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“I gave my grandfather my word that I would rule Clan MacShane with honor and strength and see it kept safe as my ancestors did before me. And also see that it retained its strength and power. I will dishonor him and the Clan MacShane if I fail to keep my word.”
Tavia listened intrigued. She had not given thought to the immense responsibility of what inheriting the title of the Clan MacShane would mean for Bhric. He had to unite a tribe and a clan, both far different from each other and bring them together as one, live as one, fight as one, survive as one without alienating the other.
“This killing will not set well with our people,” Sven said.
“Nor Clan MacShane,” Bhric said. “They will think the Northmen are up to something and be cautious around us, making it more difficult for all to get along.”
“Your word is law. Use it as you must,” Sven advised.
“Until I know more I will issue no commands, though I will demand that no rituals take place without my permission.”
“A good start,” Sven agreed. “And how about the hound Fen? Does your wife keep him as a pet?”
Tavia did not have to see Sven to know he was smirking. It was evident in his tone.
“Fen will decide his fate,” Bhric said.
Tavia did not like her husband’s response. It made her think that he was waiting for Fen to make a mistake and that would determine his fate, a fate that would not be to her liking.
Tavia could tell Sven’s smirk had vanished with how serious his voice turned.
“Maybe, but tongues wag wondering that if she can command a mighty war hound such as Fen will she be able to command the powerful, Northman warrior Bhric as well?”
“And who dares question that, the Clan MacShane?” Bhric asked with a snappish bark. “It best not be anyone in the tribe or else I…”
Tavia could not hear the rest since the two men walked off and their voices grew distant. She did not want to follow too closely for fear of being caught. It would not bode well for her to be found spying on her husband. But she did not think her husband would have welcomed her company when speaking with Sven, so what choice had she?
She remained where she was for a moment and decided it was best if she made herself known. Light was breaking through the darkness and her presence would be discovered. She followed after the two men and was surprised to find them nowhere in sight. She had not thought she had been that far behind them.
She stopped by the shed where Fen had been kept and cast a glance around, though there was yet enough light to see clearly. Still, she caught no movement. Then Fen growled.
A sharp command was issued in a language Tavia did not understand and the large hound sat obediently. She turned to see who issued the strange command when a strong arm suddenly snagged her around the waist, lifted her off the ground, and carted her off into the shed, shutting the door on Fen when he tried to enter.
CHAPTER 16
Tavia’s heart pounded with fear in her chest, and it took all the strength she had to try and calm it after realizing there would be only one person who would dare to carry her off into the shed… her husband.
“You frightened me, Bhric,” she chastised, wiggling in his arm to free herself.
He liked the way his name slipped easily from her lips though a touch of annoyance accented it. He made sure his tone accused but not harshly when he said, “You followed me.”
His strength was too much, she could not free herself and fear poked at her stomach. Knowing she was helpless against him left her feeling vulnerable and she did not want to feel that way about her husband. With no choice left to her, she settled against him, her feet still dangling above the ground.
She turned her face up to him. Light was beginning to filter in through the cracks in the wood wall and she was not surprised to see that his stern expression did not at all hamper his fine features.
She spoke as she had promised she would… truthfully. “I was curious and thought you would not welcome my presence.”
“I would tell you if the conversation was meant to be private.”
That told her much and it disturbed her. She would be deprived of the knowledge of certain things that went on in her home. She should be used to it since her da had not discussed all things with her and learning some of those things after the fact, especially those things that pertained to her, had upset her.
Her response was instinctive. “And I will do the same.”
His toned turned harsh. “You shall keep nothing from me and do not bother to tell me that if I can do so than you may do so as well. My word rules.”
Tavia responded as expected. “Aye, my lord.”
He liked it better when she said his name, just his name. It was more intimate. Besides, she said what was expected of her, but he wondered if she meant it.
