Chapter 11

Nolan quickly made his way towards the dining hall, knowing that he had already pushed his cousin too far this afternoon, but he'd had his reasons for missing the welcome for Lord and Lady Rahl. They were good reasons too, ones that he couldn't explain to his cousin right now, but he would eventually.

He adjusted his dark blue jacket, tugging on the stand up collar that was suffocating him. He smoothed a hand over his blond hair, his eyes settling on the trim figure of a servant girl walking ahead of him with a tray of food. He allowed his shameless gaze to wander over her feminine curves, the seductive sway of her hips beginning to draw him in.

He mentally shook himself, knowing that he couldn't allow himself to become distracted. Even though cousins, Iowan would no doubt have his head if he ruined things for him. He made a mental note, though, to find the red-headed beauty later tonight after dinner.

Approaching the dining hall, he could hear the sound of idle conversation and laughter spilling into the hallway. While anxious to mingle and find more women to add to his growing assortment of female companionship, there was one in particular that he was desperate to avoid at all cost. He wasn't quite ready to see her just yet nor was he ready to be seen.

Entering through a side door, Nolan nervously began to scan the people gathered there. Standing inconspicuously against a far wall, he watched as people milled about the room. Some of the most prominent of Kandahar dressed in their very finest was gathered here, more than eager to meet Lord and Lady Rahl.

The entire room was awash in candlelight as well as evenly placed torches in sconces along the walls. Four fireplaces burned brightly, adding warmth and coziness while still maintaining an elegant atmosphere for their revered guests. Nothing but the very best had been brought in for tonight's celebration. The best food, the best champagne and wine, even the very best silver had been sought out.

Reaching out, Nolan snatched a drink from a servant's tray as she passed by, his dark gaze peering over the top of his champagne glass as he searched for the one woman he didn't want to come face to face with tonight.

Turning to his left, he spotted Lord Rahl dressed in a black jacket lined in gold with matching breeches, talking to a business owner in town. His gaze was immediately captured by the gold scabbard of the infamous Sword of Truth peeking out beneath his jacket. Many men had met their demise by the blade of that powerful sword and the one who so skillfully wielded it.

Nolan involuntarily shuddered at the thought.

Richard Rahl appeared every bit the Seeker of Truth, the Lord Rahl of D'Hara. There was an air of confidence and strength about him that captured people's attention, great intelligence and skill in everything that he did. There was something special about him that Nolan admired, something that he couldn't put his finger on but was obviously innate in the powerful man that could never be learned but had been born within him.

Continuing to scan the crowd, Nolan's gaze settled on his cousin sipping a glass of wine as he spoke to a man that Nolan recognized but could not place. Iowan was quite distinguished in his dark blue jacket and breeches, his shiny black leather boots. He appeared every bit the Sovereign of Kandahar.

Watching him, Nolan could see so much of his own father in the way that he stood so tall and proud, the manner of self-assurance with which he carried himself. His blond hair and long straight nose was very prominent in the Aerona line. There had been many who had mistaken him and Iowan as brothers because of their similar looks.

Watching him now, he noticed that his cousin had a certain look in his eye that he had never seen before, his attention being stolen by someone other than the man that was talking to him. It was a look that Nolan was certain had been seen on his own face countless times.

It was lust.

And not the fierce desire that a man felt for his wife whom he loved and revered above all else, but a dark primal yearning for the untouchable, the forbidden.

It piqued his curiosity to see who exactly had been the one to have so completely captured his cousin's interest. It would have to be someone truly special to have been able to accomplish that feat. In the past, nothing or no one had ever been allowed to distract him from his goal.

That was until now.

Following his cousin's licentious stare, Nolan's smirk grew as his eyes settled on Lady Kahlan Rahl. Dressed in a deep crimson dress trimmed in gold, she was the epitome of grace and nobility. Her straight raven hair was pulled up at the sides and falling down her back, her smile literally lighting up the entire room. There was a certain radiance about her as she talked with a couple of the men's wives, her eyes seeming to sparkle even from this distance.

It was obvious why Iowan had become so taken with her. There was no match for the powerful Mother Confessor which also no doubt captured his cousin's attention. Iowan always wanted the very finest and the rarest, the most special and unique.

And Kahlan Rahl was most definitely that.

Nolan thought that Iowan was handsome just like every Aerona male was. He could have the pick of any beautiful woman that he wanted, but instead he had chosen none, choosing rather to allow his goals and dreams to consume his life instead of love, leaving him all alone. He had always complained that he could find no one pretty enough or smart enough to waste his time on.

But now it would seem, his cousin was more than enchanted yet again with the unattainable, consumed with making the impossible, possible, just like everything else he did in his life.

Standing next to the Mother Confessor was a breathtaking woman with long blond hair, a stoic look upon her face as she listened to the others talk. Simply dressed in black, Sister Nicci also possessed a unique quality that caught people's attention. There was something so arresting about her, the confidence with which she moved alluring, making it near impossible to tear his gaze away from her.

Five Mord'Sith loitered in the corner of the far side of the room, dressed in their distinct form-fitting red leather which left very little to the imagination. Standing at attention against the wall, they were the very personification of authority and sex. Nolan couldn't help but study each one of them, imagining just how forceful and dominating they really could be.

He felt his throat grow dry with the heated thoughts that suddenly flooded his mind. Taking another glass of champagne, he wondered if the rumors that he had always heard about Rahl's mistresses were true.

Turning his back to the crowd, he promised himself that one day he would find out.

Iowan did his best to keep his focus on the conversation he was having with Stephan but it was difficult when his attention was completely consumed by someone else.

Kahlan Rahl was truly stunning to behold, so regal and dignified. Every time that he tried to turn his attention away from her, he found his gaze wandering back to her again, his thoughts completely obsessed with her.

He watched as the Mother Confessor excused herself from the ladies she had been talking to, making her way to a nearby table ladened with foods of every kind. She was finally alone at last.

"Excuse me, Stephan," Iowan suddenly interrupted the man in mid-conversation. He quickly moved away from the man before he could respond, making his way to Kahlan.

"You look stunning tonight, Kahlan," Iowan said.

"Thank you, Iowan," she smiled warmly as she looked up at him.

"I hope that you're enjoying yourself. Is there anything that I can get for you?"

"No, this is all quite lovely. We appreciate your hospitality," she told him. "It's actually been a nice reprieve from all of the stress and politics that goes on at the People's Palace."

"I'm sure that it can become quite tedious at times," he empathized. "I am certain that you of all people can manage it. You strike me as a very strong woman who can handle anything."

"Richard and I rule together, fully sharing equal responsibility," she said, casting a furtive glance at her husband standing on the other side of the room. Their eyes met in that brief moment, electricity suddenly filling the air in that instant.

Kahlan smiled softly at him, the look of love in his eyes as their gaze met creating a warm flutter in the pit of her stomach. He looked so handsome that she found it difficult to keep her mind on the social gathering when all she wanted to do was be alone with him.

Iowan watched as Kahlan looked over at her husband, noticing the look of love and longing that suddenly permeated her bright blue eyes. He found himself growing more jealous by the moment, wanting her attention to be focused on him once more.

He cleared his throat before taking another drink in an effort to draw her attention back to him. "So, what is it like being the only living Confessor?" he asked, anxious for her brilliant blue eyes to be directed at him again.

Kahlan felt her heart falter, taken aback by his question. Swallowing hard, she attempted to shove aside the heartache that had taken up permanent residence in the deep void that her powers had left behind. Her hand involuntarily found her abdomen, reminding herself once more that she was carrying a baby girl devoid of the touch of confession.

Iowan's clear blue eyes narrowed as he studied her beautiful face, anguish suddenly touching her eyes. "I'm sorry," he cautiously said, alarmed that he had upset her somehow, his hand finding her arm. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, it's just that I have two young daughters at home who were born Confessors. I just miss them very much. This is the first time that I have been away from them like this," she softly responded.

"I'm sorry to have made you sad," he sincerely replied, tilting his head as he studied her. "I'll have to work hard at putting that beautiful smile back on your face." Iowan was quickly rewarded with a shy smile, a faint blush reaching her cheeks and stealing his breath.

"Do you have a wife? Children of your own?" Kahlan asked, anxious to change the subject.

"No, sadly there is only myself," Iowan replied. "I do have a cousin staying here. He's around here somewhere," he muttered with a frown as he craned his neck to find Nolan. "I saw him here just a moment ago."

"I'm anxious to meet him. I'm sure that he's just as pleasant and gracious as you are."

"Thank you for saying so, Kahlan," he beamed. "I'm eager to personally take you on a tour of Kandahar in the morning. I'm positive that you will fall in love with our city. You may never want to leave."

"I would like that. It is very beautiful here. I know that Richard is anxious to see the city before meeting with you tomorrow afternoon."

"Yes, I'm excited to meet with him as well," Iowan muttered, forcing down a frown with the mention of her husband's name.

"So what kind of discovery have you made here?"

"It's quite extraordinary," he told her as he turned to fill his plate with food. "I'm afraid I can't disclose anything about it just yet. I would love to tell you everything, but it's something that you're going to have to witness for yourself to fully understand how incredible this find really is."

"It sounds remarkable," she replied, setting down her plate of food as a wave of nausea rolled through her. She would be so happy when this third month of being with child was over, but unfortunately it had only just begun.

"I think it could prove very valuable as you and Lord Rahl work to solidify the territory."

Iowan rambled on about how the discovery had been made without giving away details about what it was that they had actually found. At the same time, he imagined what life would be like to share that glory with a woman as remarkable as Kahlan.

Richard stood talking to an herbalist by the name of Sachin. He had been discreetly discussing what would be best to help Kahlan with the nausea that assaulted her at will without giving away the fact that she was with child.

He found it near impossible to keep it to himself when all he wanted to do was shout it to the world. He loved being a father, having daughters. It made his world and his life complete. The only thing better than being a father was being Kahlan's husband. They were his two most favorite titles of all.

The more that he talked to Sachin, the more Richard found that he liked the large man who seemed to have an even larger heart. His smile was genuine, his laughter infectious. He was full of stories and was genuinely interested in Richard's life, where he had grown up and how he had become the Seeker of Truth.

Richard was amazed at the extent of knowledge the man had when it came to herbs and remedies. It reminded him of his father, George Cypher. His father had taught him a great deal about the outdoors and the woods that he loved. He had taught him many things about plants, but he found talking to Sachin that he still had a great deal more to learn.

Richard was fairly certain he knew which herb was best to help, but he wasn't certain if it was suitable to give to her while she was with child. As much as he wanted to help her, he didn't want to endanger their baby in any way.

"I promise to stop by your shop tomorrow," Richard told him, taking a drink of his wine.

"It will be an honor to have the Lord and Lady Rahl in my store," Sachin grinned, his smile reaching his eyes.

"I would greatly appreciate anything you can offer. I hate to watch her suffering like this," he sighed, his eyes wondering to the object of his deepest desires.

"I will see you tomorrow, then," Sachin shook his hand before leaving the Lord Rahl alone.

Richard watched Kahlan, admiring the way that her deep crimson gown hugged her perfect frame. Unfortunately, Iowan was admiring her as well. He bristled at the sight of him standing so close to her, talking with her alone.

Kahlan's expression unexpectedly grew serious, sadness filling her countenance. He watched as Iowan placed a hand on her upper arm, causing his anger to suddenly flare. He didn't really like the idea of him being alone with his wife let alone touching her.

"I don't like him," Nicci commented as she came to stand beside the Seeker, folding her arms against her chest.

Richard clenched his jaw in an attempt to temper his jealousy. "I'm not exactly fond of him either."

Richard felt his pulse quicken as Kahlan smiled, her face brightening at something the Sovereign had said. His wife's beauty always caused a reaction within him. Right now, though, he could think of little else than getting her away from Iowan and back to their suite.

XXX

"Kahlan…" he growled low in his throat through clenched teeth, his hands fisting the sheets at his sides, twisting the material tightly in an effort to keep from losing control.

Richard arched his back and raised his hips, forcing himself even deeper inside of her where he was so very desperate to be. She was moving at a teasingly unhurried pace, one that was steadily building his pleasure. He clenched his jaw tighter, his body tensing as he teetered somewhere between blissful pain and sheer ecstasy. She was on the verge of overloading his senses.

Bracing her hands on his chest to steady herself, Kahlan gripped at him, stroking him with her body. She knew that she was driving him wild as he wildly bucked up into her. She was holding him agonizingly close to release only to ease off, drawing it back just beyond his grasp again.

Through heavy lids, she watched as sweat formed on his brow, his chest heaving beneath her hands. The pure rapture that filled his face heated her own blood, causing her to dig her fingernails into his chest as he pulsed so hotly within her core.

Richard's head rolled back at the sensation, a hiss of pleasure escaping his lips. Every time that he was set to come with an intense release, she'd back off ever so slightly to calm him only to slowly draw him back to the edge again. This time the sensation of her fingernails pressing into his chest was the last of her teasing that he was able to withstand.

Releasing the sheets, he immediately sat up, meeting her in a fierce kiss that took her by surprise. He gripped her tightly to him, flipping her onto her back and began pumping into her with all of the pent up hunger for her that she had been building inside of him.

"Richard…" she gasped, unable to catch her breath with the power of his thrusts as her body began to writhe in response to him.

He gripped the pillow beneath her head, his lips smashing into hers again as she suddenly came for him. The feel of her release took him over the precipice with her. He shook uncontrollably as his body abruptly gave out on him, unable to sustain his position above her any longer. It took everything that he had to catch his breath, his heart hammering wildly in his chest. Every time he came with her, he swore it was better than the last.

Rolling off of her, Richard moved to his side to face her, losing himself in her blue eyes still clouded with pleasure. He reached out, gently brushing her hair off of her damp skin, his hand settling along her neck.

"That was…amazing…" he breathed heavily, his nose nuzzling hers as he sought out her lips.

"I love you…so much, Richard," she softly panted against his lips, her body still trembling ever so subtly from the high she had achieved with him.

"Forever, my love," he murmured, kissing her softly as his thumb brushed along her jaw.

"I didn't think we were ever going to be able to return to our suite."

"Me too," he replied, his brown eyes still dark with lingering desire. "You looked so beautiful tonight. It was all I could do not to stare at you. I wanted you so badly."

"I know," she grinned. "Even though you looked very handsome, I couldn't wait to get you out of those clothes."

Staring into the eyes he could drown himself in, he suddenly remembered other events of the evening, things that had upset him. "What did the Sovereign want with you tonight?"

Kahlan smiled softly at the obvious jealousy in his voice, tenderly kissing his lips in reassurance as if their passionate lovemaking hadn't just been enough. "It was nothing. He was just wondering if I needed anything."

"He said something that upset you," he pushed a little further, his brow knitting together.

"He was just asking me about being a Confessor…that's all," she told him, brushing her nose against his.

"There's something about him that I don't like."

"You just don't like him because you're jealous."

"There is that," he admitted with a frown. "But there's something more. I just don't know what it is yet."

"We're only here for a couple more days so you better figure it out before you make some sort of an agreement with him."

"I intend to," he told her. "But in the meantime, I plan on enjoying every moment I have with you."

Leaning in, he kissed her again, his hand on the back her neck drawing her closer. She sighed deeply into his kiss as he wrapped an arm around her, urging her to lie against him as he pulled the sheet up over them. Holding her close as she drifted off to sleep, Richard couldn't fight the troublesome feeling that Iowan Aerona wanted more than just his attention. He had a dreadful feeling it involved his wife.