Kian returned faster than anyone expected.
The door covering was pushed aside first, and the cold air from the corridor followed him into the room. His white hair had a faint dusting of snow on it, and his blue eyes were still cold enough that anyone who saw him would understand he had not gone out to ask politely. He had gone out like a king choosing the safest hands in the village for Isabella, and from the way the two women behind him stood carefully, it was obvious he had picked them himself and terrified half the corridor while doing it.
The first woman was older, with thick gray hair braided down her back and a strong round face that looked as if she had seen too many births, fights, fevers, and foolish males to be frightened by much anymore.
The second woman was younger but still older than Isabella, with warm brown skin and a calm mouth. Both women carried wrapped bundles of clean cloth, herbs, bone tools, and small clay jars.
