“Arguments are breaking out between our tribe and the clan, the tribe condemning Tavia and the clan defending her,” Sven said.
“Gather everyone outside the keep. I will speak to them,” Bhric ordered.
Sven nodded and rushed off.
Bhric felt his wife tremble and saw that she had paled considerably. “I will see you to our bedchamber where you can rid yourself of those blood-stained garments and rest your leg.”
“Nay,” she said shaking her head vehemently. “I will not appear the coward.”
“And what will they think if you stand beside me? That you control me with your evil ways?” he asked, angry that anyone could think that his kind wife was evil or that he, a mighty warrior, would fall prey to such nonsense.
Tavia felt helpless. It reminded her of the time after her accident and how she had allowed herself to wallow in self-pity far too long which made it even more difficult to climb out of it. It was a wasted time, and she would waste no more time.
“I would always stand beside you no matter what is said or thought of you since I know you are a good, honorable man and warrior and because my love for you would allow me to do no less. Wi—”
Bhric pressed his fingers to her lips preventing her from saying any more. “You made your point, wife. I would do no less for you though I question if such action will keep you safe.”
She smiled softly. “I worry not for my safety since I have you and Fen.”
Bhric glanced at the hound who remained alert not far from Tavia and at that moment he could not be more pleased that the war hound had become her constant companion.
“Your leg?” he questioned, this one time hoping she had no choice but to rest it.
“I will manage,” she said with a defiance that made it clear she would not be dissuaded from her decision.
Bhric felt he should deny her for her own safety, but could not deny her, her courage. “You will obey my every word, wife, which means if I order you to retreat to the keep you will do so without question.” When he watched his wife’s face scrunch in thought, he was quick to say, “That has no need for thought. You obey or you remain in the keep.”
“As you say, husband,” Tavia said compliantly.
Bhric cringed. “Why when you sound so obedient do I think the complete opposite?” He shook his head not expecting or wanting her to answer.
Tavia had Shea get her clean garments from her bedchamber and Bhric insisted on helping her to change into fresh ones.
“I thought this night would be far different,” he said as he helped his wife strip off her soiled garments.
“The night has many more hours left to it, husband, and a huge need for it to end with a touch of love,” she said softly.
Bhric drew her against him to steal a kiss. “On that we agree, wife.”
Once dressed, Bhric gathered up the blood-stained garments and tossed them into the fireplace, the flames greedily swallowing them up.
“We will have no reminders of this dreadful night,” he said.
“You cannot dispose of harsh memories so easily. I found the best thing to do is make new ones.” She stretched her hand out to him. “Let us start making new ones tonight.”
He took firm hold of her hand. “Besides being courageous, you are also wise.”
“It is good you finally realize that,” she said with a playful smile.
He hooked her around the waist with his arm. “There is a lot I am realizing about my wife like…” His whispered words were for her ears alone and they sent a blush rushing over her face.
“And they say I am evil,” she said, her cheeks flushed red and a tremble of passion rocking her body.
“The people are gathered,” came Sven’s shout after a strong tap at the door.
“As are we,” Bhric said, after yanking open the door.
Sven looked from Bhric to Tavia and back again. “You think it wise to bring her with you?”