He couldn't remember falling asleep or wrapping his arms around her. When he opened his eyes, he was laying on the floor in front of the rocking chair and dead fire. Kahlan was lying in his arms, asleep peacefully as though their relationship hadn't changed. Her hold on him was tight, the way it always was when they were together. He spent most of the night telling her what he was afraid he would do and yet, here she was, clinging to him like it was all she ever needed.

"Kahlan?"

"Mmm?"

"It's morning."

Lifting her head from his chest, she looked down at him. "Do you want me to get Zedd?"

"No." She sat up and began to move away, but he took hold of her arm and brought her over him. "Why did you lay here with me?"

"Because nothing you told me changes anything."

"Why not?"

She smiled warmly, touching her fingers to his chest, tracing the small opening of his shirt that exposed a piece his chest. "This must be how you felt when you learned what I could do to people." Meeting his eyes, she tilted her head. "It doesn't change the way I feel about you, Richard. You think it should scare me away because it's dangerous, but that's not how I see it. I know you and I know that there is no safer place to be, than with you."

"But I've hurt you."

"Not intentionally. We don't always do the right thing when we're scared. You pushed me away because you thought it would protect me. It wasn't your intention to hurt me."

"It doesn't make it any easier when I know that I put you through this."

"I'll try to make it easier on you." Shifting her weight above him, Kahlan pulled her nightgown over her head and dropped it beside them. He devoured her with his eyes, taken by the sight of her beauty.

He sat up and pressed his chest to hers, surprising her with a hug. "You being here makes it easier. I couldn't do it without you." She had his face in her hands, the pads of her thumbs slowly stroking his cheeks. "I keep thinking about the night we sealed the rifts." She grinned, lowering her eyes to his chest as her cheeks reddened. "I held you just like this and I remember finding it difficult to keep my mouth off of yours long enough for us to find a single breath."

"I wouldn't have minded if we never took another breath."

He pulled back a small ways, allowing her to remove his shirt as he stared into her eyes. "I wanted to ask you to marry me that night. I nearly did, so many times."

"What stopped you?"

Grazing the tip of his fingers down both of her arms, he sighed quietly. "I was afraid I would disappoint you."

Leaning forward, she teased his nose with hers and played with the hair around his ears. "And now?"

He chuckled and gave her a quick kiss. "Now you know that when I disappoint you, I'll do everything I can to make it up to you."

He started to connect their lips when she turned her head. "It's strange that you would say that," she told him through almost a whisper. "That night, I kept thinking that I would disappoint you." She looked to his confused face and took a moment to decide if she would tell him. "You were confident, fluid and I... You are the only man I've ever been with. I was so afraid I would-"

He grinned widely, dropped both of his hands to his hips and pulled her closer. "I can assure you, I was far from disappointed. In fact, I don't think there has ever been better lover created." She looked at him skeptically, her cheeks still red. "You're perfect, Kahlan. Every inch of you is more pleasure than I know how to hold. Your grace in each movement drives me in a way that sets my blood on fire, your body answers my every call and if I may, Mother Confessor, I will admit that making love to you is much more than words could ever describe." When he finished, she realized he had lowered her back to the floor and he was now lying above her. "If you'll allow me, I would very much like to show you just how much I love you."

******

The wizard didn't seem to be surprised as he was informed of the events from the past few days. He listened intently, waiting for them to finish the story before he moved to open his mouth. When the time came for his input, the older man paused and brought a spoon full of soup to his mouth. They hadn't seen him eat since they began talking, both now assuming that the action was a good sign.

"Zedd?"

"Your Mord'Sith were unable to find Nicci, correct?"

"They lost her trail a few towns away from where they found Darken Rahl."

"There can be two reasons for your magic returning to you. One, she is dead and it sought you out, returning home or she gave it up, sending it back to you."

"Why would she do that?" Kahlan voiced the question that was on all of their minds. "She's more powerful than any of us, why would she give that up?"

Staring at the pale wall across from him, Richard felt his body tense. "Maybe she thought I needed it."

"What do you mean?"

"Maybe Nicci thought of someone else and knows something we don't. We all know that if she gave it back to me willingly, there's a reason and it's bigger than everything we've thought of since we walked in here."

"You should send Cara."

"Kahlan-"

"If Nicci's still alive, she's the only one who could find her."

"I need her here with us, protecting you."

"If you're here-"

Richard took a step closer and grabbed the metal around his neck. "I can't use my sword and with this, I have no idea how to keep you safe. I need Cara here. I know she will protect you."

"If you don't send her, you'll have to send everyone else. Who will protect me then?"

"Me." After a moment, he turned to his grandfather and dropped his hand to his sides. "What can you do about the magic?"

"You already know the answer to your question. Only the Sisters of the Light can help you."

"I'm not leaving Kahlan."

"You don't have a choice."

"I'll wear the Rada'Han."

Kahlan took hold of his arm and pulled for his attention. "This is too important for you to put aside."

"So is our daughter. I can't go and miss everything we've been talking about. If I go, I'll be leaving you again. You'll have to do this by yourself and I won't let you. This is more than you and me, Kahlan. Of his is the start of our family, of our lives. I will not be away for any part of it."

"I'm not asking you to be absent."

"That is the only other option."

"You do not have to go alone, Richard." He stared at her blankly, the idea formed by her mouth now crossing his mind. "It wouldn't be the way it is here or the People's Palace, but we can remain close for a while."

When he shook his head, she moved back, confused and slightly hurt. "It's not safe for you out there."

"It's not safe here."

"It will be if Cara and I never leave your side."

"You both can keep an eye on me there."

Taking hold of her hands, he rubbed his thumbs over her soft skin. "I can't. When I was there last, I didn't have time for anything else and if I'm not able to see you, to touch you- I will go mad."

"I'm sure we can find a moment or two."

"It won't be enough."

"Then you better make the most of the time we have now."

Averting his eyes, Zedd slowly began walking past the couple, trying to keep out of their attention as they focused on each other. He knew that the decision was made and that in the morning, Richard would be leaving. If he didn't get out of the kitchen soon, he would interfere with their private moment.

Without noticing the wizard's exit, the Seeker pulled Kahlan against him and connected their lips. His mind raced in both passion and sadness, both making their way onto her lips with each kiss.

Breaking their contact, she met his eyes and gave a weak smile. "I know this isn't what you wanted..."

"You're coming with me, that is all I want."

Tilting her head the way that took his breath away, she took hold of his hand. "I think there's something else you want."

"Need," he whispered breathlessly. "I need you. Now."

******

When he last saw Kahlan, days ago, the swell of her belly wasn't entirely visible. It was nearly time for their reunion and he found himself shaking at the thought of seeing her again. He had been pushing himself harder than usual to be ready for her, to be there with her when the time came to bring their child into the world. He had already grown tired of the Palace of the Prophets, hating it for keeping him from the woman he loved, though she and Cara were staying just outside the front doors. Sister Verna surprisingly agreed to create time to leave, happily helping the couple reunite.

Stepping outside, he shielded his eyes from the sun and searched for her. When his gaze landed on her, he grinned at the sight. She was leaning against a nearby tree in a deep blue dress that, even from a distance, made her eyes stand out. Her hands were resting on top of her belly, a wide smile spread across her lips. Richard rushed forward, nearly tripping over his own feet in his hurry to touch her again. It only been days for him, but for her it had been weeks.

She was about to greet him when he wrapped her in his arms and connected their lips. To him, it had felt like an eternity since he felt the pleasure of her touch, he couldn't imagine how it had felt to her. When they parted for air, he took a step back and let his eyes drink her in.

"You look beautiful."

She appreciated his words more than she could say, but the smile on her face came close. "Thank you."

Grinning, he brought his hands to her stomach and carefully eased over the soft fabric, while his eyes remained on hers. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm alright. It's the middle of the night she doesn't like." His smile faltered a bit at the thought of her having rough mornings, but before he could voice his concern, she touched her fingers to his lips. "I'm fine, Richard. Cara has been taking very good care of me."

"I'm sure every roll of her eyes shows you just how much she cares," he joked.

"You would be surprised. I think she almost enjoys helping me."

Tugging her against him, he slid his hands down her back and rested on her bottom. "Mmm, I think we should discuss something else?"

Smiling, Kahlan pecked his lips and wiggled closer, rubbing her hips against him as much as possible. "I don't think talking is what's on your mind."

He brushed some flyaway hairs from her face and touched his lips to hers. "It rarely is when I'm with you."

"We should go inside then, Cara won't be back until tomorrow morning."

The sound of his growl made her moan and thrust forward, unsure she would be able to walk the few feet to her small cabin.

***

The moment the door closed behind him, Richard began pulling at the fabric of her dress, his lips never leaving hers. Their hands moved over each other frantically, both desperate for everything and more. When the last of their clothing dropped to the floor, he had her pinned against the wall across from the door, her legs wrapped firmly around his hips. She grew frustrated at the swell of her stomach, wishing he was able to get closer and he noticed instantly. Without hesitation, he broke their kiss and stepped closer, using his body to hold hers as he returned his hands to her stomach.

Her eyes opened and met his, watching his expressions as his fingers graced her skin. He massaged her gently, letting it fuel his desire even more until he knew she understood and felt more comfortable. When her eyes began to drift closed, he moved his right hand to her breast and squeezed tenderly. The moan that left her lips nearly sent him to his end and the way he head fell back against the wall didn't help either. Pressing his lips to her neck, he reached between them and connected their bodies.

It wasn't long before her magic was released and he emptied himself within while lying above her on the floor. Richard gasped for his next breath as her fingers wound into his hair, a comfort only she could provide. Her heart was racing beneath his head as he tried his best to keep close as he rolled to her side. It felt to be a new experience for them both, their bodies reacting differently than before, but for the better. He could barely believe how sensitive she had become. One touch from him in any area had her moaning, gasping and crying out his name, none of which was something he'd complain about. His body couldn't seem to settle down, time after time, his body was once again ready and aching for hers. Each time she gave a sound of pleasure, he nearly lost all control and the best part was neither grew tired of the experience.

He lay at her side, his hand roaming the bump of her stomach one minute and then disappearing beneath it the next. Taking his hands off of her was not allowed and it only led them to continue again and again until their bodies were unable to move.

She was exhausted, her eyes barely able to remain open as she watched his lips cover her stomach. It was such a pleasant view, she hated to close it away. For weeks she had imagined him with her, seeing their child grow and though she grew uncomfortable, she knew his excitement wouldn't fade. When he began to whisper, she felt tears collect at the corners of her eyes and instantly closed them. This was a moment she never thought would come, one she had always foolishly thought of as a young girl, long before she understood the process of taking a mate. The scruff of Richard's beard ticked her skin, making her chuckle lightly and feel even greater for the moment.

"Are you alright?"

"Fine," she whispered barely moving her mouth. "I was just thinking."

"You're crying."

Opening her eyes, she felt ashamed for letting the tears sneak free, but the look on his face told her he understood and what was entirely him, he felt the same too. "Sometimes it's hard for me to believe this is happening."

"Never thought you would have such a good looking man?" he teased to bring out a smile.

Grinning, she shook her head and countered. "I always thought he would be better looking."

Raising his eyebrows in surprised, he crawled up her body and brought his face to hers. "You're lucky to have someone so-"

"I know." Touching his face, she watched her own fingers trace over his rough beard. "That's why it's hard for me to believe it's real."

Gliding his left hand over her stomach and between her breasts, Richard brought his lips to her ear. "I promise you, this is very real."

Before he could kiss her, she was pushing him away from her and turning away. "I'm sorry," she panted, trying to control her sickness. "She'll be alright in a few minutes."

He looked around the room, finding a small bowl on the floor next to the bed beside them, giving him almost a clear picture as to what had happened while he was away. Moving quickly, he grabbed it and brought the wooden bowl to her, waiting for what was next. Almost instantly, she was doubled over in a gag and cough, fighting the urge that she didn't want him to see. Within an instant, he was rubbing her back and whispering words of comfort until she gave in and released the contents of her stomach.

"Better?" he asked when she attempted to straighten her back again.

"Yes, thank you."

Wiping his thumb across the corner of her mouth, he smiled. "How is she with lunch?"

She nearly laughed, his words bringing a smile that erased most of the pain. "She likes it almost as much as Zedd."

Richard beamed with a nod. "No one likes anything as much as Zedd likes a time to eat."

"I can think of something I may like a little more."

"Why, Mother Confessor, I believe you're blushing."

Turning her head, she covered her mouth to keep from being sick again. "I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize."

"It should be over in a few minutes. "

"It's alright, Kahlan."

Turning back to the bucket, she pushed her hair back and leaned forward, letting herself go at once. She felt dizzy after a moment, falling forward into his arms as he hurried to catch her. Lifting her into his arms, he carried her to the bed and gently laid her down, covering her as she struggled to keep her eyes open.

Cara walked in moments later, ignoring the couple on the bed until she realized that Richard was sitting on the edge.

"Did she fall again?"

Confused, he stood up, and made his way to his friend. "Again?"

"It happens three times a day, now. She didn't tell you?" He shook his head as she took his arm and pulled him away from the Confessor. "She doesn't think it's a problem, but it keeps happening. I sent word to Zedd two weeks ago."

"You contacted him before me?! How could you- What did he say?"

"She's fine," she told him softly. "Her body is trying to adjust to both sets of magic within her."

Nodding, he closed his eyes and let the realization hit him. "I hadn't thought of that." Looking back to Kahlan, he sighed. "But she did. That's why she didn't say anything to me. She wouldn't want me to feel like it's my fault."

"But it is," Cara said factually. "It's the Rahl magic within her that-"

"I know that, but she knew what me knowing would do to me. She knew I wouldn't want to leave her side again. Can you do something for me- for us?"

"What?"

"Get us something to eat? I'm going to help her though this."