Cree woke Dawn the next morning with soft kisses and gentle lovemaking and afterwards he reluctantly left her to sleep and returned to the keep.

Lucerne was seated at the dais with Sloan when he entered the Great Hall.

Good morning, my lord, she said with a bow of her head. I hope you slept well.

Exceptionally so, he said joining her at the long table, though normally Sloan and he took their meals at a table close to the large hearth. The dais always seemed too removed to Cree.

Does the snow still fall, she asked.

Yes, though lightly. He sat beside her famished and eager to enjoy the morning meal.

A large warrior tramped into the Great Hall snow falling from his cloak and boots. He stopped before the dais with a bow. Sorry to disturb you, my lord, but tracks have been spotted in the woods.

Alert the guard at her house and take more men and see what you can find, Cree ordered. The man bowed his head and took his leave.

Someone is in danger and needs guarding? Lucerne asked.

It is nothing that concerns you, Cree said.

Everything that concerns you concerns me. I am to be your wife and I will stand by your side and defend you no matter the circumstances.

I would expect no less from you; it is your duty. If she had hoped to impress him with that declaration she had failed. As his wife that was her duty plain and simple and he didnt want to have to remind her of it.

Dawn wasnt his wife but she had suffered a beating because of him and had still retained her courage and also her foolishness. He looked to Sloan. The window has been boarded?

It is most secured, Sloan said with a nod.

Perhaps I should leave you two alone to discuss matters, Lucerne said with a bite of sarcasm.

A wise choice, Cree said.

Lucerne stood with a scowl that would rival Crees and left the Great Hall.

Sloan turned to Cree. She is a formidable woman.

Who will learn her place, Cree said as if decreeing it. As soon as Im done fortifying myself for the morn well go see what the trackers have learned. I dont care for the fact that someone has been spotted. Who would dare travel in this weather?

Those who are up to no good, Sloan answered.

Rems warning troubles me, Cree said. To think that men will keep coming after Dawn until one of them succeeds in taking her life makes no sense. The only way to stop them is to discover who hired them.

Not an easy task But not impossible, Cree said. Also, its time to bring my sister home. As soon as the snow stops, send a troop of men for her.

Having two women to deal with arent enough for you; youre going to add your sister to the lot? Sloan chuckled.

We had once been close,"Crees brow knitted as if recalling troubled memories" circumstances forced us apart and its time for us to be a family again. Its time she had a home. Send a sizeable troop to the Abbey to bring her here.

I will"

A piercing scream had both men jumping out of their seats as Lucerne rushed into the Great Hall. Her face was flushed, her cheeks cherry red, and her chest heaved as she stopped in front of the dais.

The insolent man insulted me. Punish him, he deserves a whipping, she all but screamed at Cree.

Sloan turned and sent Cree a pleading look. They both knew what this was about and Sloan, as usual, worried about losing Turbett.

Cree leaned over the table slapping his hands down on it. You come screaming in here like a harpy, demand that I heed your command and you are yet my wife. Is this rude manner of yours what I am to expect from you when we wed?

I may not be your wife yet, but I see no reason why I should be abused by that insufferable man when all Im trying to do is learn the workings of your keep so that when we do wed I have my duties firm in hand.

Did I not tell you that Flanna would deal with Turbett?

See, Lucerne said with a shake of her finger. You know who I speak of without me having mentioned his name. Therefore he must be a difficult servant to deal with. I know well how to handle an insubordinate servant. I will have him obeying me in no time and besides its my duty.

We have yet to exchange vows. Until we do you are not to dictate to any of the servants. If you have a problem with any of them you will report it to Flanna and she will deal with it as she sees fit. And you are not to disturb Turbett again"

Lucerne went to interrupt and Cree cut her off.

Never interrupt me when I am speaking and never make me repeat myself. My word is law, understand that and obey me or suffer for your insolence.

Lucernes blue eyes stormed with anger, her chin went up and her shoulders back. I understand perfectly, my lord. Her chin went up higher. Though I must inquire as to what you expect me to do all day if I am not to see to the running of the keep.

You will be busy tending our children.

Her eyes turned wide. That is a servants chore.

Cree stood straight, his shoulders wide, his chest impressive in its muscled girth. It is a mothers caring love I want my children to know.

Lucerne looked ready to argue then seemed to think better of it and calmed. Of course a mother loves her children, but their care is left to the servants. It is the way of things.

It is not my way.

Lucerne said no more on it, though it was obvious that the matter was yet settled. Will you at least reprimand your cook for speaking to me and treating me like a lowly servant?

I will tell him that you will not disturb him again.

You sound as if you apologize for me.

You disobeyed me, therefore you leave me no choice, Cree said.

Lucerne seemed at a loss and could do nothing but stare at him. Cree had the feeling that she was accustomed to having her way. And since her brief tirade didnt have the results she was used to, she did not know what to do.

It didnt surprise him when she pressed her fingers to her temple and said, My head pains me, I believe I will rest.

Would you like me to send the healer to see you? Cree asked, though doubted that she needed the woman, the headache nothing more than an excuse to take her leave and be left undisturbed.

It is not necessary, my lord, she said and bowed before turning to walk away, though after a few short steps she stopped and turned. Is this healer skillful?

She is extremely knowledgeable, Cree assured her.

Then perhaps she could help me. I will await her in my chambers. She left the room, her servant scurrying out of the shadows to follow behind her.

Summon Flanna, Cree said to Sloan.

I am here, my lord, Flanna said stepping out of the shadows and bobbing her head.

Cree scowled. This room needs more light. It seems that the shadows harbor eyes and ears that I am not aware of.

I may hear and see things, my lord, but I speak not of them.

Then why were you lurking in the dark corner? Cree asked.

I waited so that I may defend Turbett if necessary.

You witnessed the exchange between my future wife and Turbett?

I did.

Tell me about it, Cree ordered.

Turbett and I were discussing the meals for the next few days when my lady entered the kitchen demanding to speak with the cook. Turbett, of course, proudly stepped forward. My lady then proceeded to tell him that his meals were too flavorful and that she would instruct him on how the food was to be prepared.

Too flavorful? Sloan said stunned. She prefers bland?

My lady says that spices are expensive and that Turbett was not to be generous with them.

Crees brow furrowed as his eyes darkened. Turbetts response?

He told my lady that there was only one master that he answered to and that was... Cree. Then he told her to leave his kitchen and never return.

Lucerne hadnt been here one full day and Cree wished he could tell her to leave and never return. Turbett is correct. Lucerne is never to return to the kitchen not even after we wed. You will notify me if she should attempt to disturb Turbett again. And you have my permission, if it proves necessary, to remind Lucerne that she is not permitted in the kitchen Flanna smiled. As you wish, my lord.

Send one of the servants for Elsa and inform her that my lady has requested her help in healing a headache.

Flanna bobbed her head and waited to be dismissed.

One other thing, Cree said lowering his voice. Keep me abreast of any incidents concerning my future wife. That is all.

Once Flanna left the hall Sloan asked, I take it that means I should keep a careful eye on mlady too.

Cree nodded. She arrived like a whirlwind that has yet to settle.

A whirlwind has a way of scooping things up in its wake and depositing them God knows where.

Her whirlwind way will settle or else, Cree warned.

Not that I think you cant do it for I have seen you do many things I thought impossible"but"how can a whirlwind possibly be controlled?

Chapter Four.

Cree had just finished speaking with Taggart the miller in regards to the few repairs that the mill required when one of his warriors approached and informed him that the snow had made it impossible to follow the tracks. However they were able to determine that there were two separate tracks and therefore two men. The search continued, though it didnt look promising.

As Cree finished giving orders that he was to be made aware of any strangers seeking shelter for the winter, he spotted Dawn leaving her cottage. He wondered what she was doing out in the cold, she should be resting, regaining her strength, especially after he had robbed her of some last night and this morning. He almost smiled at the memory of her naked in his arms, though caught himself and scowled. It wouldnt do for the infamous Cree to be smiling for no reason and yet there was a reason... there was Dawn. He had been smiling more often around Dawn. She brought a joy out in him that had been buried for as long as he could recall. It reminded him of the time he was loved so unconditionally. And that kind of love was worth everything.

He finished issuing further precautions that were to be taken, then left Sloan to see to it, and then caught up with Dawn and her guard a few steps from her cottage. With a nod to his warrior Neil, the man drifted off, though kept them in view as they walked side by side.

You are feeling well enough to be out? Cree asked worried that she would worsen and hoping she had recovered. He missed her greatly and grew annoyed at himself for the constant thought of having missed her.

She nodded and breathed deeply.

Its fresh air you are hungering.

She smiled happy that he understood her and happy to see him. While his absence had been her doing, she had realized last night how very much she had missed him beside her in bed, not that she hadnt missed his lovemaking more. It was just that she found peacefulness when he rested beside her all night and woke to his loving touches in the morning. She was glad she was already smiling, for she would have burst with a foolish grin at the remembrance of how tender he had been when making love to her. It was almost as if she could feel how much he cared... possibly loved her.

She chased the maddening thought away. It had only served to cause her heartache and she had suffered enough of that when she had learned he would wed. The reminder wiped the smile off her face.

Are you all right? he asked anxiously, her smile vanishing much too fast and her face paling a bit.

She nodded and smiled again, though it lacked zest.

Perhaps a visit with Elsa would prove wise, Cree said and offered his arm to her.

Dawn knew it wasnt a suggestion and had no choice but to take his arm and do as he commanded. At least she would not be deprived of the walk she had been eager to take.

You slept well?

Dawns smile grew when she caught just the hint of Crees lips turning up in what she suspected would be a wide grin if he let it. She gestured with her one hand pointing to her left and slowly drawing it in front her and pointing down.

He nodded and couldnt help but let a smile slip out, but only for a moment. Better than you have slept in a while.

She nodded, her eyes lighting bright along with her smile.

Good lord, but her smile could steal his heart. He leaned down and whispered, Me too.

MY LORD!

The screech started them both and had them turning around. Dawn didnt realize that her hand grasped more tightly to Crees arm as she watched Lucerne hurry toward them.

She stopped in front of Cree, ignoring Dawn as if she was not there or was too insignificant to acknowledge. You have a miraculous healer. My headache is gone and I thought that perhaps you now have free time to show me around the village.