John was terribly confused after yesterday. Moreover, he felt like a complete moron. Already for some time, he tried to fight with his own feelings towards Rose, but yesterday, ultimately lost in this battle. That whole night, seemed to be full of magic. Like some wonderful dream. Wonderful dream, which turned into a nightmare.

He would have never dare to kiss her, if not this cursed wine. It made him more self confident, more reckless. The fact that Rose looked even more charming and beautiful, than usual that evening, didn't help at all. John simply couldn't take his eyes of her during supper.

Later, as they walked together, so close to each other, holding hands... if only Rose hadn't said that she was cold... Then, probably nothing would have happened... However, she stood in front of him bathed in the moonlight, looking like some ancient Goddess and when she touched his cheek, he just couldn't resist anymore, and completely lost his mind... There was no way to describe what John felt, kissing her. As though, they together found themselves in the sky, running through the clouds and star dust. But as suddenly, rapidly falling down, into the deep, dark abyss.

In fact, he couldn't understand it. If Rose would simply push him away or slap him in the face... But she didn't. The woman didn't seem to be resentful, only sad. Very, very sad, almost like she was keeping tears back. Honestly, John had the impression, that Rose wanted this kiss, as much as he did. That she felt the same way like him. Apparently it was a mistake. A stupid mistake, which caused that he now probably lost this wonderful woman, once for all. Not only any chance to deserve and gain her heart, in the future, but also their friendship, which was more precious to him, than anything else.

He couldn't bring himself to leave his room. How will he look into her eyes, now? After, what happened... ? However it was getting late, so prolonging it any longer would be rude. Finally, John pulled himself together and came down into the kitchen. Fortunately, only Kahlan was inside. She sat at the table with some book, drinking coffee. She looked at him, smiling but somehow, she seemed concerned.

"John? You finally woke up? Good morning... or rather good afternoon."

"Yes, you're right is very late... I'm sorry."

"Don't be! Richard is still sleeping."

She smirked, while John tried to smile back, and judging by Kahlan's face, it didn't work too well...

"So I'm not the last one! And... and Rose?"

"Oh, Rose has gone for a walk."

Of course, she didn't want to see him... Apparently, this thought reflected on his face, as Kahlan looked at him more carefully, and suddenly really sad.

"John, I know what happened yesterday. She told me..."

He wasn't surprised. They were close friends, after all.

"So you already know, that I'm complete fool?"

A slight smile appeared on woman's face.

"I know nothing about it!"

"I see, Rose didn't want to be so cruel and call me like that?"

"John..."

"No, please don't. I know you are trying to cheer me up Kahlan and really appreciate it, but it's true. I just behaved like some drunk moron. It's just..."

"What?"

"It's just... I thought she wanted it..."

"And that's why, I'd like you to listen, what I want to say. If you let me..."

John wondered, what more she could tell him, but agreed anyway. In fact, had nothing to lose...

"Because, you are not fool and you are right - Rose wanted it. The thing is, that it's not that simple, like you think..."

Rose wanted him to kiss her?! But why would push him away, then?! It didn't make any sense...

"I don't understand..."

"So maybe, you would finally let me get a word and explain it?"

"I'm sorry Kahlan, you're right..."

"Don't be sorry John... I know it's difficult for you. But trust me, it is even more difficult for Rose..."

"Why...? Oh sorry! I'm listening!"

"I can't tell you everything, because only Rose has right to do it, however I can assure you, that she does care about you. Only..."

"Only what?"

"In the past, something really bad happened to her, and it was not that long ago... "

"Somebody hurt her?"

John would gladly smother anyone who would ever hurt his Rose!

"Yes, but... I cannot tell you anything more about it. I have already said too much, but I didn't want you to suffer, thinking she despises you..."

"But who is he?!"

"John... you don't know him and I wouldn't tell you, anyway. However, I wonder how did you know it was a man...

"I would willingly kill that bastard..."

"Calm down, please. Moreover, he is already dead, so there's no need. But, I'm sure Rose would be touched, by your romantic gesture.."

"Very funny..."

Kahlan smiled innocently.

"Is anybody joking? Sooo, ending this sad topic... I won't tell you more about Rose's story, perhaps she will do it herself one day and when she does, be ready. Just... remember, that she likes you, maybe even more than that... but it's very complicated for her. "

"Thank you for telling me that, Kahlan."

"I wasn't sure, if I should tell you anything John. But couldn't I could bear to see how you both suffer."

"Both?"

"You didn't see Rose, today. She is terribly sad and broken, because she knows that she hurt you. Only, she doesn't know yet, that this is also hurting herself... By the way, I'd like to discuss one more thing with you or rather give you some advice. Trust me, hiding something, from Rose is not a good idea..."

Not good... so Kahlan knew his secret? For sure, Richard told her... They are married, and surely must tell each other everything.

"So, you already know, Kahlan?"

"Actually, I don't. But, I know you are hiding something."

"How do you know?"

"I know, when people lie or don't say the whole truth. I'm quite sure Richard warned you?"

She blinked to him, then added.

"Besides, I know you told Richard about it."

"You know? And you didn't ask him what it is?"

"Oh I didn't want to put him in uncomfortable situation - to betray a friend or lie to his own wife..."

"I see..."

"...however..."

she continued

"... you could tell me, if you want to. Maybe, you should?"

"Wouldn't you be, in uncomfortable situation, then? To betray me or hide it from Rose?"

"Well, Rose has become my great and close friend John, you know that. Nevertheless, I don't reveal others' secrets, even to my best friends. So, I won't tell her. You should do it yourself. The sooner, the better."

"I know, I know... Just it's not so simple..."

And John told her the whole story. When finished, Kahlan looked truly worried. She looked at him, with eyes wide open and very seriously.

"Oh John... you must tell her. You must do it very soon, or... it really won't end well. Worse, than you can imagine..."

John expected that Kahlan wouldn't approve it, but honestly, he didn't think she would be so shocked...

"I know, I should have done it a long time ago. I just never could find the right moment..."

"Oh you know nothing, John! You don't know what had happened to her, while I do. Believe me, it was very difficult for Rose to trust you... and, when she'll realize you were lying her this whole time... in such an important matter! John, seriously, what the hell were you thinking ?! That, it will never come to light?!"

"I know it's some problem..."

"SOME PROBLEM!? Did you ever wonder, what it really means?"

Actually, he never thought about it too much. It was much easier this way...

"Well..."

"Of course, you didn't... Then, perhaps it's high time you did? How do you imagine it? You must become King soon and rule your Kingdom. You have escaped for a while, from a forced marriage, which probably still waits for you, anyway. And Rose has no idea about all of it. What will she think to herself, after finding out the truth? Have any ideas?"

Suddenly, he realized how complicated his situation was. Until then, nobody had said it aloud. Which meant it wasn't so real. John preferred not thinking about it. Being with Rose and he was so happy in last weeks, that almost believed he was just a simple man, who can lead life, like this. But what, if it was only a beautiful dream and the time to wake up has come. He had to try to find some way out. At the same thought, that could lose Rose forever, and he gave a pang in heart. What will he do?

"Kahlan... I don't even want to be a prince or a king and rule... I regret, that I'm not an ordinary man, who can live in the way he chooses..."

"We all can be only who we are, no more, no less."

"You're right... so you think, I should forget about Rose?"

"You know how they say, John... true love is the most powerful magic of all, it can overcome anything."

"If, it only would be true..."

"John, it is true. Richard and me are the living example of it. Didn't he mention to you something about us? I suppose, he did..."

She was right. Their situation also was very complicated.

"Yes, he did..."

"Then, you know, yourself. There was no way for us to be together, everyone said that. But we found a way. I won't lie you, it wasn't easy. We went through many things and had a lot of problems. We still have. But it is worth it."

"You are great couple, Kahlan and you seem to be very happy."

"We are very happy. And thank you, John. However, I didn't tell you all of this, without a reason. I'm trying to say that, if you really care about Rose, you can't give up so easily. And I think that, unless you try to do something, you will regret it, your whole life."

"So you think there is still some hope?"

"There is always hope. I wouldn't encourage you so much, but when I see you two together, I know, it's right decision."

"What do you mean by that?"

Kahlan smiled warmly.

"Oh John, it's visible you both have feelings for each other."

Blimey! He was quite sure, that he could hide his own feelings really well...

"Is it?"

"Hey don't worry, it's nothing bad! Actually, I must confess you, that I had some doubts before."

"What doubts?"

"About you. You see, Rose became very dear to me and because I know her story, I couldn't let somebody hurt her again. But today, I finally had an opportunity to talk to you, find out, who you really are. And, now I'm certain your intentions are honest."

He considered these words for a while. In fact, it was the first time, when he really talked to Kahlan. Somehow, they didn't have a chance for it before. Now, he saw she was a kind, compassionate person and true friend.

"Thank you Kahlan. I can't even express how much our conversation has helped me. In a way, it took a weight off my heart."

"I'm happy to hear that, but you have to talk to Rose, as soon as possible. It can end really badly, if she were to find out the truth from someone else, by accident..."

"I know, I will..."

Kahlan glanced at him very seriously.

"I mean it, John. It's Tuesday. I give you till the end of this week. Then, I'll tell her, myself. I'm sorry, you know I don't do it, usually, but this is too important matter..."

"It is. I will take care of it, trust me."

"Promise?"

"Yes, I promise."

A kind smile appeared on her face again.

"Good. Then we have a deal. So now, maybe..."

However, Kahlan didn't have a chance to finish the sentence, as suddenly, Richard ran into the kitchen, making a lot of noise. He looked very excited and shocked.

"Kahlan, please come with me to the bedroom!"

"Richard, what is it?! Maybe, some 'good morning', first?"

"No time for it, quickly!"

"You are a bit rude, you know? Have you seen a ghost in there or what?!

"Almost! My dear Grandfather is in our bedroom and wants us to join him in Camelot..."

"You are still drunk, dear husband..."

Richard smirked to Kahlan and answered.

"Am I? So, come and see yourself! Come with us John, you must meet him!"

After these words, Richard ran out from the kitchen. Kahlan and John, exchanged amused glances, then went after him.