Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 111355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 557(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 557(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
“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.”
Lucerne’s 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 servant’s chore.”
Cree stood straight, his shoulders wide, his chest impressive in its muscled girth. “It is a mother’s 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 didn’t have the results she was used to, she did not know what to do.
It didn’t 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.”
Cree’s brow furrowed as his eyes darkened. “Turbett’s 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 hadn’t 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 m’lady 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.”