Page 119 of Moon Craving

"I didn't even realize he saw me as his friend. It is an honor I plan to live up to."

Guaire gave her a puzzled look. "Friend?"

"His mate."

The redhead's leaf green eyes widened. "He did not tell you what it meant to be his

mate?"

"We discussed it last night." Sort of. In a roundabout way. "We both feel it is a

blessing for a husband and wife to be true friends."

Guaire seemed to be choking on something, but he just shook his head and led her

down the hallway that bisected the first story. He pushed open the first door on the right.

"This is Talorc's chamber, now yours as well."

Considering the sparsity of furnishings and decor on the main floor, she should not

have been surprised by this room. However, it would make a monastic cell appear

decadent by comparison. A pile of furs much like the ones she and her husband had slept

in on the trip north occupied a spot against the far wall. There was a chest under the

window but no chairs or chest of drawers.

The only decor, if you could call it that, was a huge well-oiled sword and a selection

of knives hanging above the fireplace mantel. She turned in a circle and noted torch

holders on either side of the door. That was something at least. A small indication that her

husband acknowledged they were no longer cave dwellers.

"It's, um . . . is he having a bed made?"

Guaire's look was definitely tinged with humor this time, and maybe a little pity. "I

do not believe so."

"You would know, I'm guessing."

"Aye."

She sighed. The furs had been comfortable enough the past few nights, she

supposed. "He is a man of few indulgences."

"I think 'few' may be overstating the case."

That was what she was afraid of.

"She is your true mate?" Barr asked Talorc with nothing less than shock.

He and a small group of Chrechte warriors had come into the great hall after Talorc