Page 116 of Moon Craving

She did not want to deceive her husband, but terror at his reaction to the truth

prevented her from admitting it. Even now. Her plan had been to reveal her affliction upon

reaching the Highlands so that Talorc would send her to live with her sister, Emily, among

the Balmorals. With that goal in mind, telling the truth of her lack of hearing would have

been easy.

Or so she supposed, but now it felt impossible. Once again hope was blooming

inside that there might be a place for her among the Sinclairs. A true place. A position of

belonging. And she did not want to give that up.

Chapter 11

The redheaded soldier Abigail had noticed earlier stepped forward. "I will show our

lady to your quarters so she can rest from her journey, my laird."

Talorc nodded. He turned to Abigail. "Wife, this is Guaire, seneschal to the Sinclair

holding."

"Seneschal? I don't know this word."

"It is similar to a steward," Guaire replied in English, earning himself a glare from

the other warriors around him.

Except for a slight tightening of his shoulders, he ignored the reaction, showing he

was used to such from the others. For some reason that bothered Abigail. She knew she

was going to like this soldier. He had been happy when Niall laughed and that pleased

Abigail.

Niall was one of the few people in the world she counted as friend.

As they walked away, Talorc must have said something because Guaire stopped

and looked back at his laird. Abigail swiveled her head so she could read her husband's

lips as well.

"You will give her your arm on the stairs and assure her safety."

"Aye, my laird."

"I'm no bumbler, Talorc." She was deaf, not lacking in grace. "I'm not about to go

tumbling down the stairs."

"Nevertheless you will allow a soldier to aid you whenever you use them."

She gave him one of his famous shrugs, refusing to agree to such a ridiculous