for Richard

It grew hot on the island, even late at night, and sharing with Richard meant that Kahlan woke up in a sweat more often than not. She guessed it might be better if she wore less clothing to bed but she hadn't wanted to push it, especially not considering she didn't actually know if the island truly took away her powers.

But she'd spoken to Rogue about that almost two months past now and nothing had ever happened to make Kahlan feel like her power was there. There wasn't even a spark of it, even when she consciously tried to draw it up. And, really, she loved Richard and he trusted her, as she did him.

So it was on yet another of these hot, sticky nights that Kahlan touched Richard's shoulder, trying to wake him. Maybe if she put things into motion, he could follow through.

"Richard? Are you awake?"