“And what of Lord Tarass?” Abbot Bennett asked. “He has a right to know the truth and lay his pain to rest.”

Snow turned quiet, thinking on their remarks. Could it be possible? Had her da done this horrible thing? He often had made no sense when his mind went bad. She couldn’t ignore the possibility, but she couldn’t believe it either.

Stunned by the news, similar questions haunted Tarass. Could it be the truth? Could Lord Angus have ordered his parents killed? His next thought he spoke out loud.

“What reason would Lord Angus have to kill my parents?”

“Who can say what goes on in the mind of a madman?” Abbot Bennett said. “At least your father, in a lucid moment, was wise enough to confess to me before he died and now his soul rests in peace. I would think his daughter would be as brave as her father and face her sins and make amends for them. Do what is right, Snow. Do what would make your father proud. Save your soul as he did his.”

Snow waited for her husband’s arm to wrap tighter around her waist, or his hand to give it a squeeze, anything that would remind her that she was not going anywhere. She was where she belonged, beside him. But it never came.

Did he believe the Abbot? Did he actually believe her da had had his parents killed? Did this news make a difference.? Did he want her to leave?

A sudden bout of nausea hit her and her sight began to fade. She couldn’t lose what sight she had gained, she couldn’t. Then darkness began to creep over the gray and she realized, to her great surprise, she was about to faint.

Chapter 27

Tarass scooped his wife up in his arms when he felt her slump against him, his stomach plummeting when he realized she had fainted.

“Nettle!” he roared with such power that it echoed through the keep.

A moment later, Nettle burst through the door, sending it banging against the wall. “Fetch, Runa, and bring her to my bedchamber.”

Nettle nodded and turned pale at the sight of Snow lifeless in Lord Tarass’s arms and didn’t hesitate to follow his command.

“Get out!” Tarass yelled, shooting a murderous glance at the Abbot, then Lord Polwarth.

The Abbot went to speak.

“One word, Abbot Bennett, and you lose your tongue,” Tarass threatened and was glad to see Rannock rush into the room. He was relieved Nettle had alerted Rannock to the situation. He was also glad he didn’t need to give Rannock any orders. He knew what to do.

“I’ll see both men escorted off your land, my lord,” Rannock said.

“We’ll take Cleric Norman with us,” Abbot Bennett said.

“He’ll be sent to you when I allow it,” Tarass said and hurried out of the room.