Snow caught the reprimand in Tarass’s tone and she worried the woman might hurt Thaw. “I can share my portion with Thaw.”

“Thaw will have his own food,” Tarass commanded with such authority that he had Fasta apologizing.

“Forgive me, my lord, I am unaccustomed to the ways of this land.”

Snow spoke up. “I would feel more comfortable giving Thaw some of my food.”

“Do you suggest I would harm your dog?” Fasta accused.

“I don’t know you or your ways and I will not take a chance with anyone harming my pup,” Snow said defensively.

“Enough!” Tarass commanded. “No one will harm Thaw. He will be fed according to Snow’s directions.”

“As you say, my lord,” Fasta said. obedience in her voice.

Snow remained silent, since Tarass’s orders were clear.

“Bring food and drink now,” Tarass demanded sharply.

Snow heard the woman scurry off.

“I will return shortly. You’re safe here,” Tarass said.

Snow listened as his footfalls faded away and she sat alone, or at least she believed herself alone. She had never been inside the keep when she had had her sight so she had no memory of it. Her one visit here when she was young had been in the summer and she and her sister had been left outside to occupy themselves.

Fear welled up inside her with such unfamiliar surroundings and not being around family or friends. There was no one here to rely on and Fasta was not someone she would trust. A shiver ran through her even though the fire’s warmth surrounded her. She turned to the one who never failed to bring her comfort.

Before she could call Thaw to her, his nose was nudging its way under her hand on her lap. She scooped him up and hugged him tight, placing her face next to his.

“I need you now more than ever,” she whispered and the pup licked her face and cuddled against her, letting her know he would not leave her side.

His closeness helped, but it didn’t alleviate her fears. How could it when she was stuck here with the Lord of Fire? A man who had made it clear that obedience was expected above all else.

Fear ran a shiver through her and she jumped when a wool shawl fell around her shoulders.

Chapter 7

“You’re still cold?”

“Tarass,” she said, wondering why she hadn’t heard him approach and worried that she hadn’t. How would she detect when he was near if she couldn’t hear his footfalls? Or had she simply been too deep in thought to have heard him?

“You shiver,” he said, trying to ignore the way his name slipped in a whispery softness from her lips. A sudden thought narrowed his brow. “Does something trouble you, Snow?”