It had been her second sight of color, though still blurred some, since the accident, and she was ever so grateful it was the blue of her husband’s eyes that she saw. Still, though, she had to be sure this was permanent before she told anyone. She didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up, least of all her own hopes.

“Are you all right, m’lady?” Nettle asked. “Your eyes pool with tears.”

Snow smiled and wiped at her eyes before any tears could fall and spoke the truth. “A joyful thought.”

“That is good to know, m’lady, since many in the keep are joyful themselves with Fasta not here since the incident. None look forward to her return.”

“I noticed a lightheartedness in the keep myself,” Snow admitted. “Perhaps it is time to make the change permanent.”

“Maude has done wonderful in Fasta’s absence,” Nettle said excited, “and everyone here does their tasks with little prodding, since Maude speaks kindly to them and treats them well. Though, it has helped that you ordered extra food to be given to them.”

Snow had taken advantage of the days the snowstorm had forced her to remain in the keep. While she loved spending time with her husband, he had matters to see to and she did as well. She had talked with Maude after appointing her to Fasta’s position while Fasta recovered, and she had discovered several things she didn’t like about the running of the keep. The way servants were fed had been one. If Fasta returned to her position, she would return to a much different keep, and Snow didn’t think it would work well for anyone.

“You will not scrub down the tables after every meal. It is a waste of time.”

“Speak of the devil,” Nettle mumbled and watched as Fasta entered the Great Hall with Maude following behind her.

“I am in charge here and you will follow my orders or else,” Fasta threatened.

Nettle cringed, seeing Maude do the same, and she kept her voice low as she said, “There is fear on Maude’s face, m’lady.”

Snow was glad Nettle made her aware of that, though she sensed it herself, Fasta’s tone far too threatening.

“You have not been given orders to return here yet, Fasta,” Snow called out.

Fasta approached Snow. “I am well, my lady, and will see to my duties.”

“Your duties have changed, Fasta,” Snow said. “You will no longer be working in the keep.”

“You can’t do that. Only Lord Tarass can order me gone from the keep,” Fasta said, her chin going up.

“You question my authority?” Snow snapped.

“Who dares to do that?” Tarass shouted, standing in the doorway.

Snow made out her husband’s shape and that of Thaw’s. The pup had gone and fetched him of his own accord. Thaw definitely didn’t like Fasta.