Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 102573 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102573 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Sven stared at Bhric after he provided a summary of what his wife had told him and Bhric looked away thinking how he had stared wordless at his wife when she had finished, realizing the immense pain she must have suffered. He thought to tell her how brave she was, how proud he was to have such a courageous wife, but instead he remained silent as he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight and said what came instinctively to him, “I love you, Tavia, always.”
Her arms had gone around his neck, and he felt her tears when she pressed her wet cheek against his, and tears choked her words when she spoke. “I had prayed to die, the pain was so horrendous, but now I know why my prayers went unanswered. Fate had something wonderful in store for me… you.”
“She truly is a brave soul,” Sven said, interrupting Bhric’s thoughts, though the joy his wife’s words had brought him still lingered in his heart.
“Aye, that she is, and just the woman I need as a wife,” Bhric said proudly.
“The men are near ready,” Sven said, glancing to where the warriors gathered.
“Both tribe and clan warriors?” Bhric asked.
“Aye, along with mumblings of discontent.”
“And you?” Bhric asked.
“I see your wisdom. If we do not fight together we both lose,” Sven said. “And what better way to start than to have the tribe and clan search for anything that may lead us to whoever is killing the animals and stealing their hearts.”
“I believe three more workers are needed in the kitchen and two more in the keep,” Tavia said to Shea as they entered the Great Hall.
Even before Tavia was back on her feet, she had begun to discuss the workings of the keep with Shea. After talking with her, Tavia had more servants added in the kitchen and keep itself.
“That would be of great help, my lady,” Shea said, a bright smile lighting her pretty face.
“You will bring all complaints and problems to me immediately. Leave something to fester and it will be difficult to heal well, so do not feel any issue is too small to discuss with me.”
“As you say, my lady,” Shea said, and her smile faded as she seemed to hesitate for a moment. “There is a small issue.”
“Tell me,” Tavia urged eager to see to it.
“I worry that you have remained on your leg too long, having walked in the village earlier and then through part of the keep with me. I believe it would be wise of you to sit and rest while you enjoy a hot brew.”
A smile hurried over Tavia. “A very wise suggestion indeed, Shea.”
Shea’s smile returned, relieved Tavia took no offense to her remark. “I will fetch you a hot brew, my lady.”
Tavia went and sat near the hearth where Fen had gone as soon as she and Shea had entered the room. The hound was right. They both needed a rest. A slight pain remained in her leg, but then she had walked without rest this day. She had enjoyed her walk with Ingrid. It had been nice to talk and laugh with her and see that she was truly trying to befriend her.
Ingrid had caused Tavia’s cheeks to heat when she claimed that her brother was a virile man and Tavia would surely carry many bairns for him and she was also happy that her brother’s bairns and hers would grow together like brothers and sisters. It was a thought that had pleased Tavia, never having had siblings and wishing she had. She was glad her bairns would not face the same loneliness.
Shea returned with the brew and Tavia sat alone with her thoughts as she enjoyed it. She smiled softly when her thoughts drifted to the moment she had told Bhric about the accident. She had seen the pain in his eyes for her and also a spark of anger that she had suffered such an ordeal. But mostly, she had been pleased when he did not praise her for her bravery but told her that he loved her. That had said more to her and meant more to her than anything.
Tavia lingered at the table over her hot brew and when her head began to grow heavy with fatigue, she decided to seek her bed for a brief rest. Fen stretched reluctantly to his feet until she said, “We go take a rest, Fen.”
He shot past her to the stairs.
Once in the room, Tavia removed all but her shift and slipped into bed, cuddling the covers around her. “A short nap, Fen.”
The hound paid her no heed since he was already sound asleep by the hearth.
Bhric looked down at his sleeping wife and smiled. She was just where he wanted her and though she was not naked, he would remedy that soon enough. He went to disrobe when his glance fell on her face. She appeared in a peaceful sleep. She had to have been tired to seek their bed during the day, unless… had her leg pained her? Had she done too much? He had noticed of late the time she had spent with Shea seeing that changes were not only implemented in the kitchen but in the keep as well. Should he disturb her when what she needed was rest?