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Retribution (Chapter 5)

After getting cleaned up and something to eat, Richard now stood nervously before Kahlan's door. After he'd had a chance to wash up, he soon discovered how famished he was. He hadn't eaten much in the last few days. Now that he knew Kahlan was recovering and he had a plan in mind to talk to her tonight, he allowed himself the luxury of eating. He found that he felt much better after a good meal despite the fact that his muscles ached after spending the day venting his pain. He didn't think the palace staff would have to chop wood for at least two months once winter came.

Taking a deep breath, Richard knocked lightly on her door before going in. Entering her room, he found her sitting up in her bed, gazing at him. Her raven hair was slightly mussed, falling around her shoulders and resting along the tops of her partially exposed breasts. One of the straps of her gown had fallen off her shoulder and hung low on her upper arm, allowing a little more of her breast to show.

Her bruises were gone much to Richard's relief, thankful that his grandfather had been able to erase them. Her sapphire eyes were so sad and yet they held a hint of something that had been absent that morning when he had last seen her. They held a glimmer of hope and relief that caused his heart to leap in his chest. The flickering of candles in her room cast a soft glow that washed over her porcelain face, causing his breath to catch.

"Richard," she softly said, tears suddenly shining in her eyes.

His name on her lips was like sweet music to his ears causing his blood to stir and his soul to sing. Closing the door behind him, Richard made his way to her. Sitting on the edge of her bed, he watched in startled silence as she quickly crawled to him, wrapping her arms around him and clinging to him as if her very life depended on it. And it did. He was the reason she had experienced true love, the reason she could go on even now.

Taken aback, Richard slowly responded to her, tentatively wrapping his arms around her. He was relieved and yet surprised by her reaction to his presence especially after this morning. He had been uncertain about what her response would be when she saw him, but he had been determined this time to get through to her no matter what. She was too precious to him to just give up on her.

The feel of Kahlan in his arms again was like a balm to his wounded heart. Tightening his hold on her, Richard pulled her even closer to him, relishing the feel of her melting into his embrace. Burying his face in her hair, he felt like he was finally home.

"I'm so sorry, Richard," she cried, her voice muffled by his shirt.

"Shhh, Kahlan…it's alright. There is nothing to apologize for," he murmured into her hair as he rubbed her back. "I should have protected you better."

"No, Richard! There was nothing you could have done to stop it," her voiced cracked with emotion. "You saved my life."

He pulled back slightly, pressing his cheek against hers, their faces gently caressing the other, her tears wetting his face. Her breath was warm and inviting against his neck sending shivers down his spine. "I love you, Kahlan. You're my life," he breathed.

His whispered words of love tickled her ear, sending tingles all over her body, making her blood warm with desire. "I love you so much, Richard. I know I hurt you by losing the baby. You had told me to protect her and I let you down. I didn't keep her safe," she whispered through her tears, the reality of it crashing down on her again.

Richard pulled back, grasping her shoulders, astonished by her apology. He suddenly remembered that night in the woods when they had made love after Kahlan told him she was carrying his child. "If you want to protect me, you will stay out of danger; you'll keep yourself and our unborn child safe."

He had been so terrified of losing Kahlan that he had made her promise to protect herself and the baby above all else. He had never meant for her to feel that it would be all her fault if she lost the baby. Hot bitter tears leaked from his eyes as guilt returned with a vengeance.

"I'm so sorry, Kahlan," he adamantly exclaimed, cupping her face with his hand. "I never meant for you to carry the blame of losing our child. I just never wanted you to put yourself in danger, to protect me over yourself."

"But, I lost our baby. You were so excited about having a child together."

"Kahlan, I was excited, but if we never have a child and it's only the two of us for the rest of our lives, I would still die a happy man. A child would only be a gift above and beyond my greatest dreams. Marrying you and making you mine forever is what I want above all else. Kahlan, you are all that I have ever wanted."

Staring into his dark brown eyes, she placed a hand on his face, lovingly caressing his cheek. Her eyes began to roam over his handsome face before finally coming to rest on his mouth and the lips she loved to kiss, loved to feel roaming over her body.

Heated desire like hot molten lava suddenly burned in the pit of his stomach as Richard realized she was staring at his mouth. Unable to control himself any longer, he leaned in, gently brushing his lips against hers. It was a gentle tentative kiss, their noses softly nuzzling each other. He buried his hands in her thick hair, pulling her mouth to his. He never wanted to let go of her ever again.

Kahlan relished the feel of his hands in her hair, his fingers massaging her scalp as he tenderly kissed her. Their passionate desire, their need to reconnect with each other was quickly intensifying the kiss as she opened her mouth to him, imploring him to explore every part of her again. He readily complied with her request, plunging his tongue into her mouth and drinking her in.

Her hands tugged his shirt free from his pants, allowing her to run her hands over the smooth muscles of his back. He moaned into her mouth as she dug her fingers into his shoulders, pulling him forward to lie on top of her. He was rapidly becoming dizzy with his desperate need to have her, to be inside of her, to feel every inch of her.

After settling himself between her legs, he sat back on his knees momentarily, pulling his shirt over his head. After discarding his shirt and removing his pants, he looked down at his lover, her face full of love and desire for him and him alone. Her eyes were dark with longing as they roamed over his body, finally locking with his own darkening eyes. His heart began to pound, his breathing erratic as he lowered himself back down onto her.

He brushed his nose against hers a couple of times before finding her mouth once more. All of his senses were humming, having been completely awakened by her presence. The sound of her gasps, the feel of her smooth flesh under his fingertips, the look of desire smoldering in her eyes, the taste of her skin, and the scent of roses that enveloped her.

He left her mouth to burn a trail of hot wet kisses down the slender column of her neck on his way to his final destination. Finding her breasts, he hungrily began devouring her, using his mouth and nose to nudge the gown further down her body.

She arched her back in a heated plea for more contact with his mouth. Spirits, she needed this connection with him so desperately right now. Grabbing fistfuls of his hair, she held him against her chest, frantic to keep the intimate contact. She began repeatedly moaning his name like chant as he licked and nipped at her breasts, sucking on the highly sensitized flesh. If he didn't take her soon, she thought she would explode. "Richard…I… Spirits! I…I…need you…now…" she panted, pleading for him to complete her, to propel her over the edge of rapture.

Releasing his hair, her hands quickly began roaming down his back, stopping to knead the muscles of his backside, attempting to pull him closer to where she needed him to be. He groaned at the sensations she was creating in him, the smoldering passion that was growing into a consuming firestorm of desire. His hands found her thighs once more, caressing the sensitive skin as he pushed her nightgown up.

Connecting with his lover was the healing that he so desperately needed. He stared at her, tears stinging his eyes, the euphoric feeling of being with her and in her overwhelming his injured heart. A sense of peace swept through his soul despite the passionate desire and arousal that possessed his body.

Seeing tears in his eyes, Kahlan took his face in her hands and gently wiped his tears with her thumbs. "I love you…my sweet Richard," she breathlessly whispered, her chest heaving. She leaned up, capturing his lips in a heated kiss of reassurance and love.

With her words, he began to move over her, desperate to make Kahlan his all over again. As they continued the intense climax of ecstasy, all the regret, all the guilt and shame began to melt away in the presence of their burning passion. It would still take time for their wounds to heal, but now they knew they would heal together because nothing in this world would ever be able to extinguish their love for one another.

XXX

Zedd made his way through the empty halls of the palace, wondering if Richard had followed his advice. He knew it would be just a matter of time before they worked everything out. Turning a corner, Zedd saw Cara coming towards him.

"If you're heading for Kahlan's room, don't bother," Cara offered as she approached the Wizard at the end of the hall.

"Actually, that is where I was going. I wanted to check on her to make sure she was doing alright. Why shouldn't I?" he asked, his brow narrowed with concern.

"I would say by the sounds coming from that room, Lord Rahl and the Mother Confessor are both doing very well," Cara smirked, crossing her arms.

Zedd's eyebrows shot up in surprise, shocked that Richard and Kahlan had been able to resolve things so quickly. "Well, I guess my little conversation with each of them helped. What were you doing outside of Kahlan's room?"

"I had a talk with Lord Rahl earlier this evening, but he wasn't listening to me so I decided to try and talk some sense into the Mother Confessor as well. When I got near her room, I heard…things…" Cara grinned wickedly, happy that the two of them were finally working things out so to speak. Now maybe they could get back to what they were supposed to be doing like saving the world.

A broad self-satisfied smile spread across the Wizard's face, relieved that they were together now. Turning, Zedd placed an arm around the Mord'Sith's shoulder. "How about joining me for some sweet berry pie? The cook was just taking it out of the oven before I came up here."

Rolling her eyes, Cara sighed with resignation. Together, she and Zedd had been able to fix things between Richard and Kahlan. Now, if Cara could only figure out a way to fix Zedd's stomach.

XXX

She stood on top of the cliff overlooking the large town that spread out before her. The inky night canvas was partially covered by lazily drifting clouds that somewhat obscured the countless stars and the half moon. The night air was warm and still, sounds of the surrounding woods sporadically cutting through the tranquility.

Standing with her hands on her hips, she surveyed the landscape, taking in every detail that could be made by the soft glow of the moonlight. A satisfied smile spread across her face. Things were falling into place better than she could have possibly hoped for.

Turning on her heel, she cautiously made her way back to camp, slipping between the trees and the shadows that blanketed the forest. Soon, she would have what she'd been after.

"Just what are you up to?"

The voice that cut through the stillness of the sleeping woods startled her, causing her to freeze. She quickly recovered, turning on her heel to face the person who was suddenly standing with her. "What makes you think that I'm up to something?"

"Denna, you always have ulterior motives that you reveal to no one," Kirsten sneered, her hand tightly gripping the agiel that hung at her waist. She had instructed Rachel to keep a close eye on Denna and alert her of her movements. Denna had made changes to their plan that proved wise in theory, but she still did not trust the blond-haired vixen one bit.

"I told you what I want. All I want is Richard Cypher," she innocently replied as she stared down her accuser.

"Just why do you want him so badly?"

"We have a long history together. Let's just say that we have some unfinished business and leave it at that," she smiled sweetly turning away from Kirsten to return to camp, unwilling to give up more than she had to at that moment. She had only formed this delicate alliance in order to get the Seeker; she didn't need to reveal any more than that.

"And how is that you are even alive?"

Denna stopped dead in her tracks at the question. She slowly turned back around, her face an unreadable mask. Her eyes flashed with irritation causing Kirsten's skin to crawl. There was something about Denna that was so cold and ruthless, even more so than any Mord'Sith could ever be trained into becoming.

"I heard some interesting gossip this afternoon from one of our Sisters. She had heard a rumor that you had been killed a few months ago." Kirsten tilted her head as she watched Denna, waiting in eager anticipation for a reaction.

The corners of Denna's lips slowly turned up as she replied, "I'm like a cat; I have nine lives." With that, she turned and waltzed back to camp, no longer interested in continuing the conversation.

Kirsten stood staring at her as Denna returned to camp, wondering why she shouldn't have just killed her right there rather than continuing with this little charade of alliance. Once the Mother Confessor was dead, Denna would be next.

XXX

Sunlight began to softly filter into the room as dawn emerged. The candles that had burned long into the night were now cold and lifeless. Birds out on the balcony and in the garden began chirping a delightful song to the sleeping lovers.

Richard was tenderly brought from his slumber by the feel of soft lips caressing his chest, sending chills down his spine and causing his blood to pump forcefully with need once more. He could never get enough of her. It was a dire thirst that could only be temporarily satisfied but never completely quenched.

Seeing a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, Kahlan knew she had achieved her goal. Last night had been beyond amazing. Making love with Richard was an incredible experience that always left her feeling sated and intensely loved while at the same time always wanting more of him.

She slowly moved over, settling herself on top of him. She teasingly began kissing her way over the well-defined muscles of his chest, licking and grazing her teeth over his nipples before making her way up his neck. She wished that they could hide in this room, staying in this moment forever.

Richard moaned deeply, the sultry sensations Kahlan's mouth was creating within him causing his desire to burn hotter. The feeling of her silky breasts pressed firmly against his chest, the feel of her body completely melting into his was driving him crazy with need.

He was rapidly growing desperate to have her mouth on his as her lips played over his collarbone, working her way up to his ear. She grazed her teeth over his earlobe, flicking her tongue out to lick it before seductively whispering in his ear. "Morning, my love. Did I wake you?"

Richard gasped as her words and loving attention began to make him pant with wanton need to have her again. Reaching his head up, he grasped her face with his hands, pulling her to him. Crushing his lips against hers, he hungrily began prodding her lips with his tongue. Loving Kahlan was as natural and effortless to him as breathing. He barely remembered a time when he wasn't passionately in love with her or the life he led before he had met her that fateful day in Hartland.

Pulling back to breathe, Richard stared into her beautiful blue eyes, noticing the brightness that was beginning to return, pushing aside some of the anguish that previously occupied them. Running his hands down her back, he abruptly flipped her over, causing her to squeal. Her giggle of delight caused a rush of joy to sweep over him, so happy to hear the laugh that he loved and knowing that he had brought out in her.

"Morning, beautiful," he murmured against her lips. "You can wake me like this every morning." Kissing her deeply again, he moved along her jaw to her ear. "Are you feeling better?"

"Much better…thanks to you," she murmured, closing her eyes and tilting her head back to allow him more access.

He greedily accepted, pleased to be able to give her anything and everything she wanted, so thankful that it was him that she had chosen to love, him that she wanted above all else. The thought alone made his heart sing, the feel of her in his arms completing his soul.

"Do you think we made another baby?" she tentatively asked, her face growing suddenly serious, some of the sadness seeping back into her eyes.

"I hope so," he whispered in her ear before pulling back to gaze into her eyes. "And if not, we'll just have to keep trying."

Kahlan reached a hand up to caress his cheek, her eyes taking in every handsome detail of his face, astounded by his love for her and her alone. "I love that idea, but you know we have to leave for Aydindril soon. We can't let them take over no matter what we've been through."

"I know, but I can finally go on now knowing that you'll be alright…that you'll be by my side." He swiftly captured her lips in a heated kiss before moving to her ear. "But I'm afraid I'm going to have to finish what you started this morning before I can even think about letting you leave this room," he chuckled lightly, his warm breath sending shivers of desire to course through her body.

"Well, if you insist…" she grinned with delight, arching her back, giving herself to him all over again.

*Ok, today is when things start to get chaotic and real-life tries to drag me away. Will still try to post every day but it may be every 2 days. :(