Page 51 of Moon Craving

appreciable effect.

"Your sister and my own would have it no other way," Talorc said.

There was definitely more to it than he was saying, but Abigail was caught by one

truth above all others. "And you listened to them?" she asked in true shock.

Her stepfather never admitted to taking the advice of a woman, even Sybil's.

"It was a good alliance to make."

"Aye, it was." Niall inclined his head toward Abigail. "Your bride is so tired, she can

barely stand."

"She needs to eat."

"Let her eat in the tent, where she can sleep after."

"You think to advise me how to treat my bride?" Talorc asked, looking dangerous.

"Why not?" Abigail asked. "He is your second-in-command, isn't he? Surely he is

allowed to have an opinion." She wasn't trying to be rude but realized after speaking that

her questions could be taken that way. She simply wanted to understand the Highlander's

way of things.

Niall's smile might be considered frightening by some, but Abigail saw the honest

amusement lurking in his gray eyes. "Your wife is feistier than I thought."

"She is."

"She does not flinch from me." He appeared both pleased and astounded by that

fact.

"I noticed you held her arm."

"She would have fallen otherwise." Niall's head bowed in apology.

"She is right here." Abigail frowned at both big men.

Really. She was accustomed to being ignored by her family, but this was getting

out of hand.

For good or ill, Talorc gave her his full regard. "Niall is not my second-in-command.

His brother holds that place."

"But . . ." She did not understand. "Which one is his brother?" She looked at the

other warriors, not seeing any that looked like they could get away with ordering Niall

about.