“I have faith,” Cleric Norman said with a raise of his chin and turned to Snow. “Mistress Snow, I pray you will come to your senses and be ready to take your leave with Abbot Bennett when he comes to collect you.”

“Waste not your prayers, Cleric Norman. I will not leave my husband,” Snow said with a strength that left no debt that she meant it. “I pray you have a safe journey.”

Cleric Norman turned and hurried from the keep.

“Should I send anyone with the fool?” Rannock asked.

Tarass shook his head. “No, the fool can take a risk with his own life, but I won’t risk the lives of any of my warriors. Send him on his way and hopefully his faith will see him safe.”

The day continued quietly, the snow keeping most in their cottages with a few warriors seeking the company of others and drink and food in the keep. Tarass had ordered it left open to all, a safe and warm haven for those who needed it.

It wasn’t until the next morning, when the snow had stopped, though the wind and the bitter cold continued, that news reached Tarass and Snow.

Rannock stood at the dais as he did the day before, though this time alone, his brow scrunched heavy with worry. “Another pool of blood has been found, my lord.”

Chapter 23

“Don’t bother to argue with me on this, Snow, you’re not going,” Tarass said, standing. “The snow is too deep and the day too cold. You are staying here where it is warm and safe.”

Snow startled when his finger landed on her lips, stopping her from speaking.

“I’ve spoken. It is done. You will stay here,” he said, making it clear he wouldn’t tolerate an argument from her. “Nettle will return with Thaw soon. Until then you will not—will not—move off this chair.”

Snow’s hand gently removed her husband’s finger from against her mouth. “I feel chilled and would prefer to sit closer to the hearth.”

Tarass took her arm and guided her to the table where he knew she preferred to sit. “This is where I better find you, wife, when I return.” He kissed her lips quickly to stop any further discussion.

Snow watched the gray blur that was her husband walk away and scrunched her eyes. Was that a shape she saw? It certainly appeared to have form. Her hand went to rest on her stomach as if somehow her touch could calm the excited flutters that flourished there. Was it possible? Was more of her vision returning? Even if it was only shapes she saw, that would be wonderful. It would make it so much easier for her to get around, to navigate unfamiliar places, and allow her to be less dependent on others.