Page 126 of Moon Craving

clear he would consider disrespect shown to our lady as a direct challenge to his

leadership."

Una sighed. "I know. I was there."

Abigail tensed. "That changes things." She wished it didn't, but the fact that Una

had witnessed Talorc's words meant Abigail could not choose her own course in the

matter.

For the first time, Una looked at Abigail with something approaching respect. "In

what way?"

"I cannot allow such a challenge to my husband's authority stand. As much as I find

it distasteful to do so, I must inform him of our discussion. However, I will attempt to

convince him to allow you the month's grace. In fact, I will ask him to give the entire clan a

month to get to know me before he takes seriously any disparaging comments about or

toward my person."

Una and Guaire stared at her in varying degrees of shock.

"You would--"

"Talorc is not known for his patience," Guaire said, interrupting Una.

"That is quite all right. I am convinced I have enough for both of us."

Chapter 12

Abigail had reason to regret her certainty not an hour later as she argued with

Talorc in their chamber. "Una needs time to come to know me before she will trust me."

"I am her laird. She knows me well enough."

Abigail opened her mouth but could not think what to say for a moment. That was

an undeniable point. "I do not believe she intended to show you disrespect."

"I do not agree."

"Talorc, please! Do you not think this transition is hard enough for me? Must you

put me in a place of enmity with your people without giving me a chance to prove myself?"

He looked astonished at her accusation. "That is not what I am doing."

"But it is. I imagine Una is well liked among the clan. She is beautiful and takes

care of not only the laird, but his most trusted soldiers. If you banish her for being a little

cranky, I wouldn't blame the other clan members for finding the fault in me. They'll have a