“Do I need to remind you again that you don’t dictate in my home?” Tarass’s hand went up once more to silence the Abbot before he could speak, letting him know he didn’t expect a response. “Speak your piece and be done with it.”

Lord Polwarth spoke up. “You force Snow to live in sin.”

“Tarass doesn’t force anything upon me,” Snow said, not able to hold her tongue. “I love my husband and I will stay his wife no matter what either of you say.”

Abbot Bennett shook his head. “This is why things are decided for women. You are too foolish to make proper and wise decisions. This has nothing to do with love. It has to do with saving your soul. Stay and continue to couple with this heathen and your soul will be lost, and you’ll suffer the eternal damnation of hell.”

“Hell would be living without my husband,” Snow said.

Her words struck Tarass’s heart, understanding at that very moment just how much his wife did love him.

Snow’s brow creased as she asked, “My sister Sorrell is wed to a man who is part barbarian and I don’t see you disavowing her marriage. Why do you claim to invalidate mine?” Her brow went up as though she realized the answer herself. “Or is it that Lord Ruddock is a generous donor to your monastery?”

“I owe you no answer,” Abbot Bennett said defensively.

“You owe me an answer, therefore, you owe my wife one as well,” Tarass commanded, making it clear Abbot Bennett dare not refuse him.

The Abbot wrinkled his nose in distaste as he spoke. “Lord Ruddock’s situation is far different from yours. Your father wed your mother knowing full well she was of barbarian descent. Lord Ruddock’s father knew nothing of his wife’s true heritage when they wed.” He waved his hand in the air, annoyed. “None of this matters. I am officially annulling your marriage.”

“Then I’ll wed her according to my mother’s peoples’ custom,” Tarass said.

Abbot Bennett’s cheeks bloomed a bright red and his anger looked about to burst.

Lord Polwarth quickly spoke up. “If you truly love Snow, you would see the wisdom of what Abbot Bennett has said and see done what is best for her.”

“Don’t dare question my love for my wife and as far as what is best for Snow? I’m best for Snow and no one will take her from me. Now since there is nothing further to be discussed, I suggest you take your leave.”

“This has not been settled,” Abbot Bennett insisted.

“It has been settled and I’ll hear no more about it,” Tarass said.