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)
“Thank you, my lord,” Marta said.
Bhric had no doubts that Marta would do whatever was necessary to stay and help Ingrid, but what troubled him even more was why the woman who was much like a grandmother to him hated his wife so much. And if whoever attacked Marta had used that hatred against her to see his wife blamed for the attack.
Something insidious had worked its way into the clan, but for what reason? That was what he needed to find out.
CHAPTER 25
An ill stomach woke Tavia at dawn a couple of weeks later and she rushed out of her husband’s warm arms to grab the bucket by the hearth and retch, though she more gagged since her stomach was empty.
“Easy,” her husband said as he pulled back her hair draped around the bucket then eased her down to sit on a bench.
When she stopped retching, he took the bucket from her, rinsed a clean cloth in the bucket of water kept fresh by the hearth then squatted down to wipe her face gently.
Tavia sighed with the simple pleasure his tender touch brought her. It not only showed how much he cared for her but how much he loved her.
“This is the third morning you have retched,” he said.
It had not been that long since she missed her monthly bleed. She suspected she might be with child but with such a short time span she was not certain.
She raised her head. “I suspect, but I cannot be sure that I am with child.”
“While I hate seeing you suffer, the prospect of our bairn growing inside you fills me with great joy,” he said, his broad smile proving that joy.
“I would prefer we keep this between you and me until I am certain,” Tavia said.
“I agree, but you will be cautious knowing it is possible.”
“Aye, Bhric, I will take no chances should our bairn be nestled inside me.”
He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed, slipping in beside her once he tucked her beneath the blanket. “It is early. You should sleep more.”
“I cannot since now I am famished,” she said, snuggling against his warmth.
He loved how easily she fit herself against him as if they had been carved perfectly for each other, two pieces—never thought to fit—brought together as one, together for always.
“Give yourself a moment to rest and then we will go eat,” he said, and she yawned before fitting her head comfortably in the crook of his arm.
They were woken an hour later with a knock at the door.
“A troop of warriors approach, my lord.”
“I will be right there,” Bhric called then turned to his wife. “Get dressed and wait in the Great Hall.” He hurried into his garments.
“You expect a problem?” Tavia asked anxiously.
“When a troop approaches without sending word ahead, it warns me to be cautious,” he said. “Now hurry and dress.” He gave her cheek a quick kiss, then raced out of the room.
Tavia slipped her garments on with haste and was out the door not soon after her husband, Fen rushing in front of her on the stairs. He sensed an urgent worry and was ready to protect her.
Her husband was not in the Great Hall when she entered, but Hertha came rushing in, fighting back tears.
“My lady, you must help us,” Hertha pleaded when she reached Tavia. “Lord Ivan approaches, and the children fear he has come to take them away.
A chill ran through Tavia. She strongly disliked the man and did not trust him, but she trusted that her husband would let nothing happen to the children.
“Tell Doritt and Edward not to worry. They are safe here and no one will take them away,” Tavia said with confidence.
“I will keep them out of sight just to be cautious,” Hertha said.
“If that helps them feel safe, then by all means keep them tucked away. However, I strongly believe he is not here for the children.”
“I pray you are right, my lady. Doritt and Edward are so happy as are Hume and me. We have come to look at them as our own and it would break my heart to have them snatched away from us.”
“Worry not, Hertha. Lord Bhric would never allow that,” Tavia said and grabbed her cloak to step outside as soon as Hertha fled the room.
“Bhric,” Tavia said when she stepped outside to see him standing at the top of the stairs with Sven while a short distance away two men on horses rode through the village toward the keep.
“I told you to stay in the Great Hall,” Bhric said, turning to his wife.
Tavia went to his side, Fen sticking close to her. “I will hear what is said.”
“This is for me to see to,” Bhric insisted.
“With me by your side,” Tavia said and latched onto his hand.