Anger continued to stir in Tarass. She was far from a burden and he hated that she felt that way and that Polwarth had taken advantage of it. Or was he angry because if he had not arrived when he had, he would have lost Snow to Polwarth? And that thought made him feel like a knife had been thrust through his heart.

“Slatter reminded me just before the ceremony that if I changed my mind he would escort Lord Polwarth out and I could go live with them and be well-loved. That got me thinking.”

Tarass owed Slatter for that.

“I wasn’t sure if marrying Lord Polwarth was the right thing to do, until…”

“Until what?” Tarass asked.

Snow wasn’t about to tell him that it was finally admitting to herself she was in love with him that made her decide she couldn’t marry Polwarth.”

“Until it struck me that it wasn’t what I wanted,” she said, which was the truth.

“Why didn’t you speak up when I arrived.”

“Your arrival shocked me and by the time I could gather my senses, you sealed our fate. I either wed you or faced disgrace. Not that gossiping tongues won’t see me shamed.”

“I hear one person say anything against you and when I get done with him or her not another hurtful word will be spoken about you—ever.”

His threat sounded more like a promise.

Silence followed for several minutes.

“Why did you let Lord Polwarth think I could be carrying your bairn when you know that isn’t possible?”

“It will be soon enough.”

His response struck her silent. He did intend to seal their vows. The thought thrilled and frightened her.

“Lord Tarass,” came a shout as one of his warriors rode toward them. “Something you need to see.”

Tarass directed his horse to follow the warrior and after bringing the animal to a stop, he dismounted and lifted Snow off the horse.

“What goes on?” she asked, curious as he took her arm and she walked with him.

“I don’t know,” he said and stopped and lifted her hand to rest it against a tree. “You will stay here until I come for you.”

“I’ll go with you,” she said and reached out for him.

“No.” Tarass took her glove-covered hand and placed it back on the tree. “You’ll do as I say and stay here, and I won’t hear another word about it,” he warned when he saw her ready to argue. “You forget you are my wife now and that means you obey my every word.” He looked at the pup and ordered, “Thaw, guard Snow.”

Thaw barked and sat himself against Snow’s leg.

“There is nothing to fear, my warriors keep watch over you. I will return soon,” he said and went to walk off.