“He cannot be trusted,” Bhric cautioned.
“He was surly because he was in constant pain. He will do well now that his pain is gone,” she said.
“Until I am sure of that he stays confined,” Bhric ordered.
“Aye, confined will do,” Tavia said.
Bhric was relieved that his wife finally saw reason and was surprised that her face had lighted with a smile. His relief did not last long.
“Come, Fen, you can stay with me while you heal. It will make it easier for me to look after you.”
“Nay! Nay!” Bhric shouted as his wife went to take a step and, of course, Fen growled. “The animal will not stay with you. He will be kept in one of the empty storage sheds.”
Tavia gasped. “A cold, dark place will not help him heal.”
“It’s that or the chains,” Bhric said.
Tavia’s chin went up. “Then I stay with him.”
Bhric laughed. “Not likely. And do not think to tell me I cannot stop you since we both know I can stop you easily enough.”
She knew her threat was foolish as soon as she had issued it, but what recourse did she have? Her husband’s word ruled, and she had no choice but to obey.
Tavia spoke out of frustration. “I was mistaken, Fen. Lord Bhric does not have a good heart. He actually seems to have no heart at all.”
Though her remark stung, he did not let it show, saying, “You finally understand me.”
“Aye, unfortunately and with much regret,” she said.
Again, her words stung and again he refused to let it show, especially with Sven and Harald there. “As long as you obey it matters not.”
“As you say, my lord,” Tavia said and turned her head away from him to look to Harald. “Show me where he will rest so I may continue to tend his wound.”
Harald glanced to Bhric, and he nodded his consent.
Tavia’s annoyance grew as she settled Fen in the chilled, damp shed. He would not heal well here, and she made a decision there and then.
She crouched down by Fen in the guise of checking the bandage and whispered, “I will return when everyone sleeps to get you.”
The dog licked her face as if he understood.
“It is time for the morning meal,” Bhric said and offered his arm to her when she stepped out of the shed.
“I am tired and need sleep. I will eat later,” she said, barely glancing at him as she walked past him.
Bhric let her go, knowing his order had greatly upset her.
“She is angry at you,” Sven said, joining Bhric as she walked away.
“She will learn my word rules here.”
“I would not wager on that,” Sven said with a laugh. “She may be a wee one, but Ingrid believes she has strength to her. Not that she had thought that on first meeting her, but of late, your wife has demonstrated a courage one would never expect of one her wee size. She may turn out to be more than you can handle.”
Bhric grinned. “There is not a woman I haven’t been able to handle. Her size alone makes it easy.”
“Again, I would not wager on that,” Sven said though this time he did not laugh.
CHAPTER 13