Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 102573 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102573 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
“There are plenty and we can explore them all if you’d like,” he said.
“I would like,” she said eagerly.
At that moment, he blessed his mother for choosing Tavia as his wife. She had been right all along… Tavia was perfect for him.
Her hand went to her stomach when it rumbled.
“You are hungry and so am I. Let us eat and talk, for I have much to tell you.”
Tavia sat in her nightdress at the table, enjoying the bounty of food there.
“I like you better naked,” Bhric said.
“But you do not want me cold, do you?” she asked.
Bhric got up and walked around Fen, enjoying food from a bowl Tavia had given him after bringing him in from her bedchamber, and fetched her shawl to drape around her shoulders.
“You are not cold naked?” she asked with a slight shiver.
“I am a Northmen. I am used to the cold.”
“You are a Scotsman as well,” she reminded.
“Something I am glad you continue to remind me of and something I should have been more vigilant about when considering today’s incident.”
“You told me you were wrong,” she said. “What made you realize that?”
Bhric reached across the table to give her hand a squeeze. “I would like to admit that I recalled your promise to me about always speaking the truth, though I will say I did think of that but too late. It was a servant lass, Shea. She saw the whole thing. She even heard the words that were exchanged between you and Marta before the incident with Ingrid. Words that were repeated differently to Ingrid.”
“I am relieved that Shea saw it all and spoke up, but what if she had not? Would you have continued to believe the others over me?” Tavia asked, a bit disheartened.
“I would have come to my senses after we both had calmed down and talked with each other and would have realized that my wife would never lie to me. It is something I will not forget again. Forgive me, wife, for doubting you.”
“You are forgiven,” she said, feeling good to squeeze his hand reassuringly and lovingly once again. “I realize it cannot be easy for you to unite your tribe and clan, Like us, I believe that until trust exists between them lies can easily keep them divided. You are wise in forcing them to work together for there are things that they will need to do that will require trust. I do believe it has already begun, Hertha telling me that some Northwomen are trusting her healing skills. Though, Hertha wears a constant smile so I do not know how anyone would not trust her, she is so pleasant to be around.”
“I am glad to hear that. What else did you and Hertha discuss?”
Tavia was eager to share with him, happy trust truly did exist between them. “She warned me of what was being said about me that I bewitched you and she suggested that someone might be spreading such gossip on purpose and that I might be in danger.”
“The thought did cross my mind as did the thought that you command the hound, and he stays by your side. At least it is a deterrent for anyone to approach you. I will make sure my warriors keep watch on you,” he said, worried for his wife’s safety.
“But we know not who wishes me harm, so how do we know who to trust?”
“You are right, though Marta tops the list,” Bhric said annoyed that it was more than likely one of his own who threatened his wife.
“Has she served you long?” Tavia asked curious about the woman.
“She has served my family since I was very young without a problem and when she asked to come with me here to oversee the keep, I saw no reason to deny her.”
“I do not understand why she dislikes me so much,” Tavia said puzzled.
“Marta was once wife to a powerful tribe leader whose tribe was attacked by the fierce Sturlung Tribe after a bitter dispute between them. She lost her husband and daughter in the attack, and she, herself, was sold to another tribe. She finally settled with my tribe and as I said she has served my family well, though she truly has been more like family, much like a grandmother to me and my brothers and sisters. I tell you this because she knows the courage it takes to survive being wed to a tribe leader and I believe she does not think you have the strength to make me a good wife.”
Tavia felt bad for the woman, losing her husband and daughter and being forced to serve others. “I have no wont to hurt Marta, she obviously has suffered enough, but I can no longer tolerate her in the keep.”
“I agree,” Bhric said with a nod, “especially with what Shea told me how unfairly Marta treats the MacShane servants when they displease her and works them endlessly with little sleep. It is obvious she is having trouble adapting here.”