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)
“It concerns what happened here today, my lord,” Shea said when she saw that he was hesitant, then she quickly gave a quick glance around before lowering her voice. “I saw everything that happened here.”
“Wagging tongues are worse after what happened today,” Hertha said, sitting at the small table with Tavia in her bedchamber. “And the divide grows worse between the tribe and the clan. I do not know how Lord Bhric will ever bring the two together. Some of the Northmen and women talk about returning to their homeland. Those in the clan are eager to see them go.”
“I cannot believe people think I have bewitched Lord Bhric,” Tavia said, growing more upset over the news.
Hertha chuckled. “Well, he was bewitched but not by you… by love.”
Tavia chuckled as well. “That is nonsense. He does not love me.”
“He may not know it yet, but he is in love with you just as you are with him. The last week or more has confirmed that. All you had to do was look at you both and see it for what it was… love.” Hertha chuckled again. “I denied it up and down when Auda told me that I loved Hume. But she insisted she was right, and it was there for all to see. She was happy for me and Hume, so it was easy for her to spot it. Not so for people—”
“Who think me a witch,” Tavia said.
“I have been thinking on that and it is why I wanted to speak with you. I believe someone in particular is purposely planting the suggestion to all that you are a witch. It makes me fear for your safety.”
“But who would do such a thing?”
“Marta, Ingrid, anyone who believes you are not a fit wife for Lord Bhric. Anyone who wants to see you gone,” Hertha said. “And with news of you visiting the witch in your da’s dungeon, it is a perfect tale to weave. You must tell Lord Bhric so he can protect you.”
“He does not trust me or believe anything I say.”
“I do not believe that, my lady,” Hertha said. “Someone wants him confused, wants him to make a mistake so there is more blame to lay on you. Tell him and see what he says and if he thinks it is foolish, then you and I will need to find the culprit ourselves.”
“You are a brave one, Hertha,” Tavia praised.
“I found my courage and there is no stopping me now,” Hertha said with a broad smile. “You found your courage a long time ago, my lady, but you have only just begun to use it. Do not stop now.”
“Tell me, Shea,” Bhric said once settled in his solar.
Shea nodded. “It started with words Marta had with Lady Tavia while she sat by the hearth, Fen sleeping beside her.”
“What words?” She appeared hesitant to say, and Bhric eased her concern. “There will be no reprisal from anyone for what you tell me here. You have my word.”
Shea nodded and continued. “Marta accused Lady Tavia of being a fearful child who clung to her husband. She said you were a Northman of great power and greater duty, and she should leave you to do what you must. Lady Tavia responded calmly, telling Marta that what went on between you and her was none of her concern. She also reminded Marta that she had warned her once before about admonishing her and if she did it again, she would see her permanently removed from the keep.” Shea paused a moment, then quickly continued. “Marta sneered at her and told her that her word had no such power and that while she was familiar with Lady Tavia’s kind, you would learn soon enough of her true nature and be rid of her.
Marta then complained to Ingrid when she saw her, though the story she told Ingrid was far different from what had taken place.”
Anger rumbled in Bhric, not only at the lies spewed but at his failure to believe his wife. “What happened then, Shea?”
“Ingrid approached Lady Tavia and they exchanged words. Ingrid sounded as if she wished Lady Tavia to argue with her, but Lady Tavia remained calm and responded with ‘as you say’ when Ingrid told her that senseless threats are useless and made her appear a fool. She said ‘as you say’ again when Ingrid told her that Northmen and women were strong, and they do not frighten easily. That was when Lady Tavia stood, and Fen stepped forward to give her room and Ingrid hurried several quick steps back and stumbled of her own accord. Lady Tavia hurried to reach out and help her so she would not fall, and Marta yelled out not to harm her as she ran to Ingrid. Lady Tavia quickly ordered Fen to sit so he would not think Marta rushed to attack. Marta then threatened that you would hear about what happened and Lady Tavia tried to explain she was reaching out to help Ingrid and offered to help her get Ingrid to her feet. That was when Marta called Lady Tavia a witch and suggested Lady Tavia intended to harm the unborn bairn.”