Redeeming Kahlan

Chapter 4

The morning was unusually cold, and I lay staring at the ceiling. The ceiling looked like an exquisite work of art, a marvel to behold. It soared high above, adorned with intricate carvings and delicate frescoes that depicted scenes of nature, myths, and celestial wonders. Radiating from the central medallion, a mesmerizing pattern of delicate vines and flowers sprawled across the expanse of the ceiling. The intricate details of the vines seemed to reach towards each other, forming an enchanting canopy that enveloped the room in an ethereal embrace.

I never seemed to have enough of it.

In a flurry, Desiree hurriedly approached the chamber with a sense of urgency in her eyes.

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

She was breathless.

"Your Grace, as much as I hate to disturb you right now, you might want to hear this."

I gently unwrapped the sheets from around myself.

"Of course. Let me get dressed up. I'll join you shortly."

The ceiling would have to wait.

This was not the desire I knew. She was unusually nervous, tapping her foot impatiently against the marble floor. I watched her pace hurriedly back and forth in the grand hall where the Alpha King usually resided.

As I dressed, I felt a mixture of emotions. I mean, what could shake Desiree up so much? It couldn't be that bad, would it? But a part of me couldn't shake the fear and uncertainty of what it would mean for my child's future.

I took a moment to collect myself. I straightened my appearance and began making my way towards the grand hall, where Desiree kept beckoning me over. I had never seen Desiree this unsettled.

Desiree kept leading me towards the entrance to the throne room, and I heard hushed voices emanating from within. On instinct, I paused and pressed my ear against the door, deciding to eavesdrop.

"Shhhh, be quiet," Desiree commanded. "Listen quietly and carefully."

Inside the grand chamber, the Alpha King was seated on his imposing throne, flanked by his Chief Advisor, Odin.

"Your Grace, now that Kahlan is heavy with children, what do you intend to do for her after the baby is born? Odin inquired.

"The woman is of no consequence. By the time she gives birth, she will have served her purpose," Uhtred replied coldly.

My heart sank at the harshness in the Alpha King's voice, but I remained hidden; I wanted to hear more.

"Do you plan to keep her in the palace? Her presence might create complications." Odin's curiosity was getting the better of him.

"No, I have no use for her. I will dispose of her discreetly once I'm certain she has fulfilled her purpose."

My breath caught in my throat as I heard the Alpha King's cruel intentions. I couldn't believe that he still saw me as nothing more than a means to an end, a mere inconvenience to be discarded.

Odin took on a cautious tone. "Your Grace, remember that she is to be the mother of your child, one you've never had before. Perhaps it would be wise to show some leniency."

The Alpha King replied icily, "Leniency is a weakness I cannot afford. The child is all that matters now."

My eyes welled up with tears, my heart breaking at the coldness of the man I had hoped would one day love and care for me. I was so stupid.

Odin pressed even further. "Even so, Your Grace, disposing of her might attract unwanted attention. It could lead to rebellion or even retaliation from her stepfather."

Uhtred stared ahead with a calculating gleam in his eyes. "Then I shall make it appear as though she left of her own accord. A story of her abandoning the child and fleeing the palace should suffice."

My hands trembled as I listened to the Alpha King's heartless plan. I have to do something to protect myself and my child from this cruel fate.

Odin was concerned. "As you wish, Your Grace. But be cautious. Such actions have consequences."

"I am well aware of the risks, Odin. My mind is made up."

My heart pounded in my chest, torn between fear for my own life and the fierce determination to ensure my child's safety.

I slowly retreated from the door. My time is running out. I have to find a way to protect myself and my child from the Alpha King's cold grip.

I bumped into Desiree; she had been listening too.

I was distraught, hopeless, and fraught with uncertainty. "What do I do?" I cried out in frustration.

Desiree held me close for a while, then, after whispering things I couldn't understand into my ear, she said,

"Come. I know what to do."

With my heart pounding, I followed her lead, moving swiftly through the palace corridors towards my chambers.

"Go to your chambers, Kahlan. Gather only what is absolutely necessary. I'll be waiting for you in the doorway," Desiree whispered.

My mind raced as I entered my chambers, grabbed a few essentials, and stuffed them into a small bag. Fear and determination mingled within me as I reasoned about the Alpha King's heartless plan. My child's future hung in the balance, and I was determined to protect him at all costs.

Once I had collected what I needed, I hurried back to the doorway where Desiree stood.

"Are you ready?" Desiree asked softly.

"Yes, Desiree. But what about you? Is it safe for you to be helping me like this?" I asked nervously.

Desiree placed a reassuring hand on my arm.

"Don't worry about me, my dear. Right now, the baby's safety is our priority."

With Desiree leading the way, we navigated through a series of hidden passageways that only a select few knew about. The walls seemed to close in around us, and the torchlight flickered, casting eerie shadows that danced along the stone corridors.

"Desiree, I can't thank you enough for this. But please, promise me you'll be safe."

"I promise. But our focus is on your child. We must ensure he's out of harm's way.".

Finally, we reached a hidden exit concealed behind a tapestry. Desiree turned to me, her expression resolute.

"Kahlan, this is where we part ways. Take this path until you reach the outskirts of the palace grounds. From there, head west to the village of Eldenwood. You'll find shelter with a kind woman named Elara. Tell her you're from me. She'll keep you safe."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized that this was the moment of departure. This was my only chance to protect my unborn child, but it felt so wrong.

"Thank you, Desiree. I don't know what I would have done without you," I said as I choked back the tears.

Desiree gave me a reassuring smile.

"You're stronger than you think, Kahlan. And your child will give you the strength you need. Now go, before anyone discovers our absence."

With a final embrace, Desiree stepped back, and I took my first step outside the palace walls for the first time since my stepfather had sold me to the Alpha King.

This time, though, I was not alone.