Snow didn’t need to see her husband to know he was angry. She had felt it in the muscles of his arms as they grew taut around her. He was the one who made demands not answered to them.

When her husband didn’t argue with her, she grew concerned that his anger had mounted and he might react poorly to the messenger. Not a wise choice, since it would only reflect badly on the already difficult situation.

Tarass led her out of the Great Hall and when he stopped shortly afterwards, Snow tugged at his arm before he could open his solar door. “Anger will not benefit this matter.”

Tarass took a needed breath, feeling as if he hadn’t been able to breathe, his anger choking him.

He leaned down and rested his brow to hers. “I will not lose you, ást. I wasted enough time refusing to listen to my heart, I will waste no more.”

“You can never lose me, Tarass. I love you far too much, and I am far too stubborn and relentless in my love for you to let anyone take me from you. We are one and will remain one and that is the message this person can take back to the abbot.”

Tarass kissed his wife and his tightening loins let him know he should see this meeting end quickly and enjoy the evening alone with her in their bedchamber.

Tarass kept hold of his wife’s hand as they entered his solar.

A short man, wearing the dark brown, hooded robe of the monastery clerics, turned from where he stood, holding his hands out to the fire. His plain features were marked with heavy lines from what appeared to be a perpetual scowl.

“I am Cleric Norman and I have a dire message from Abbot Bennett that you must adhere to immediately,” the cleric ordered with an air of superiority. “And she,” —he pointed to Snow—“must leave. This is a discussion for men alone.”

Tarass didn’t respond. He walked his wife to a chair near the hearth and after he helped her sit, he turned to the cleric. “You do not enter my home and make demands of me.” He approached the cleric in strong strides. “And never, ever, think you can dictate to me when it comes to my wife. Now you will deliver your message and I will give you my response in the morning at which time you will take your leave from my home.”

Snow heard the well-deserved quiver in the cleric’s voice when next he spoke.

“I was given orders to remain here and see that Abbot Bennett’s message is adhered to until his arrival.”

“What makes you think that I would adhere to anything Abbot Bennett has to say when barbaric blood runs through me?” Tarass asked, turning a glare on the man that was meant to frighten. And it did.