“The snow turned heavy overnight and hasn’t stopped,” Nettle said, shaking the snow from her cloak, Thaw doing the same, giving a good shake, before approaching the dais.
Thaw ran around to the back of the dais to hop up and place his front paws on Snow’s leg.
She rubbed him and kissed him and told him how much she loved him. Then asked him if he was hungry.
Thaw dropped to his butt and barked.
“I’ll see Thaw gets fed, m’lady,” Nettle said.
Hearing that, Thaw ran barking to Nettle and followed her to the kitchen.
“If I were a jealous man, I would think you loved that pup more than me,” Tarass said.
“But you’re not, you’re a wise man who knows that while my heart is overflowing with love for you, it still has room to love others.”
Tarass brought his face close to hers and nibbled on her ear before saying, “You measure your words well, wife.”
Gooseflesh ran over Snow and she scrunched her shoulders as his nibbles continued to tease her.
“I do not care!”
The shout tore Tarass and Snow apart.
“I leave now. This cannot wait. Abbot Bennett must be made aware of this,” Cleric Norman said with a raised voice as he entered the Great Hall alongside Rannock.
“What is the problem now, Cleric Norman?” Tarass asked when the man reached the dais.
“The pagan act that has taken place here will not be tolerated,” Cleric Norman threatened. “That a man having been drained of blood is unacceptable.”
“It was no pagan act and it is none of your concern,” Tarass warned harshly.
“It most certainly is,” Cleric Norman argued. “A concern that needs to be immediately addressed by the clergy. I do not want this poor woman,”—he nodded at Snow—“to suffer more than she already has at the hands of a barbarian. There is no telling what you may do to her.”
“I’ve already done quite a bit to her, Cleric Norman,” Tarass said and heard his wife chuckle.
“You’re damning her soul to hell and I will not let that happen,” the cleric said, jutting his chin out. “I leave now to let Abbot Bennett know what depraved things go on here.”
“It’s a bad snowstorm. He shouldn’t leave,” Rannock said.
“I will not be kept hostage another minute in this heathen place,” Cleric Norman said.
“You’re free to take your leave whenever you want,” Tarass said. “Though, I advise against it with the snowstorm.”
“I’d rather take on the perils of a snowstorm than stay among pagans,” Cleric Norman spat.
“Rannock, have his horse readied and supply him with food,” Tarass ordered.
“I want nothing from you,” Cleric Norman snapped. “I will reach the abbey in time for prayers and supper.”
“Not in this storm,” Rannock said.
“I have faith,” Cleric Norman said with a raise of his chin and turned to Snow. “Mistress Snow, I pray you will come to your senses and be ready to take your leave with Abbot Bennett when he comes to collect you.”
“Waste not your prayers, Cleric Norman. I will not leave my husband,” Snow said with a strength that left no debt that she meant it. “I pray you have a safe journey.”
Cleric Norman turned and hurried from the keep.
“Should I send anyone with the fool?” Rannock asked.
Tarass shook his head. “No, the fool can take a risk with his own life, but I won’t risk the lives of any of my warriors. Send him on his way and hopefully his faith will see him safe.”
The day continued quietly, the snow keeping most in their cottages with a few warriors seeking the company of others and drink and food in the keep. Tarass had ordered it left open to all, a safe and warm haven for those who needed it.
It wasn’t until the next morning, when the snow had stopped, though the wind and the bitter cold continued, that news reached Tarass and Snow.
Rannock stood at the dais as he did the day before, though this time alone, his brow scrunched heavy with worry. “Another pool of blood has been found, my lord.”
Chapter 23
“Don’t bother to argue with me on this, Snow, you’re not going,” Tarass said, standing. “The snow is too deep and the day too cold. You are staying here where it is warm and safe.”
Snow startled when his finger landed on her lips, stopping her from speaking.
“I’ve spoken. It is done. You will stay here,” he said, making it clear he wouldn’t tolerate an argument from her. “Nettle will return with Thaw soon. Until then you will not—will not—move off this chair.”
Snow’s hand gently removed her husband’s finger from against her mouth. “I feel chilled and would prefer to sit closer to the hearth.”
Tarass took her arm and guided her to the table where he knew she preferred to sit. “This is where I better find you, wife, when I return.” He kissed her lips quickly to stop any further discussion.