Twilla snapped right back at him. “Need it or not, I give it.”

Snow ignored the two, placing Thaw on the ground along with her bowl that Twilla had filled again for her.

“Do not feed that pup until you have eaten,” Tarass ordered.

“I have already eaten and I will feed my pup as I please,” Snow said more calmly than she felt. “Has something happened? You snap and snarl as badly as Thaw.”

“Nothing that concerns you,” Tarass grumbled.

“I would hope you would tell me if it concerned me,” Snow said.

“You need not concern yourself about anything.”

“I am not your wife. I am a guest, though if I were your wife I still would demand the same. I will not be treated like a child. If there is an issue that pertains to me, I expect to be informed about it,” she said, determined not to be ignored.

“If you were my wife, you would learn fast enough not to demand,” Tarass said tersely.

Snow’s response was just as curt. “Thank the heavens that’s not now an issue nor will it ever be.”

Twilla watched the play of words between the two and a smile crept over her face.

“You summoned me, my lord,” Fasta asked, preventing anymore exchange between the pair.

“You assigned Nettle to Snow?” he asked his authoritative tone demanding an explanation.

“Everyone is busy with this snowstorm. She was the only one available,” Fasta explained.

“I like Nettle, she will do fine,” Snow said, upset the two spoke in front of the lass as if she wasn’t capable of helping Snow. It reminded her of how people spoke in front of her with no regard to how their words would affect her.

“I will speak to you later, Fasta,” Tarass said, dismissing her, then turned to Nettle. “You, Nettle, will hold your tongue while helping Snow.”

“Why? Is there something you don’t want her to tell me?” Snow asked.

“You, Snow, will not interfere when I speak to my servants,” Tarass scolded.

Snow stood and Thaw hurried to her side, having gobbled down his meal. “I most certainly will when it concerns me.” Thaw punctuated her words with a snarl. “Now if you will excuse me, I am in need of a wash and rest. Nettle, please help me to my room.”

Nettle didn’t wait, she hurried around the table and took hold of Snow’s arm. “This way.”

Tarass’s hand swung out to grab hold of Snow’s arm as she walked past him.

Snow turned her head to face him, at least she hoped she looked directly at him. “Don’t bother to tell me about obedience. Need I remind you again I’m not your wife? I am a guest and I expect to be treated accordingly.”

“It’s a good thing you aren’t my wife.”

“Why? Would you punish me?”