Bhric mumbled several oaths beneath his breath. He was going to have a serious talk with his mother when he returned home.
“You can always wed again, a stronger wife next time,” Sven said, filling Bhric’s tankard with more ale.
Newlin and Auda stared at the two men, too shocked to speak, not so Tavia. The words had struck her like a slap in the face that she should be thought so little of, but they also emboldened her to speak up.
“Aye, he can do that just as I can wed again if he is so foolish to die in battle.”
Complete silence fell over the room, the servants halting in mid-step.
Bhric slammed his tankard down on the table, then walked over to Tavia. “A sharp-tongued wife doesn’t make a strong wife. I’m going to teach you other things to do with that tongue that will dull it.”
“As you say, my lord,” Tavia said with more mettle than she felt, for she wondered what those things could be that he would teach her.
“See to her wound,” Bhric ordered the healer. “You and I will talk, Newlin, while my men eat. Bring the men here, Sven.”
Sven nodded and donned the rest of his ale before he took off.
Newlin gave rushed orders to the servants, and they began hurrying about, preparing the tables with food and drink.
“Help me to my bedchamber, Auda, where we can have some privacy,” Tavia said, and the woman nodded and helped her to her feet.
Bhric watched his wife as he spoke with Newlin. “More of my men along with carts filled with needed supplies are a day behind me. We will discuss what is to be done here before I take my leave.”
“I am grateful, Lord Bhric,” Newlin said.
“It was made part of the marriage agreement and I keep my word when an agreement is made,” Bhric said, watching his wife take obviously painful steps. “My men will also provide protection since Torin told me of the difficulties you had with Lord Ivan and a supposed demon.” Bhric shook his head not able to watch his wife any longer and a rash of oaths left his mouth as he went to her.
This time Tavia saw him coming and rushed her hand out to stop him. “I do not need your help.”
Bhric shoved her hand away and scooped her up for a third time. “I did not ask if you needed it. Now show me where to take you.”
She did not want to be in his arms any longer than necessary. Though, it annoyed her that he carried her with such ease, not even needing a spare breath as she directed him to her bedchamber. Though he frightened her, oddly enough, she felt a sense of safety in his arms, but then he was a large man who could easily protect her.
Bhric placed her on the bed. “We will talk later.”
“As you say, my lord,” Tavia said, since what else could she say.
“Why do I think you placate me with those words?” he asked annoyed and not bothering to wait for an answer, he turned and left the room.
Tavia stared at the door after Auda closed it.
“I bit of advice,” Auda offered.
“I will take any and all I can get.”
“Be careful. Most women learn to manipulate men out of necessity to survive unwanted coupling or the repeated sting of a hand. Lord Bhric is not a man who can be manipulated. You would be wise to obey when necessary and stay clear of him when you can.”
Tavia’s shoulders slumped in defeat.
“I know that is not what you wanted to hear, but it is better to face the truth of your situation and prepare as best as possible for what will be. Now let’s rest that leg and get some warmth on it so the pain will ease.”
Tavia thought on Auda’s advice. Had she truly and foolishly expected more from the marriage? After meeting Lady Dawn and Lord Cree and seeing what a loving and wonderful marriage they had, she had harbored hope that she could possibly find the same with Lord Bhric. If only it could be so, but Auda was right. It would be unwise of her not to face the truth of her marriage. She would find no love with Lord Bhric, though she did hope that they would at least become friends and, if nothing else, learn to tolerate each other.
* * *
Bhric purposely took slow steps down the stairs. He was annoyed to find he had a wife who was the complete opposite of the type of woman he preferred. Though, he had wanted one easy on the eyes and she was that. There was a loveliness about her face that caught the eye. Maybe it was her soft blue eyes and the long, dark lashes that framed them or the slight blush to her cheeks or the faint splatter of freckles across her nose that could only be seen up close. Whatever it was it would not be difficult to look upon her face.
However, her body was another thing. She was a wee one. He could crush her if he hugged her too tight. What really troubled him was joining with her. He liked to give a woman a good pounding and he could not see doing that to her. He’d probably break something in her.