So glad you guys are enjoying this so far! This fic has a lot more squee than normal for me, but they are newlyweds... :)

Broken (Chapter 2)

Secretly reentering the Keep, he swept through the empty halls, anxious to return to his room. His journey into town had been most profitable, rewarding him with what he had been searching for. Passing easily through magical barriers put in place to keep intruders out, he took the steps two at a time as he made his way to the second level of the Keep.

Closing and locking the door behind him, he pulled his damp cloak off, shaking the rain from his hair. He quickly retrieved the unassuming package from his pocket and took it to the small table in his room. Pulling the string from the brown paper package, he held his breath as he anxiously began peeling back the paper to expose the item.

With trembling fingers, he carefully picked up the small object that rested in the middle of the paper. He wasn't tremulous because of fear or from the chill that was quickly settling in his bones from being wet, but because of a possible realization. It came from the expectation of being that much closer to seeing his dream fulfilled. It was a purpose that he had sacrificed so much for, had given his life in pursuit of.

Holding the object up to the light that filtered through the small window, he studied the spectacular object, wondering at the possibilities that it held within it, taking in how it captured the light, refracting and bending it at will. If he could just find the right spell, this little item could hold the ultimate answer.

Setting his prized possession aside, Da'Tavius pulled out his book. Opening it up, he dipped his pen in the ink before journaling the most recent events that brought him that much closer to realizing his goal. He wanted this book to be available for all those who came after him to read, to be in awe of what he was able to accomplish.

It would be beyond what any Wizard before him had ever been able to achieve. To actually be able to contain one's emotions, allowing one to be in complete control of his heart would be monumental. He would be the most revered, most honored Wizard of all time. He would be able to focus solely on his position as leader of all the Wizards of the First Order.

Love, hate, fear, elation, greed, pride…they all led to a person's downfall, all corrupting the heart and destroying the mind, interfering in life's goals. Emotions were destructive, a distraction that led to failure, made one weak, and only led to agonizing pain. They were useless and needed to be contained…no, eliminated at all cost.

A mind and heart devoid of emotion made a person powerful, allowing one to focus on the most important things in life. Peace, prosperity and protection of life. These were the most important things that needed to be pursued at all cost.

Without control of emotions, there was war, poverty, corruption, and disease. If man could rule their hearts instead of allowing the heart to rule the mind, the world would be a better place to live. Once mastered, man could focus on the needs and welfare of others instead of pursuing their own selfish desires, fulfilling their own self-seeking purposes. The world would eventually thank him, acknowledging him for the magnificent Wizard that he was, a Wizard with a noble heart that saved humanity.

XXX

Momentarily closing his eyes, he felt as if he were flying as the wind pulsed against his face and whipped through his hair. Leaning down further, Richard felt as if he were one with the animal he rode, an extension of the powerful beast at his command as he followed his wife up the mountain path.

He had been surprised when they had reached the stables and found two beautiful horses waiting for them. He had been even more stunned when Kahlan had presented one to him. It was an amazing steed, sleek and muscular, black as the darkest night with an energy that vibrantly danced in its eyes. It was the most magnificent horse Richard had ever seen.

Clutching his hand, Kahlan had led him to the horse, introducing him to Asa. She had leaned in, whispering in his ear how much she loved him and that the impressive steed was for him. It was his very own horse, a wedding present from Kahlan. Richard had stared in awe, his eyes wide with wonder as he reached out a hand, gently running his fingers over the shiny coat of the animal. So moved, he had been at a complete loss for words.

After several moments, Richard had finally turned towards her, immediately wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into a tight embrace, lifting her feet off the ground as he buried his face in her hair. There were so many things that he wanted to say to her in that moment, but he was afraid to speak for fear his voice would fail him.

Setting her gently back down on the ground, he took her face in his hands, staring into her sapphire eyes before he kissed her with all the love that he held for her. He hoped that she would feel in that single kiss what he was unable to say with words at that moment.

Watching her now as she pushed her horse higher and higher up the mountain, Richard felt as though he were living an incredible fantasy, a dream that he had always held onto. He had never given up in his belief of a life with Kahlan, but he knew her doubts and that had caused him a small measure of concern. If Kahlan had ultimately sent him away because of her fear and doubts, he would have been unable to deny her wishes in the end. He was unable to deny her anything. But his dream had come true…with her, the only woman he had ever truly loved.

He watched in admiration as his wife led the way, her white Confessor's dress billowing behind her. Her long raven hair was a stark contrast to her dress as it flowed like black liquid in the wind. She rode a magnificent mare named Marley that was as pure white as the Confessor's dress. Kahlan looked as if she were riding in a white cloud that regally carried her towards the top of the mountain.

Every time Richard thought that his life with her could never be better, a moment like this came along and proved him so very wrong. Absentmindedly reaching up to straighten his vest, his hand brushed against the diary he had tucked in his pocket before leaving their suite. The diary was a reminder of his fear, his terror of losing control again. He was determined now more than ever to conquer the beast that dwelt inside of him before it took what he loved most, before it destroyed the world.

While he was unlike his ancestors, the house of Rahl, he feared the rage inside of him was. He was terrified of becoming just like them. He was anxious to read Da'Tavius's journal and discover some sort of solution to his fury.

Kahlan glanced over her shoulder to make sure her husband was keeping pace with her. Turning back towards the path, she smiled to herself, the look of pure elation on Richard's face setting her pulse to racing. Her lips still tingled from the kiss he had given her when she had presented him with Asa. It had warmed her heart to see how overjoyed he had been with her wedding present. It wasn't much, but she had wanted to do something for him, something that would be useful to him and yet would remind him of her when she wasn't near him.

She knew immediately that Asa was the perfect gift for her new husband to enjoy. Asa was as black as Marley was white, fitting together completely just like the Seeker and his Confessor. The steed's powerfully built form had reminded Kahlan of Richard, the strength and spirit she saw in the horse so much like her Seeker. Now that they were living in Aydindril, Richard would need a horse for his own personal use. She could tell by his speechless reaction to her gift that he had loved it as much as she had hoped that he would.

Kahlan wanted nothing more than to make Richard as happy as he made her and she planned on spending the rest of her life doing precisely that. Nearing the top of the mountain, Kahlan suddenly turned her horse into a small clearing of thick green grass. They were finally here.

Dismounting from her horse, Kahlan removed her pack, allowing Marley to freely graze. Richard quickly followed her example, allowing Asa to roam with Kahlan's mare. Taking his hand in hers, Kahlan smiled her special smile.

"Come with me," she murmured before biting her bottom lip, excitement lighting up her whole face.

"The Keeper himself could never prevent me from following you," he replied, anxious to show her just how much he loved the present she had given him.

Walking beside her, Richard was completely spellbound by his wife, oblivious to the breathtaking splendor that surrounded him. There was nothing that could ever come close to comparing to Kahlan's exquisite beauty. It wasn't until she came to a stop that Richard even noticed where he was standing.

Spreading out her blanket on the grass, Kahlan smiled to herself as she heard the subtle gasp that slipped past his lips, his gaze at last soaking in the incredible view. It was why she loved it up here, why she would escape to this secluded spot that no one knew about. And now, she was finally sharing it with her husband, a man that she loved more than life.

Richard became completely captivated by the landscape that surrounded him, the scenery that seemed to literally draw him in, wrapping its arms around him and embracing him. Taking her hand in his, the Seeker and Mother Confessor stood overlooking the magnificent city, completely losing themselves in the sight of Aydindril sitting majestically upon the top of the next mountain just below their feet.

The city appeared as if it were shimmering, absorbing and reflecting the sunlight that shone down upon it. As he scanned the city, Richard easily picked out the Confessor's Palace standing proudly in all its stately glory, exhibiting every bit of its ultimate authority over the Midlands. The Wizard's Keep rose dark and menacing on a hill behind it as if the Wizards were still there guarding and protecting the Confessors. While the Confessor's Palace stood in righteous justice that spread out over the entire city, the Wizard's Keep was like an ominous shadow, its powerful magic reaching up towards the heavens.

Residents of Aydindril milled about like ants at a picnic, scurrying here and there at a furious pace, completely unaware they were being observed by their Mother Confessor and her husband. Leaving the activity of the city, the Seeker's gaze took in the land surrounding it, the trees towering like formidable green pillars faithfully keeping watch as well as the scattered hills rising up around to protect the city. Expansive flattened plains stretched out beyond them as far as the eye could see.

Richard reveled in the sudden flood of emotion that came with the impressive view that reminded him of Westland. As much as he missed his homeland, Richard would rather live with Kahlan forever and never return home than to give her up for a momentary glimpse of Hartland. Kahlan was his home now.

"Richard, are you alright?"

Her voice sweet and soothing like honey reached past the sudden heaviness in his soul bringing him back to the exhilaration of the moment. "I'm fine…it's just so incredible up here."

"I've never shared this with anyone…only you," she softly admitted to him, her eyes returning to the city she loved as she clutched his hand affectionately in hers, her thumb brushing back and forth.

"It's absolutely beautiful…thank you, Kahlan," he murmured, moved by her openness, her need to share every part of herself with him. It caused his heart to hammer with the magnitude of her love for him. As he stared at her, Richard could feel his blood begin to stir with his never-ending need for her alone.

Turning her attention back to her husband, Kahlan was startled by the naked desire she saw permeating his eyes. She felt as if a hundred butterflies had been suddenly set free in the pit of her stomach, their wings fluttering wildly, sending a rush of arousal through her system before settling into her pelvis.

The fiery dance of passion was about to begin again.

Richard closed the short distance that separated them, his lips capturing hers with the frantic intensity of his love. Her pack was all but forgotten as it slid down her shoulder, falling to the ground as she pressed her body against him. Close was never close enough as their intense need to be joined with one other deepened. His body demanded to be inside of her; her body begged him to take her once more.

Kahlan groaned as his mouth left hers to trail kisses along her jaw and down her throat, his fingers finding the laces of her dress as her head fell back. Her fingers raked through his hair with the mounting need that was rapidly flaming out of control, the feel of her magic already rippling greedily within her. It never ceased to amaze her how quickly she responded to him. He could ignite her passion with a single look, a simple touch, or a softly spoken word. Sometimes, Kahlan believed that she would surely go mad just with her overwhelming need for him at times.

The taste and feel of her skin beneath his lips was like an aphrodisiac that struck like lightning to his core. His breath was already coming out in frantic pulls of hunger. He could never get enough of her and at the same time, she was the only one who could satisfy his soul. She made him stronger and yet his knees weak, made his desire burn like fire in his veins while at the same time sending icy chills down his spine. Spirits, this woman could do things to him that no other woman was capable of.

Richard's lips and tongue followed his fingers as he whispered kisses along her collarbone, pushing her dress from her shoulder, exposing her porcelain skin. Kahlan's mind was a whirling cyclone, her dress pooling at her feet as Richard lowered her to her green blanket. Leaning over her, he sat back on his heels, his dark brown eyes penetrating into hers as he shed his vest and sword before pulling his shirt up over his head.

Kahlan reached up, gently scraping her nails against his defined chest, teasing his nipples as he lowered himself back over her. A husky moan escaped from his lips as her fingers continued to play over his muscles before finding the laces of his pants. His strong hands stroked her thighs, pushing her underskirt deliciously higher to his ultimate goal.

Removing her corset, she arched her back, her head extending back as his warm mouth found her breast. His panting breath was like heated flames against her flesh, causing her heart to pound in anticipation as his hands continued higher up her thighs.

As his lips began to journey up her throat, Kahlan suddenly rolled them over, taking control and taking him by surprise. The sight of her gazing down at him as she straddled him caused Richard to immediately buck up into her, a wicked grin spreading across his face. He swiftly sat up, pulling her flush against his chest, his hands roaming over the smooth skin of her back as he crushed his lips to hers in a searing open-mouthed kiss.

"I want to hear my name on your lips as you come for me," he breathlessly whispered into her ear, desperate to feel himself surrounded by her sweet wet warmth, to feel their bodies moving together in that intimate dance of love.

Kahlan moaned a sultry, throaty sound full of passionate need causing him to take control once more. Pulling her back down on top of him, he rapidly flipped her over onto her back. Kahlan had been right – this was going to be even better than the last three days they had spent in their suite.

XXX

"Where are they?"

The sound of her voice caused a pause in his step, the tone of her voice causing a shiver of anxiety to tingle over him. Turning to face her, Edmond smiled nervously at the approaching Mord'Sith, the look of scorn on her face causing him to internally shudder.

"Miss Cara, I was just coming to look for you!"

"Where are they, Ed?" Cara demanded with a hiss as she came to stop before him, crossing her arms and quirking an eyebrow.

She was in no mood for games. Lord Rahl and the Mother Confessor had been held up in their suite for three days straight without so much as a glimpse of either one. The only evidence that they had even been in there had been the muffled moans of pleasure that occasionally spilled from their suite. It had been much too quiet for too long, no noise escaping their suite for a good portion of the day, causing Cara to grow very suspicious.

Cara had finally knocked on their door only to be greeted by the cleaning staff. They had fearfully whimpered replies of ignorance at Cara's demands for Lord Rahl and the Mother Confessor's whereabouts. With a huff, the Mord'Sith had left them to their cleaning, storming through the halls of the Palace in pursuit of her missing friends.

"Where did who go?" Edmond meekly inquired, desperately attempting to avoid the question for as long as humanly possible.

"Lord Rahl and the Mother Confessor," Cara stated through gritted teeth, her temper ready to flare at any moment.

"I don't know where they went, Miss Cara," he truthfully answered, averting her glare. "I did see them earlier this morning. They were heading out somewhere, but didn't mention where they were going…just that they would be back later today."

"You let them go off alone?" Cara incredulously asked, her voice rising in disbelief as well as frustration. She was going to have to devise a way to keep better track of those two.

"Well, seeing how Mr. Cypher has that big nasty sword of his, I didn't feel it my place to question them."

"They think they can take care of themselves, but they can't. They just end up in more trouble," she heatedly mumbled under her breath.

"In any case, I do not think they were planning on going very far. I believe they are somewhere in Aydindril. I'm sure they are fine, Miss Cara. They should be back before nightfall."

Her lips twisted with disdain, Cara cursed under her breath, spinning on her heel as she turned to leave. Edmond quickly called after her before she got far.

"Miss Cara, I could use some assistance reviewing the new prisoners that were brought in the other day if you wouldn't mind helping me out until they return," he cheerfully offered.

With a huff, Cara finally muttered, "Lead the way, Ed."

Cara readily decided that beating some prisoners would be a good distraction to keep her occupied until Richard and Kahlan returned...