Page 110 of Love Me Forever

“They will do well I am sure.”

“They are at least entertaining the keep and the village. Everyone is placing a wager on whether or not Blair will survive the birth.”

The two women laughed, and when the laughs faded, the conversation turned serious.

“I felt that your brother and Royce wished to protect you from the truth, especially with you being with child. Men feel the need to constantly protect. They do not seem to understand that women have strength and courage of their own. That is why I wished to speak with you alone. There is much for you to know.”

Brianna nodded. “I am grateful for your insight. I would fear more and feel more vulnerable if I was not informed of the details. Tell me all you know.”

“I must first tell you that it was Anne who discovered most of the information. Ian was stingy in regards to the matter, knowing full well I would supply you with all I knew.”

“Then please extend my appreciation to Anne and tell her I will pray for a safe and easy delivery for her.”

“Let me start with what Ian told me. He learned that Arran had formed a group of men, men who had no faith or allegiance to any particular clan.”

“Men of little virtue,” Brianna said.

“Their virtue is coins, which is what Arran promised them.”

“But he had no coins of his own. It was a false promise.”

Moira seemed reluctant to continue, but her hesitancy passed quick enough. “Arran planned to return to the clan, beg your brother’s forgiveness, speak of his duty to you, his wife, and win Ian’s approval for a second chance. Whether he was granted it or not made no difference. He intended to kidnap you and demand ransom from Ian for your return.”

Brianna sat silent for a moment. “He will not stop until he has what he wants.”

“That is what Ian believes, and that is why he sent William here as soon as Arran had escaped.” Moira paused to sip her cider. “Anne learned that when Arran discovered that Royce had taken you away, he grew furious.”

“Because I had spoiled his plans.”

“Aye, now he had to devise an alternative plan, and he certainly had not considered having to face a legendary warrior.”

“Royce frightens him,” Brianna said with pride.

“And for good reason; the man would put fear in the devil himself.”

Brianna was quick to defend Royce. “But he has a gentle soul.”

“I have no doubt. Love often tames the wildest beast.”

“Not so with Arran,” Brianna confided.

“Love only tames when love is shared. Arran loves nothing but himself.”

“Why could I not see that?” The thought that she was blind to Arran’s obvious flaws continued to torment her.

“We do not always make wise choices in life. It is not a sin; the only sin is if we do not learn from them.”

“You make sense of the senseless. I envy you your knowledge.”

“Everyone has knowledge,” Moira said. “It is easy to remain ignorant, but with a little effort knowledge is yours.”

“How do I use my knowledge to combat Arran?”

“First, do not give in to your fears, Arran counts on that.”

Brianna nodded. “You are right. After a while in my marriage I feared everything.”

“And he used that fear to control you. As it is easier to remain ignorant, it is easier to remain fearful. You are strong; use that strength.”