Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 115248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
“Why did he not address this when Tarass claimed I belonged to him? Why wait and say it now?” Snow asked.
“Questions I asked him myself,” James said, “He claims he was shocked and upset by it all and didn’t realize your marriage would be invalid until this morning. He arrived at the keep shortly after dawn, insisting I amend this dreadful mistake and have you returned home so that he could honor the marriage agreement.”
“He’s a fool if he thinks that will happen,” Tarass said. “Our marriage is lawful, our vows sealed, and no doubt the cleric will agree.”
James nodded. “I thought the same myself until I recalled that Lord Polwarth is the largest benefactor of the monastery the cleric belongs to. Without his support, the monastery would not survive.”
“The cleric would lie for him?” Snow asked.
“The cleric doesn’t matter,” James said.
“It’s the Abbot who decides,” Tarass said.
Snow recalled the tales Eleanor had told her about the abbey she had been a postulant at and the things that Mother Abbess had done. How Ruddock’s father’s generous support helped the abbey, allowing anyone from his clan to seek shelter there when necessary and without question.
“The monasteries depend on the nobles to support them and in turn, the nobles count on the monastery’s support when necessary… no matter what that support may entail,” Tarass said.
“So the abbot will agree with Lord Polwarth?” Snow asked, her worry growing.
“There’s a good chance of it,” Tarass said.
James cleared his throat again.
“There is something else, James?” Snow asked worry creasing her brow.
“I was going to have Eleanor speak to you about it so you could decide for yourself, but now that I know you love each other, that changes everything. It is something you both should know,” James said and cleared his throat again. “Polwarth made it known to me that if by chance you were with child, his healer could easily dispose of the problem.”
Snow gasped, her hand going to rest protectively against her stomach as if Tarass’s child already nested there. She snuggled closer to her husband, his arm growing tighter around her as his body tensed with anger.
“If Polwarth dares to come near my wife, I’ll crucify him for all to see,” Tarass said, his words fueled with fury.
“Polwarth left me to go directly to the abbot to speak with him. I rushed here as soon as he was gone,” James said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you received a message from the abbot later tonight or tomorrow. Polwarth was eager to see this done.”
“I appreciate you alerting us to this situation,” Tarass said.
“I caution you to be careful. Polwarth is a man on a mission. He was adamant about seeing this done and appalled that he hadn’t been wise enough to stop your wedding and protect his friend’s daughter from what he claimed would be a horrible fate. I fear he will do anything to see Snow taken from you.”
“That will never happen,” Tarass snapped. “Snow and I are husband and wife and nothing will change that. Not now. Not ever.”
“I am glad to know you feel that way out of love for my sister and that what started as a forced marriage never truly was one,” James said. “Now I must take my leave before the heavily gray skies dump more snow on us.”
“I’ll see you out,” Snow said and reached her hand out.
Tarass reluctantly let her go, knowing she probably wanted a few moments alone with her brother.
“I am overjoyed for you, Snow,” James said when they entered the Great Hall, then laughed softly. “Though, I never would have expected it to be the Lord of Fire you fell in love with or he you.”
“I know. It’s strange, and yet it feels so right.”
“That’s all that matters,” James said and patted her arm. “Remember, though, I’m always here if you need me.”
Thaw’s barking was heard before he was seen and when the pup spotted James he made a mad dash for him, his tailing wagging like crazy.
James leaned down to greet the pup.
“Oh, m’lady, tongues are wagging furiously with that body being drained of blood last night,” Nettle said, hurrying into the Great Hall, her cloak dusted with snow.
James stood straight, his eyes wide. “Body? Blood drained? What goes on here?”
Nettle gasped. “I’m sorry, m’lady, I didn’t see him there.”
“Learn to hold that tongue, woman,” Rannock ordered, appearing behind her. “No need upsetting Lady Snow with gossip.”
“It’s not gossip. It’s truth,” Nettle argued. “And Lady Snow has the right to know.”
“What gossip? What truth? What body? What blood?” James asked, anxious to know what was going on.
“That’s not for you to decide, Nettle,” Rannock said.
“What isn’t for Nettle to decide,” Tarass asked, entering the Great Hall.
James hurried to speak up before anyone else could. “What is this about a body and drained blood? This does not bode well with the other problem you face.”