Tarass sat in complete silence as clan member after clan member approached his wife after supper in the Great Hall to heap praises on her valiant act of courage for chasing off the dwarfs and saving Fasta. Not that Fasta had heaped praises on Snow, but the telling of the tell had been enough for others to see the truth.

He had hastily gotten Fasta to Runa’s cottage. The healer was able to stop the bleeding and Fasta now rested comfortably. Tarass had warriors posted throughout the night outside Runa’s cottage since she had insisted Fasta remain the night there.

He’d been annoyed at his wife for refusing to obey him and return to the keep. She had insisted on going with him and he had little to argue against since Nettle had taken Snow’s arm to help guide her.

“You are a good soul, m’lady, for protecting one who was unkind to you.”

“Fasta owes you much, Lady Snow. You are a blessing to us all.”

Tarass watched his wife handle each compliment with grace and appreciation and saw how the clan admired her even more for it. He, however, had not had a chance to speak alone with her since the incident and he was eager to do so since he had much to say.

It took only two yawns for him to bring the evening to an end.

He stood. “Time to retire.” He took his wife’s hand for her to stand.

“Thank you all,” Snow called out and more blessings were shouted out to her.

Thaw led her up the stairs by her hem, Tarass following behind them. The pup waited for his usual hug and kiss from Snow before going to the hearth and curling up to sleep.

Tarass had gotten into the habit of helping his wife undress at night. Nettle had first seen to it, but he found he preferred to help her out of her garments. It was purely selfish on his part since he loved seeing his wife naked and loved the feel of her soft skin. He had admitted it to Snow and she had admitted that she much preferred him helping her than Nettle.

It was a nightly ritual he intended to never see end, but then there was another reason for that. It always ended in them making love, slow and easy or fast and quick. It didn’t matter as long as he could slip inside her, he was content.

Tonight, however, undressing his wife would have to wait. He needed to talk with her and if he helped her undress, there would be no talking.

“You frightened me,” he said, going to her and taking her hand.

“I didn’t mean to,” she said.

“You should have never left Twilla’s alone and don’t tell me that you had Thaw. Did you forget how easily it is to get lost in a snowstorm even with Thaw at your side?”