“Sorrell will have a fit and try to stop this when she learns of it,” Willow said.

“Why do you think I wed so quickly?” Snow said with a laugh.

Willow laughed as well, though she didn’t think for a minute it was the reason for the hasty wedding. She knew the truth. She had seen it that day Snow had cried in her arms. Snow loved the Lord of Fire whether she wanted to admit it or not and perhaps, in the end, this was best for her. Lord Tarass would not make Snow a good husband. He would not love her as she was deserved to be loved.

Willow hugged Snow tightly. “It’s time to plan your wedding.”

Tarass had traveled all night to get home, not that he was looking forward to returning home. And then again he was. He shook his head at his mixed thoughts and sank back in the chair before the fire in his solar.

He had found himself restless when at home, an unusual occurrence and the reason he had left a few days after Snow had gone to her sister. He told himself it had nothing to do with Snow, and yet there was an ache in him when he thought about her, which was endless and refused to go away. It had been the driving force that had returned him home. He wanted to see her, needed to see her so that he could put this nonsense to rest, clear her out of his mind once and for all.

A knock sounded at the door and it opened before he could tell the person to go away. He wanted to be alone.

Rannock entered and came to stand in front of him. “Nettle has a request that cannot wait.”

“If I say it can wait, it will wait,” Tarass snapped, tired and irritable.

“Not this request?” Rannock persisted.

Tarass’s scowl deepened as he unfurled out of his slouch, his shoulders going back, his chest out, his chin up as he sat straight and in a commanding manner. “Tell me what is so important that it cannot wait.”

Rannock waved toward the door and Nettle suddenly appeared in front of Tarass.

Nettle bobbed her head respectfully. “I’m sorry to disturb you, my lord, but I haven’t much time. Snow asked if you would release me to serve her in her new home.”

“What new home?” Tarass demanded a sense of urgency rushing over him.

Nettle smiled. “The new home she leaves for today with the man she weds at noon.”

Chapter 14

“It’s Slatter.”

Snow smiled as her brother-in-law took her arm. “You needn’t escort me. I can maneuver the Great Hall well now.”