Redeeming Kahlan

Chapter 2

Kahlan

I felt insignificant as I took in the imposing palace of the Alpha King that loomed before me. Its grandeur and imposing height sent shivers down my spine. I was guided through opulent halls, embellished with elegant decorations that spoke of power and dominance. As I moved toward the throne room, my steps faltered, and my heart skipped in my chest.

"Keep moving. The Alpha King is waiting," the guard said gruffly.

I looked at my stepfather to my left. He was clearly unfazed by the very things that made me starstruck—he looked disinterested.

"Ah-ah. Welcome to your new home, Kahlan," Pyrlig said, smirking. That was the first thing I had heard him say all night.

"Behold, the Mighty Alpha King, Uhtred... And your new husband," he added, whispering into my ear.

My breath caught in my throat as I was brought before the cold and imposing figure seated on the throne. The Alpha King's piercing gaze bore into me, sending a chill through my veins. His presence was overwhelming, and his icy demeanor was as formidable as the frozen winds of Silverbrook.

"So, this is the one you have chosen for me, Pyrlig?" The Alpha King asked.

"She looks like nothing more than a pitiful child." His voice was cold, emotionless.

Turning his attention to me, the Alpha King asked, "So, you are the one they call Kahlan. You may approach."

His voice was cold and calculating.

My heart pounded in my chest as I approached his imposing figure and throne.

"Your Grace, I am Kahlan," I said very timidly.

"Speak up, girl. I can't hear your feeble voice," he said, raising an eyebrow.

My voice was even shakier. "My name is Kahlan, Your Grace."

My stepfather only responded with a cruel smirk: "She may seem timid, Your Grace, but do not underestimate her. She will serve her purpose well."

The Alpha King leaned forward, studying me. "And what purpose is that, Pyrlig?"

"To bear you an heir, of course," my stepfather said confidently, "and to secure your lineage, Your Grace."

"Hmph, she's nothing more than a mere girl. Fragile and insignificant."

I watched on as I was bartered between both men like horses for a coin. I felt humiliated. I just wish my mother was here to see this.

I spoke up nervously, "I'm Kahlan, Your Grace. I didn't ask for this."

What was I saying? I'm so frightened right now. This is not supposed to be how this ends, is it?

Swallowing hard, I continued, "I never wanted this, Your Grace. I am but a victim here."

The Alpha King looked at me with disdain and asked, "Do you think I care about what you want? Or who you are?"

"You are here to fulfill your duty as my breeder, nothing more," he said, stamping his fist on his throne.

"Victim or not, you are now in my domain. And you will fulfill your purpose."

My voice was trembling at this point. "I am not some object to be used at your whim, Your Grace. I have dreams and aspirations of my own."

"Dreams are for the weak," he bellowed, "and weakness has no place in my kingdom."

"You are but a means to an end, a vessel to bear my heir. That is all you are meant for. Your feelings are of no importance."

My eyes were served with tears, but I had to hold them back. I couldn't show any sign of weakness to this merciless ruler.

"Even if you force me into this marriage, I will not be a mere incubator. I will be strong and resilient. And one day, I will earn my freedom," I said firmly.

"Freedom?" he repeated, scoffing. "Your freedom lies in fulfilling your purpose. That is all you are meant for, not freedom.

I was finding it harder to fight back the tears. "You may be the Alpha King, but you are no different from my stepfather. You both see me as a pawn, a pawn to be used and discarded."

The Alpha King rose from his throne.

"You dare compare me to a mere common man? I am the Alpha King, and my rule is absolute."

"I–"

"Enough!You have said your piece, and I have grown tired of this conversation. You will be my bride; you will bear me a son. That is all." He said it, snarling.

"Desiree!"

"Yes, my Lord," the servant responded.

"Take her to her chambers. I have no interest in this pitiful creature."

As I was escorted to my chambers, I shouted over the top of my shoulder, "I will prove myself to you, and I will earn my strength and my place."

"Oh, and I will enjoy watching you struggle."

Those words echoed in my mind as I lay in my simple quarters later that night.

"I can't let this break me. I will find a way to survive, to protect myself and maybe my future child. And maybe, just maybe, I can find a way into his heart," I thought to myself.

My mind drifted to thoughts about my life before this dreadful deal. Memories of my mother flooded my thoughts, and I let them lull me to sleep.

*****

The soft rays of the morning sun streamed through the curtains, painting the chamber in a gentle glow. I blinked my eyes open, my heart heavy with the weight of my new reality. I noticed Desiree standing by the doorway.

"I see you're taking it all in," she said, smiling as she approached.

"It's all so overwhelming, Desiree," I said softly. "I feel like I'm trapped in a gilded cage."

Desiree was now seated by my bedside. "I understand, my dear. It's never easy, but give it time. You'll get used to it eventually."

"I don't know if I can ever get used to this life. The Alpha King is so cold and distant. Everything here feels cold."

Desiree placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "The Alpha King has always been like that since his first wife, Shota, left. Some say it's a curse, but I say it's something you'll have to learn to live with."

"I hope so," I said, sighing. "But I can't shake the feeling that I'm of zero significance in this game, a mere fly that can be swatted when need be."

Desiree only smiled gently. "You are more than that, my dear. You have a kind heart, and that might be just what you need to survive this cold palace."

"I'll try my best, Desiree. But I'm so scared." I replied, feeling a glimmer of hope rise in me.

Desiree squeezed my hand gently.

"You don't have to go through this alone. Lean on me whenever you need to, and we'll help each other together."

"I'm so fortunate to have you here."

"Now, enough of the worries for now. The morning is here, and it's time to embrace the day. Come, let's get you ready for the day."

I smiled in spite of myself. Maybe there was some warmth here after all.