Tarass rushed through the Great Hall with his wife in his arms, worried that she had yet to stir. As soon as Thaw caught sight of Tarass and Snow, he barked and ran after them, running up the stairs before Tarass.

Thaw jumped up on the bed as soon as Tarass placed Snow down upon it and started licking her pale face. Tarass didn’t stop him, hoping it would help bring her around. He joined the pup, sitting beside his wife, and took her hand.

“Snow! Snow, wake up,” Tarass urged, patting her hand when he wanted to shake her awake. It didn’t help that Thaw whined when Snow failed to respond to either of them, though neither of them gave up.

Tarass was surprised to see Nettle arrive with Twilla instead of Runa. Maude followed them in, a bucket in hand.

“Move,” Twilla ordered Tarass as she approached the bed.

Tarass didn’t argue, and Thaw followed Tarass’s lead and jumped off the bed as well.

Nettle was quick to explain why she hadn’t brought Runa as requested. “I’m sorry, my lord, but Runa was in the middle of a difficult birth and I thought Twilla could be of some help. Runa did tell me to let Lady Snow be, if it was a faint she would wake from it herself.”

“Some snow will help with that,” Twilla said and scooped a handful out of the bucket and placed it on Snow’s forehead and cheeks.

To Tarass’s great relief, and Thaw’s too, Snow began to stir and her eyes began to flutter.

Twilla placed more snow on Snow’s cheeks, patting them.

Snow’s eyes burst open and catching the outline of a hand at her cheeks, reached out to shove it away, and screamed, “Tarass!”

He shot across the bed to take her in his arms. “You’re safe. You fainted. Twilla helps you.”

Snow slumped against him in relief. “I’ve never fainted.”

“You have now,” Twilla said. “Could you be with child?”

The whole room turned silent.

Twilla answered her own question. “It could be too soon to tell. Seek advice from your sister Willow. She is a far better healer than Runa.” She turned and shooed at Nettle and Maude. “Out the lot of you.” She followed behind the two women, though called out, “I’ll see a hot brew sent to you, Lady Snow.”

Tarass was grateful to the old woman for her help, advice, and chasing everyone out. He wanted to be alone with his wife. There was much for them to discuss.

“Let me get you comfortable,” Tarass said and left her side.