfortably settle between them, her body accepting him completely.

He kissed over her jaw, down her neck and then up again, lingering on her ear for a moment. "This may hurt you..."

Pushing her chest up, she stroked her fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck and whispered, "I know."

Their foreheads were pressed together as he shifted above her. They shared each others breath, a warm pant that left as their hearts stopped.

The moments they were connected, burned into their minds, replaying as he watched her gasp for air and dig her fingers into the ground beside him. It was beautiful, watching her fight the magic. He had rolled off of her only moments before, his mission completed and in that time, he managed to give her a portion of the pleasure he wanted to. Her eyes fell closed and her breathing deepened, his eyes watching her chest for a few breaths, remembering the softness of the skin.

"I'm can't believe we did that," she panted, bringing his eyes back to her face.

Her eyes were still closed and her lips were in a frown, making him question his plan once more. "Do you wish we didn't?"

She grinned widely at his words, letting his body relax as she looked at him. "No." Her eyes moved over him, watching, and he knew, she could still see him above her, his body letting go and filling hers. "Do you?"

"No," he replied without hesitation. Dropping his eyes to her stomach, he reached out, and pushed his hand against the skin, imagining it growing beneath his touch. He wished he could find the words that rumbled through his mind, the excitement he felt and how he wished never to move from her side, but nothing came.

"Is that... Is that what it's like?"

He half shrugged, bringing his eyes back to hers. In truth, he didn't know how to answer her question. He had been with two others before and it had not been anything like this, but he didn't feel the same way for them, either. "It's close," he managed to say. "This was one sided."

Her smile widened and her eyes darkened, "I assure you, any pleasures felt, were not on one side alone."

His hand had slid up to her breasts as she spoke, her lips releasing a seductive tone he had never heard before. She was surprisingly calm for how far they had gone, something he wanted to ask, but as he squeezed his hand, all he could do was watch her eyes fall close. She trusted him completely, and if he didn't know before, it was clear now. The woman laying beside him had never been with anyone before, no man had ever touched her, in any way, and yet, when he reached out to her, she allowed him to without question. His mind wondered if she was in some kind of shock, that their actions hadn't set in yet and if they did, if she would be upset.

He had done his best to keep from bringing her too far, slowing himself with a caution in his mind. It wasn't as hard as he thought it would be, but he knew it was because he was far more ready for her to survive long enough to take her with him. He wanted her to feel the release in pleasure and he wanted to be the one who gave it to her, but it could never happen. She could never feel that moment, not with him and he began to wonder if what he gave her would be enough.

Before he could stop himself, he leaned forward and pressed his lips to her shoulder and flicked his tongue against the skin. She brought her hands to his head, his hair, pulling his face to hers for a deep kiss. They found it impossible to be close enough, their hands trailing over the other while they pushed together. Her right leg hooked over his, bringing him closer; needing him again. Needing him at once.

"Richard," she panted, grabbing his attention.

His body wasn't ready and if he did what she wanted, it would go too far and he wouldn't be able to stop until he felt her magic run through him. His body rocked into her at the thought, but it would destroy her and he couldn't move forward. Snaking his hand between them, he brushed his fingers over her once again, giving her what she needed. Breaking their kiss, she let out a gasp, her hand instinctively reaching down to his.

He smiled against her neck, nudging his nose against her skin as he continued the movement of his hand. Hers came to rest on his forearm, allowing him to continue without pause, while she gave simple movement in direction. When he could take it no longer, his mind screamed in thought; questioning if she wanted him to let go again.

Pulling back his head and hand, he met her passion filled eyes and opened his mouth, a soft gasp being all that he was able to let out. She understood at once and responded the only way she could. Shifting her hips, she bucked against his, giving her approval without a word and again, they were lost.

She was pressed against him when he awoke, her breasts warm to his chest. Her face was buried in his neck and her breathing was deep and slow, telling him that she was asleep and had been for some time. Their blanket was laying over their legs, keeping them warm, while the rest of their bodies shared the same heated space. Shifting his body, he tried to keep her close while bringing his hand to her stomach. Her body moved seamlessly with his, following his motion and laying on her back. His first instinct was to close her dress and keep the cool wind from her exposed chest, but his hand slipped inside before he could.

He watched his hand rise with her breaths, wondering how hard he had to wish to have their child created within. He could think of nothing else as he stared, hoping he had given her enough. They would be reunited with their friends and he knew that she wouldn't allow this night to happen again, she wouldn't risk his life. A smile came to his lips at the memory, the previous night holding firmly in his mind. He wasn't sure he could go another day without her beneath him, but because they were not like other couples, he knew there was a chance he would go the rest of his life without her.

There was so much more he wanted her to experience, to give her, but the one thing he was sure she wanted just as much, was his child. It would be a piece of them they could both hold, life from what they felt, even when time began to pass them by. If he gave her a daughter, they would be connected together, forever and she would have a piece of the man she loved, but couldn't destroy. She would be happy, she would be able to hold onto the proof of his love and he could see her smile clearly. He couldn't imagine anyone being a greater mother.

"If she's there, I won't know yet," Kahlan whispered, pulling him from his thoughts.

Bringing his eyes to hers, he smiled. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"I know, it's alright. I think the wind thought it would be best."

He moved without thought, bringing the blanket over her chest quickly and she almost seemed disappointed by the action. "I'm sorry. I meant to cover you."

"Of course," she replied with a slight smile. "You wouldn't want me laying here, exposed."

Lowering his head, he brought it closer to hers, whispering his question to be sure it wasn't heard away from them. "Are you sure you're alright with what we did?"

Shifting her body, she brought her arms to her chest, holding the blanket in place. "It surprises me too," she admitted just as soft. "I don't know why I am, but last night, I- It seemed you had a solid plan."

Richard chuckled and rolled onto his back, squinting his eyes against the sunlight. "It seemed to be the only way." Turning his head toward her, he frowned. "We can't do it again, can we?"

"I don't know." Her reply surprised him, but he knew that it shouldn't. She was always honest with him. "I'm afraid that if we were to, I wouldn't be willing to settle for anything less. I don't want to hurt you."

"I know."

"But I-" She closed her eyes and bit her bottom lip for a moment, fighting a laugh. "This sounds silly, but I am grateful. You don't have to..."

"I know," he whispered in reply. He understood what she was trying to say, better than his own thoughts. She was grateful he had bothered to try, that he had wanted to give her a child and he knew he couldn't make her believe he didn't think it was silly. It was almost the least he could do for her, to show her how he felt and give them both a piece they could share. "Cara and Zedd should meet us tonight," he found himself adding after a breath. He didn't know if he was hinting at a repeat of actions in that moment or if he meant it as a warning.

"Do you want to move on? We can catch them sooner-"

"I don't know. If we stay here... If we created a child, what happens then?"

Sitting up, she shook her head, instantly letting the blanket fall to her lap for a moment before she began relacing her dress. "I don't know. There are many options, but... The only one I have been able to think about is whether we tell Zedd. Richard, we both know what he will say, but I- As a Wizard of the First Order, he may have orders I cannot refuse."

"What are you saying?" He knew, but he needed her to say it.

"I have not taken a mate... I have long past the age I should and I cannot return to Aydindril with child and without a mate."

"Me," he stated factually. "Kahlan, I may not be your mate the way others would be, I- I can do the same, I can do everything and I can to give you children."

"It is not that simple. The mate of a Confessor, the Mother Confessor, things are expected of him, from him and I- I cannot lead you into that life, it isn't fair. You are a free man, you should not be at the call of the High Council."

"You'd protect me," he said in the same tone as before. He was almost smiling and it frustrated her to have him trust her so much.

"I could try, but there are no guarantees. They are not like the people you have met, they live this way for a reason and have for generations, they can be cruel for games and if they knew... If they were to find out how much I care for you, we would lose everything."

"Kahlan-"

"Any child we created, I could not bare to lose and if I gave birth to a son... I would not hesitate to spare his life."

Sitting forward himself, he moved closer and slowly reached for her hand. It trembled beneath his touch and he knew what truly scared her. "That's what you're afraid of, isn't it?" Her single nod was more than enough, sending his arms to wrap around her.

"If I had any other man's son, I would not... Ours? I could not let him go."

"I know, but there is no need to worry about that, not now, not today and if the moment comes and you give birth to a son, even if he is not mine, I will make sure he is safe. Kahlan, you know I will protect him, both of you."

Pulling from his embrace, she frowned. "I cannot ask that of you. Richard, I- I am so afraid that the family I want, the one I want with you, I'm afraid it will be-"

"Destroyed? Kahlan your life, the one you want, you don't have to leave it in the hands of someone else. If you want a family, with me or any man you wish, you can have it."

"I'm a Confessor, Richard. We do not- We cannot have a life like that. We're not that kind of people."

"You are."

"I'm not supposed to be this way."

"But you are and there is nothing wrong with that." His left hand found its way to her face, gently cupping her cheek before sliding into her hair. "You can have anything you want and not because of your magic."

She didn't know if it was the tone of his voice or the truth she saw in his eyes that gave her the courage, but suddenly, she leaned forward and took his face in her hands. He remained still as she connected their lips, returning her kiss in full and allowing her to move forward until their chests were touching.

She was comfortable in his arms, feeling as though she was more than she was, more than a Confessor. He held her in a way no other had and no other would. She was close and wrapped in his arms, pulled forward for more and without fear. He never looked at her that way, afraid of the moment she would lose control and after the previous night, he was well aware of the way her hold on her magic loosened when he laid above her. She almost forgot what she was he kissed her, the passion of it was always unexpected. For her, anything other than a shudder was more than she expected.

She was on fire, but freezing, her body demanding one thing, while her mind shouted another. A war within he would never see, a side she knew to keep hidden. There was far more at risk for their time to continue, but she couldn't help but wonder if this was the time they both wanted, the moments he would give her a child. Her mind screamed in need of the action, wanting the result in every way.

Her hands fell between them, taking hold of him as she allowed his tongue the victory of their brief battle. He leaned closer at once, trying to fight his instinct, and throw her beneath him. The moments like this, not only when they were close, but when she would let another part of herself free and they were some of his favorites. She allowed him to see her in a way no one else ever had and held no fear of his reaction.

Shifting her hips, she told him what to do, speaking without breaking apart their kiss. Grabbing her dress, he lifted the bottom, bringing it to bunch at her waist as she moved closer.

It was a different feeling, sliding down upon him. It was entirely freeing. Her head fell back at once, his hands gliding over her back to help hold her up as a heavy gasp leaving their lips in unison. Her bravery continued as she rocked forward, not a lot, but enough to cause his hips to rise. She was testing the position, the movement and response, learning quickly. Laying her hands on his shoulders, she pulled herself up, almost letting him slip free, but effortlessly gliding back down. She was nearly gone as her hips rolled roughly, gaining the pressure she wanted at just the right angle.

Moving her hands to his face, she held her forehead to his and shared his next breath, their eyes locked for a short moment as they moved together. He sensed her end arriving, her body shaking and not from the pleasure alone. She was fighting the magic within her, the very instincts that made her who she was and he couldn't miss the signs that it pained her. Pushing forward, he lifted her legs, slightly changing their position for a rougher angle. He wasn't ready to let go, but it was unfair for him to torture her any longer.

Her nails raked into his skin, leaving a light trail of blood down the back of his shoulders, a pleasant pain he found pulled him forward. She released a gasp as her head fell back, a vision before him that brought him to the edge, his body hanging on by the same thread within her. Seeming to notice, she lifted herself quickly, bringing her face back to his for a hard kiss, one that held his attention until her hips moved once more. It was graceful, passionate and ended him in the moment, emptying itself within her.

Kahlan struggled to keep still, her body demanding more while she fought to keep her magic within. He wouldn't let go of her, even as she began to pant. Instead, he grabbed her face and held her dark eyes, breathing as slowly as possible, rough, considering his end had jut taken place, helping her to follow.

"Use it," he whispered. "It's alright, you're not going to hurt me." His words came out through a rasp, but they comforted her all the same. They were still connected and it drove them wild, her body clinging to his with each breath, wanting more than it could have and though it would be easy to give her the final push, he knew he couldn't. "You don't have to stop, not yet," he added after a few breaths. His hands came to her hips and slowly nudged, giving her the motion and speed at once.

Her lips grazed his as she rocked, sending her hiss into his. On her next move, he slipped from her warmth, but he encouraged her to continue, gliding along as their mouths connected again and again until she was motionless above him.

When her breath returned to her, she tried to pull away, embarrassed by her actions, but he wouldn't let her go.

"It's alright," he whispered with a smile. Her eyes were returning to the blue he adored, making it impossible for him to look away.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to- I forgot what I was for a moment."

"I didn't mind," he grinned. Tightening his hold on her, he lowered his voice, keeping it between them. "You don't have have to hurry away, Kahlan."

"Richard, I... I don't know what else to do."

"It's not hard," he chuckled. "We sit here, like this. Together."

"Are you sure?"

"I'd hold you forever if you'd allow me to."

Shifting herself above him, she moved her dress in the hope of providing some safety between them. She felt awkward, cold and she couldn't stop herself from wishing she hadn't started it all before. "Don't say that."

"I won't lie to you."

Meeting his eyes, she sighed, "I know, I'm sorry. I- I don't know what to say. I keep thinking that we can't do this again."

"I thought as much. Kahlan, I know how you feel about us and I know that once we meet Zedd and Cara you will pretend this never happened and I understand, but right now, it's just you and me. We can sit here and pretend, just for a few moments, that this is our life. Right now, this is all that matters."

"And when it's time for us to move?"

"We'll have these moments to hold in our minds."

"What happens next?"

Leaning forward, he brushed his lips against her's. "I'm going to kiss you."

He was pleasantly surprised she remained still and above him, allowing him to kiss her as he pleased. A simple gesture that he would never grow tired of.