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Runa laughed again, a little tinkling laughter and it made Snow wonder over her appearance. From what she could judge, Runa was taller than her, but not by much, and she had a gentle touch and a soft voice. She sounded young and for some reason Snow thought, more sensed, she was pretty.
“I have yet to speak with another healer, which is why I would very much enjoy meeting your sister.”
“Willow will enjoy meeting you as well,” Snow said and was unable to stop a sudden yawn.
“You need to rest and I need to return and see how the new bairn and exhausted mum is doing, the reason for my delay in seeing to you sooner. But you need not fret, as I said your wounds do well.”
Nettle went to Snow as soon as the woman left. “Runa is a pretty one with long blonde hair and a gentle way about her. All the men chase after her.”
Snow wondered if Nettle described Runa for her, since she was blind and couldn’t see the healer. Or if it was just her way about her. She did appreciate a description, it helped to picture the person in her mind when she spoke with them, instead of staring at a blurry shadow.
“Runa says to rest, let me get you settled in bed.”
“Not yet, Nettle, I need to dress and take Thaw out before I settle for the night,” Snow said and got a bark from Thaw. “He’s been patient but needs to see to his duty.”
Thaw barked again as if in agreement.
“I can take him out right after I settle you,” Nettle suggested.
“I appreciate the offer, but he won’t leave me, not here in unfamiliar surroundings.”
“He’ll come with me, he’s a good boy. Right, Thaw?” Nettle asked, casting the dog a smile. “Come on, Thaw,” she encouraged with a summoning pat to her side as she walked to the door. “Come on, we’ll go outside.”
Thaw stared at her after parking himself between Snow’s legs.
Nettle opened the bedchamber door. “Come on, Thaw, let’s go. We’ll be right back. Snow is safe here.”
The dog didn’t budge.
“What’s going on here?” Tarass demanded, causing both women to jump at his unexpected appearance.
“Thaw has to see to his needs before settling for the night and he won’t go out without Snow, my lord,” Nettle was quick to explain.
Tarass shook his head and walked toward Snow. “I saw Runa. She tells me you need rest, but otherwise you do well.”
“Aye, and I will rest as soon as I see to Thaw,” Snow said and heard Thaw growl. “He’ll bite you if you reach for him,” Snow warned, knowing Tarass drew close by how loud Thaw’s growl was growing.
“He can try,” Tarass challenged.
Snow scooped Thaw up in her arms. “I need no help from you to see to my dog’s care.”
“I wasn’t seeking permission,” Tarass said, trying not to glance down at the robe she wore. It was obvious she was naked beneath and he couldn’t stop the memories of her enticingly naked body from springing up in his mind.
He stood close, his blurry image consuming the space in front of her, and she suddenly felt vulnerable as she had when she stood naked in front of him.
“You are exhausted from your ordeal. I will take him outside and return him to you quickly. Tell him to go with me.”
Snow realized Tarass was reminding her of the cottage when Thaw had gone with him after she had commanded the dog to go. Thaw had to go out and she needed Tarass to leave. She kissed the dog’s snout and in a firm voice, ordered, “Go with Tarass, Thaw. He will take you out and bring you back to me. I am safe here. Now go with Tarass while I wait for you to return.” She kissed him again, then placed him on the floor.
“Come with me, Thaw,” Tarass commanded and the dog looked to Snow. “He looks to you.”
“Go now, Thaw, and hurry back to me,” Snow ordered.
Thaw gave a bark, walked in front of Tarass, then looked back as if letting him know he was ready to go.
“I’ll have him back shortly,” Tarass said, letting her know they were leaving. “Nettle, get her settled in bed, then bring her a hot brew.”
“Aye, my lord,” Nettle said and closed the door behind him and Thaw.
“Lord Tarass is such a handsome man. All the unwed women want him, but he has made it clear that he will wed to benefit the clan. A few don’t care and warm his bed anyway. Tongues wag that there is no one woman that can please him, his appetite for coupling too great for a single woman to satisfy.”
Snow realized now why Nettle was told to hold her tongue, she had a wagging tongue and could keep nothing she heard to herself. She had to smile, since at the moment that suited Snow just fine. Not that she needed to know about Tarass’s thirst for coupling. She cared not who he coupled with, though she did feel sorry for his future wife unless of course the woman wouldn’t care. She, on the other hand, would not want a husband who wasn’t faithful. It would mean he did not love or respect her enough to be an honorable husband.
