Snow held onto her tears until she was sure she was well away from the village. Thaw sat on her lap and licked the tears as soon as they began to fall.

“Snow, what is it? Are you in pain? Shall we turn back?” James asked, his voice frantic with worry.

“No, I’m just glad I’m going to see my sister,” Snow said, using Willow as an excuse, since she wasn’t certain why sadness gripped her heart so strongly.

“If you don’t feel well, you’ll let me know and we’ll stop and rest,” James said.

Snow smiled, though tears ran down her cheeks. “I’m blessed to have you as a brother, James.”

“I am glad you feel that way, since I’m beyond happy to have three wonderful sisters,” he said.

They rode in silence for a bit when Snow suddenly asked. “What of Finn?”

“Worry not, Lord Tarass said he’d keep him until the weather permitted a proper burial.”

“I cannot understand why anyone would want to hurt him,” Snow said.

“Don’t worry about that. Lord Tarass and I talked and we’ll get to the bottom of Finn’s unfortunate demise.”

Snow was silent the remainder of the trip, James having asked her repeatedly if she needed to rest. Though, she could have done with a rest, Snow wanted to get to her sister. She needed Willow and it wasn’t her wound she needed her for.

They arrived mid-morning and Snow fought to keep her tears contained, but as soon as she was taken off the horse and she heard Willow’s voice, she burst into tears and stretched her arms out.

She was instantly wrapped in Willow’s arms and quickly guided up the steps, Thaw keeping close to her side, and hurried into the keep. She was relieved when Willow took her to the bedchamber she had left only two or was it three days ago.

“It’s all right,” Willow soothed. “You’re here with me now. You have nothing to fear.”

Snow couldn’t stop her tears. She remained in her sister’s arms and let them fall. She was grateful Willow didn’t question her. She simply held onto her and let her cry. She hadn’t cried like that since her parents died, and she wondered what was wrong with her.

Finally, Snow’s tears slowed and she eased out of her sister’s arms.

“Are you in pain, Snow?” Willow asked.

It was a pain she couldn’t explain and didn’t understand. “I don’t know.”

Willow took her hand. “James sent word ahead that you were coming here and what had happened, including Finn’s death. We can talk about all that over a hot brew, but first I should see to your wound.?”

“That would be good,” Snow said, feeling tears creeping up on her again.