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“I think his lordship is right,” Marsh said, joining the two men. “What he says makes sense.”
“The witch has you under her spell,” Argus accused. “She even argued that you should not be punished since she instructed Brother Luke to tell you where she was going and that it was not your fault, but hers for not informing you herself. She took half the blame for you, and you barely got punished for it.”
Marsh grinned. “You will come around and see for yourself that Lady Fia is a good woman.”
“I prefer she be what we need—a powerful witch!” Argus said.
The men turned quiet when the cottage door opened and Fia stepped out.
“Owen does well, Marsh?” Fia asked when she reached the men.
Marsh glowed like a proud da. “Wonderfully well, my lady. He grows stronger by the day.”
“That is good to hear.” Fia turned to her husband, stifling a yawn. “I would like to return to the keep and rest.”
“Do you not feel well?” Varrick asked, his wife never having mentioned a need to rest.
“I am a bit tired, so some rest is what I prescribe for myself.”
Argus and Marsh exchanged suspicious glances.
Varrick took hold of his wife’s hand. “We will speak later, Argus.”
Argus nodded and watched the couple walk away. When they were a good distance, he turned to Marsh. “Do you think she could be with child?”
“Quiet!” Marsh snapped, seeing women nearby glance their way. “If anyone hears you say that it will be assumed and spread like wildfire through the village and that isn’t something that is needed right now.”
“Don’t you think I know that?” Argus said, his voice low. “How could he ever rid himself of the witch if she carried his bairn?” He shook his head. “She made sure to seduce him to get with child so he would not harm her when he was done with her.”
“There is no reason to harm Lady Fia, Argus. She means us no harm and she might just make Varrick a good wife since she is a caring soul.”
“She fools you all, but not me, never me,” Argus boasted and walked away.
* * *
“Are you feeling unwell?”Varrick asked again as they walked.
“Nay, just tired.”
“Are you not sleeping well?”
“Truthfully, nay. I find falling asleep difficult and remaining asleep even more difficult, a pattern that repeats itself throughout the night. But with so much on my mind—” She shrugged as if that explained her troublesome sleep.
“Tell me what is on your mind, and I may be able to lift some of the burden,” he offered.
Some of what troubled her she would not discuss with him, but there was something that had haunted her. “You told me my punishment would fit my disobedience. What would my punishment be if I escaped and you found me?”
Without even thinking, he said, “To remain wed to me forever.”
She was so shocked that she stumbled, and he righted her before she could fall. Her reaction made him realize that remaining wed to him would truly be a severe punishment for her.
The shock of his remark robbed her of any sound reasoning. Never had she expected him to say that.
“You would like the alternative even less,” Varrick snapped when she remained silent. “Or perhaps you would prefer death than remaining wed to me.”
She responded quickly. “Remaining wed to you would be no chore.”
It was his turn to be surprised, though his stoic nature refused to show it.
