TITLE: Paradise Found

AUTHOR: LOTSlove®

CHARACTERS: Richard / Kahlan / Zedd / Cara/ Darken Rahl / Other Seeker Characters (Surprise Appearances)

RATING: R/M

WARNINGS: Author Chooses Not to Use Warnings

TIMELINE: Alternative Universe

DISCLAIMER: I'm completely obsessed with the show Legend of the Seeker and all things Richard and Kahlan. I love to write about them even though they cancelled my show and now I'm fighting to get it back!

SUMMARY: My very first AU fic! Team Seeker and gang set in the Wild Wild West. Hope you enjoy the adventure!

Chapter 7

Kahlan stood as inconspicuously as possible, doing her best to remain hidden in the dim smoky shadows as her soon-to-be husband talked to Demmin Nass and some of his men. They were just far enough away that she couldn't quite make out the entire conversation, but she had been able to pick up enough to know that something was going down tonight at Michael Cypher's ranch.

She couldn't stop her pulse from racing knowing that Richard's brother was at the center of whatever Darken Rahl was up to now. Her heart ached for Richard, wishing that things could have been so very different for him and his family. He deserved so much better than having to discover his father murdered, his brother engaged in illegal activities like this.

His life didn't seem to be much better than hers. Hopefully, they could escape what life had given them, starting a new one together.

The thought brought a small smile to her lips. She could hardly wait to see him again. It had been a long day of preparations for a wedding that she never wanted, a day filled with thoughts of Richard instead of her betrothed. She was filled with so much dread that she could scarcely draw a breath, wishing more than anything to just disappear.

Despite her deepest desire, she knew that the chances of Richard being able to save her were very slim, the reality of her future bearing down on her. She had come to accept her fate even going so far as forming her own plan should Richard fail to save her.

And it wasn't that she didn't believe that Richard wanted to save her or couldn't, but Darken Rahl was not someone who could be so easily beaten. He was a very dangerous man, one who knew no bounds, no shame. There was no depth of depravity that he was not willing to sink to in order to get whatever he wanted.

She swore to herself that she was not about to become Darken Rahl's personal slave, submitting to his perverse version of love and domination, a life filled with nothing but fear and violence. She'd had enough of that from her father. She was not about to endure it from her husband now too.

She was going to take control of her life one way or another – either with Richard or in death.

"Kahlan, go get me a drink," Rahl ordered before turning his attention back to Nass.

Kahlan ground her teeth against the urge to slam her fist into his face, knowing that it would only lead to more pain for her. She was still sore from her skirmish with Rahl last night, the bruises on her arm proof of that encounter. She refused to even think about what her wedding night held in store for her.

But she wasn't going to have to worry about it. Either Richard would be able to save her or she would be dead. Either way, Darken Rahl would not have her, would never hurt her again.

Making her way through the crowded saloon, she suddenly caught site of Cara heading directly towards her, something clutched discreetly in her hand. She hoped it was what she had asked for.

Cara approached, her gaze anxious as she handed her the item. "I hope you know what you're doing with this," the saloon girl quietly said.

"I know exactly what I'm doing," Kahlan replied as she fingered the knife, a sudden sense of confidence flooding her now that she had the weapon in her hand. "Thank you for getting it for me."

"You'll never be able to use it to defend yourself against Rahl," she murmured, her emerald eyes constantly searching, making sure they weren't noticed. "He'll be able to wrestle it out of your hand before you can even use it."

"I don't plan on using it on him," Kahlan calmly informed her, leaning down and slipping the knife carefully into her boot. "It's for me."

"You're not going to kill yourself," Cara angrily hissed in a deadly voice as realization sank in. "I won't let you do it."

"Only if Richard can't find a way to escape this nightmare," she softly said, smiling pleasantly to a man passing by them.

"Kahlan," she frowned. "If I had known what you were planning, I never would've given that knife to you."

"I know," she said. "That's why I let you believe I wanted it to defend myself."

"I can't let you go through with it," she scowled. "Do you know what this will do to Richard?"

"There's no talking me out of it, Cara," she shook her head. "My father put me through more than you can begin to imagine. I'm not going through it with Darken Rahl as well. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go get my future husband a drink before he comes looking for me."

Cara watched as Kahlan swiftly disappeared into the throngs of people, wishing that she hadn't gotten her that knife. She needed to find Richard right away and let him know what she was planning on doing before it was too late.

XXX

"Michael is up to something," Richard told Chase as they made their way to the saloon, the sun beginning to set in the distant horizon. "I'm certain of it now more than ever."

"He definitely seemed nervous about something," Chase had to admit.

"And whatever it is, it's hidden inside that barn," he sighed heavily. "We've got to find a way inside and find out what it is."

Chase followed Richard as he entered the saloon, not certain that he liked that idea at all. "Michael is not going to just let you see what he has hidden inside there. Although he tried to act like it, he didn't seem all too pleased about seeing you nor did he appear that surprised about your father's death."

Richard immediately began scanning the large room for Kahlan, anxious to see her. "I know, but we've got to get to the bottom of this once and for all. Kahlan is supposed to be marrying Rahl soon."

"You really think we're going to be able to get this sorted out before then?" he asked, sitting down at one of the few empty tables left in the crowded saloon. "The wedding is tomorrow afternoon."

"Don't remind me," Richard groaned. "I'm not about to let her marry that vile excuse for a human being."

Just then he spotted the object of his deepest desires, her perfect form gliding through the room like an angelic spirit, her soft pink dress that Rahl had forced her to wear leaving little to the imagination. His jealousy suddenly flared with the perverse way men were ogling her, their lust-filled stares turning his blood to liquid flames in his veins as they undressed her with their eyes.

He wanted to take her upstairs, away from all the stares. He wanted so badly to be alone with her.

As she turned, Richard suddenly noticed the nasty purple bruise that marred her arm, his rage suddenly vying with his jealousy for control. He couldn't bear the thought of Rahl hurting her and yet the evidence was right there on her skin.

Had Darken Rahl found out that Kahlan had been in his room last night? There was no way. If Rahl had found that out, Richard knew that he would be swinging from a tree right now.

Noticing Richard tensing beside him, Chase put a calming hand on his friend's arm. "Don't do anything foolish," he warned him, knowing exactly what he was thinking. "You can't do anything for her here."

"That bruise is only the beginning for her, Chase," Richard growled. "I have to stop him…now."

Standing to his feet, Richard was brought to a sudden stop by a hand on his shoulder. He looked to find Cara there. "Sit," she firmly said as she pushed him back into his chair before settling into a chair beside him. "We need to talk."

"How did Kahlan get those bruises?" he demanded, his barely controlled anger evident in his voice. "What did Rahl do to her?"

"I don't know," Cara shook her head. "She wouldn't tell me, but there's something you need to know."

Chase and Richard leaned in close, each growing tense with what she was about to tell them. "What is it? Is it about Rahl?" the sheriff finally asked.

"You need to know what Kahlan is planning," she quietly said, leaning in close to Richard.

Richard's heart suddenly froze in his chest. "What? What's going on?"

"Kahlan said that if you aren't able to save her by the time of the wedding, she's going to take her own life," Cara informed them.

"What?" Richard gasped, sitting back in his chair as his gaze settled on Kahlan standing at the bar talking to Zedd now.

How could she possibly plan to do something like that? It was beyond imagining, a world that Kahlan wasn't a part of, her light no longer shining so radiantly in his life was suddenly so inconceivable. He couldn't allow her to do that. He refused to go on without her in his life. He finally had a future that he wanted to live for and he wanted it with her.

"I have to talk to her," Richard murmured, urgency over the situation growing more demanding with every passing moment. He would not sleep until Kahlan was safe in his arms.

A sudden powerful grip on his arm kept him from getting out of his chair. "Not yet," Chase told him. "If Rahl catches you talking to her, you'll only make it that much harder on Kahlan. Just try to wait a little bit. Maybe Rahl will leave soon and you can talk to Kahlan alone."

Richard knew his friend was right, but forcing himself to remain seated was next to impossible when all he wanted was to run to her. He wanted to feel her in his arms again, to feel the softness of her lips pressed so urgently against his, to tell her not to give up hope just yet. This was far from over and he was not about to let her take her own life.

"We have to get her out of here, Chase," Richard growled.

"I'm not arguing with you over that fact, but trying to do it here and now is suicide," he told him.

"He's coming this way now," Cara hissed as she bolted to her feet, her hand finding Richard's shoulder. "Don't do something stupid."

"Who's coming?" he shook his head in confusion.

"Darken Rahl," she murmured before suddenly speaking louder. "Well then, maybe next time you're in town you'd like a little company, handsome."

Richard watched as Cara slinked away leaving him and Chase alone again, but only for a moment as a man dressed in black came to a stop at their table. He immediately knew who it was without needing any introductions. He could feel his anger bubbling up to the surface like hot lava inside of him.

"Sheriff," Rahl warmly greeted, tipping his hat to him. "So good to see you. It's not often that you grace my establishment with you presence…unless of course there's a brawl."

"Just stopped for a drink with my friend here before heading home," Chase replied.

"Do send my best to Emma for me will you?" he smiled broadly.

Richard could feel Chase bristle beside him as his wife's name rolled off of Rahl's forked tongue. Chase was struggling to control his heated emotions just as much as Richard was. It wouldn't do anyone any good if they gave into temptation to eliminate Rahl now.

"I will do that," the sheriff nodded, his face revealing nothing as he took a drink.

"And who is your friend here?" Rahl turned towards Richard, his eyes black as coal. "I don't believe I've ever seen you in town before."

Richard wanted nothing more than to slit his throat, to erase the smug grin from his face for what he'd done to Kahlan. Instead, he smiled pleasantly at the man standing before them. "I'm Richard Cypher," he informed him.

"Well, Richard, I do hope you enjoy your stay in D'Hara," he said, not revealing his delight over the fact that he had finally found Michael's brother. "Maybe you'll still be here tomorrow for my wedding."

"I've heard," Richard coldly bit out, unable to keep the anger and jealousy inside from reaching his eyes.

"You are more than welcome to attend," Rahl offered, motioning towards his bride. "Come here, Kahlan. I'd like you to meet Richard Cypher."

Kahlan obediently made her way to him, doing her best to keep from making eye contact with Richard for fear her feelings for him would show on her face. Coming to a stop beside Rahl, she could feel Richard's intense gaze on her, but she refused to meet his eyes. She was too afraid her heart would betray her.

"This is my bride, Kahlan," Rahl introduced her, his arm snaking around her waist and pulling her firmly against him. "Kahlan, this is Richard Cypher."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," she murmured, casting a glance at Richard.

Her heart melted the moment their eyes met, the fierce emotion storming in those chocolate orbs making her knees so weak. She watched as his gaze momentarily flickered to the ugly bruise on her arm before finally meeting her eyes once more, anger burning in his eyes.

"It's nice to meet you too," Richard softly replied, watching as she quickly tried to cover the bruise on her arm with her other hand. He wondered just how many other bruises she was hiding from him.

Darken Rahl looked from Richard to Kahlan, suddenly noticing a flicker of something there. "Well, I'm afraid I have some business I must attend to," he suddenly announced. "If you'll excuse me, my love, I must leave for a while, but I'll be back long before our wedding tomorrow."

Richard clenched his fists beneath the table, grinding his teeth as Rahl suddenly pulled Kahlan into a heated kiss, his hands finding her posterior and forcefully pressing her even further into him. It took every ounce of strength he had not to kill him with his bare hands for even touching her.

Kahlan knew she couldn't fight Rahl despite her desperate desire to shove him away from her. Her heart hurt for the pain this must have been causing Richard, but what could so do?

If she fought against him, Rahl might suspect out that something was going on between her and Richard. She couldn't let that happen. She had to protect the man that she loved at all cost.

Finally pulling out of the kiss, Darken Rahl grinned maliciously, his eyes roaming over her in obvious hungry desire. "Tomorrow night, I finally get to finish what we started last night, my sweet Kahlan," he smugly said, casting a glance at Richard who was set to explode with rage. "I know you're just as anxious as I am so be sure to get plenty of rest tonight. You're going to need it."

Richard watched as Kahlan's eyes grew hard like steel with resolve, his heart begging him to save her as Rahl leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. He felt a calming hand on his knee and knew it was Chase's, grounding him and keeping him from losing his head right then and there.

"Gentlemen," Rahl drawled with a grin before turning and leaving with Nass following close behind him.

Kahlan turned to leave only to be stopped by a sudden hand on her wrist. She didn't dare make eye contact, fearing that she would only get him killed in the end. "Please, Richard…don't," she whispered as she watched Rahl leave the saloon.

"Kahlan, I know what you're planning and I can't let you go through with it," he heatedly said, doing his best to keep his voice low though his anger and fear made it near impossible. "You have to give me some time to stop him."

"I'm afraid I don't have time," she softly murmured, finally meeting his intense gaze. "I won't be his wife, Richard. Last night, I got a small taste of what awaits me tomorrow and I refuse to let him hurt me like that."

"I'm so sorry, Kahlan," he shook his head, his thumb lightly brushing over the bruise on her forearm. "If I had known…"

"There's nothing you could have done, Richard," she flatly said.

"You are staying with me tonight," he firmly told her.

"I will not get you killed over this," she hissed, jerking her arm away. "There's no escaping this."

"Kahlan…" Richard began.

"Just leave me alone, Richard!" she cried. "Forget about me…leave D'Hara before you get yourself killed."

Fighting back tears, Kahlan quickly turned away, disappearing into the crowded room, leaving Richard alone with Chase once more. Richard felt his chest constrict with her words, wishing more than anything he could go after her, take her away from here.

"Don't even think about it. Right there is one of Rahl's men," Chase tightly informed him with a nod of his head. "Over there's another…at least three by the door and probably twenty more in here that we haven't even seen yet. That doesn't include those who are out roaming the streets right now."

"I can't leave her here, Chase," Richard scowled, clenching his jaw. "I can't walk away knowing what that animal is going to do to her, that she is going to take her own life tomorrow if I don't do something to stop this madness."

"Kahlan only said that because she's trying to protect you," the sheriff said. "She loves you, Richard. You can see it in her eyes when she looks at you. I just hope Darken Rahl didn't notice it."

"I have never wanted to kill someone so much in life then when Rahl kissed her like that," he admitted.

"He could tell," Chase replied. "That's why he did it, tried to get you to react."

Richard silently berated himself for allowing his emotions to simmer so close to the surface. "We need to follow him, see where he's going."

"We already know where he's going," Chase frowned.

"Michael's ranch," Richard muttered to himself.