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)
“I purposely said that in hopes that the culprit would reveal himself,” Bhric explained, though had not expected any satisfying results. He did not believe the true culprit was that foolish.
“It was worth a try,” Tavia said, “and still might prove successful.”
Bhric hurried out of his own garments before helping his wife with hers once in their bedchamber. “Greta advises that there is more going on here and I agree with her. Something is not right about this. Someone drives a wedge between my tribe and clan while making you appear the culprit. But why?”
“If we discover that, then most likely it will be easier to discover the culprit,” Tavia said, snuggling against her husband after they both slipped beneath the blankets.
They exchanged opinions and possibilities until sleep could not be avoided and they drifted off, Tavia a bit disappointed her husband had not kept his promise to make love to her since she yearned to feel his love tonight more than ever. But she understood that he must have a lot on his mind and let it be.
Sometime in the night she woke, her husband’s hands roaming intimately over her, stoking her passion and she easily responded to the pleasure. He was familiar with every inch of her now, knowing exactly where to touch that would have her respond eagerly. But she knew the same of him, knowing those special spots to touch, to kiss, to hug with tender care.
They shared, his hands going where she enjoyed them the most and her touches that elicited moans of pleasure. Their touches were slow and lazy, enjoying every intimate touch, kiss, or nip of a sensitive spot.
“I love you, wife,” he whispered in her ear as he slipped over and into her.
“And I you,” she said on a pleasurable sigh and wrapped her legs around him to tuck him deeper inside her.
He moaned and it was not long before they both exploded together more satisfied than ever then wrapped themselves around each other to drop into sleep once again.
Two days later a woman was heard running through the village, “She wakes! She wakes! Marta wakes!”
Bhric was quick to go see her, his wife having settled into a nap after they had made love, his need for her overwhelming him at times. That she never denied him made him think that she felt the same and how much they enjoyed each other only seemed to prove that. He was growing more and more comfortable with her and far more comfortable with the intimacy they shared than he had ever expected. They had a chance of having a good life together and he did not want to lose that chance.
He entered Greta’s cottage to see Marta sitting up in bed, her face pale and a bit gaunt.
“My lord,” she said with a bob of her head.
“I am relieved you have woken,” Bhric said. “It would upset me to lose you.”
Marta got teary-eyed. “I hope to serve your children as I served you.”
Bhric did not respond to that since he knew Tavia would not want her tending their bairns. “Do you recall what happened, Marta?”
She shook her head and winced, remaining silent for a moment. “I recall hearing about a fight and hurried to see for myself what it was all about. I do not recall anything after that except waking here. Though I wonder if Lady Tavia practices her evil against me.”
Bhric scowled. “I will not have you spreading lies about my wife, especially when she was the one who found you and called for the healer’ help. You could have laid there and died if it had not been for Tavia.”
“I was told Lady Tavia was found bending over me, stealing the last of my breath,” Marta said, defending her remark.
“She listened for a breath and finding one called out for help. You owe her your life,” Bhric said, making sure his annoyance was heard. “Rest and heal, Marta, so you will be well enough to return home.”
Marta’s eyes turned wide. “Ingrid will need my help with the baby coming soon.”
“Perhaps, but my wife does not need to suffer your disparaging tongue,” Bhric warned.
“I only want what is best for you, my lord,” Marta said, a tear falling from her eye.
“Tavia is best for me, Marta, even though I was too foolish to see that for myself at first. Thankfully my mother knew better as she always does. She also knew better for you when she chose to take you, more welcomed you, into our family. She saved you from a life of suffering.”
“She did and I am forever grateful to her,” Marta admitted.
“Then do not repay her with unkindliness to the woman she chose as my wife.”
“Aye, my lord,” Marta said with a bob of her head.
“Show me you can accept my wife and treat her with respect, and I will reconsider sending you home.”