His thoughts began to settle as sleep began to poke at him. He added more logs to the fire so the heat would stay strong until morning, then he snatched his furs off the table where he had laid them to dry and went and placed them over the cloak that covered Snow.

With no other choice, the ground too cold to sleep on, he stretched out on his side beside her.

Thaw lifted his head and went to growl.

“Quiet,” he ordered in a harsh whisper, “I keep her and you safe.”

Thaw gave a low growl, stretched himself to his feet with a yawn, and moved up to settle himself against Snow’s stomach.

Tarass thought that Thaw was lucky Snow would never marry, since no man would allow the dog in bed with him and his wife. The strange thought troubled him, recalling Snow’s words about wanting to fall in love and have a family. It was a shame, since he had no doubt Snow would make a wonderful mum.

Snow woke buried in warmth that she didn’t want to emerge from, and she didn’t. She remained snuggled under her fur-lined cloak. A noise close to the bed had her opening her eyes to see a shadow standing over her. She was ready to scream when she recalled where she was and who was with her.

“The snow stopped sometime last night, though the sky remains ominous. I’m going to have a look. We may be able to make it to my keep before the snow starts again. Get dressed while I’m gone. Your garments are dry and on the table and your hose are in your boots by the bed. Is there anything you need help with before I leave?”

“No,” she said, sitting up, “though if you could take Thaw with you, I would appreciate it. He probably needs to go out.”

“I can do that. I’ll be out front the whole time.”

“I also appreciate that,” she said, worried that he would wander off leaving her completely alone and vulnerable.

“Come on, Thaw, you’re coming with me,” he said with a wave to the pup.

Thaw didn’t move from Snow’s side. He actually leaned against her arm as if letting Tarass know he wasn’t going anywhere.

Snow looked down at the gray blob that was Thaw to her. “It’s all right, Thaw. You go with Tarass. I’ll be right here waiting for you.” She scooped him up, kissed him on the top of his head, and placed him on the earth floor. “Go with Tarass, I’ll be right here.”

Thaw looked to Snow than to Tarass.

“We’ll be right outside,” he said and wondered why he was even bothering to talk to the pup.

“Go now, Thaw,” Snow urged in a more commanding tone and the pup trotted over to Thaw growling all the way.