Page 117 of Love Me Forever

“You will not need to.” He attempted to reassure her. “You will remain safe here with me.”

She felt safe in his arms and wanted to believe she would remain so, but she also realized that there was the possibility that he could capture her.

Prepared.

Moira warned her to be prepared for any possibility.

She was right, and tomorrow they would talk and she would prepare.

Prepare for battle.

CHAPTER31

Royce did not let Brianna out his sight. The next morning when they woke, he remained abed with her until she was ready to rise, and together they went down to the great hall. He had sent a message to Ian that he would be delayed, and that Brianna would be with him and could Moira come to keep her company while they talked.

He had thought Arran dangerous, but after last night and his discussion with Brianna he realized that the man was far more dangerous than he had thought. Arran was actually deranged.

There was a chill in the great hall, so a fire had been lit, and Moira and Brianna sat at a table near the fire. Royce and Ian sat at the dais, and six men were positioned around the hall. No one could enter without being noticed.

Brianna and Moira talked in hushed voices, not wishing anyone to hear their conversation. “I realize now that I must prepare,” Brianna said. “If Arran should happen to succeed in capturing me, I must be able to keep the babe safe from harm.”

Moira frowned. “You are right. The only life precious to Arran is his.”

“In his fury he lashes out, and I never had any means to stop him.”

“So you surrendered to his brutality.”

“I did not know what else to do,” Brianna said, “and after a while I acted accordingly; it became a habit.”

Moira placed a comforting hand on her arm. “Habits can be broken. It takes strength, and courage and you have both.”

“I hope I do.”

“With all the protection that surrounds you, you still fear Arran will succeed in abducting you?”

“Habit,” Brianna answered. “I am reacting out of habit. He always had his way, so I assume he will do so again.”

“Then if you wish to be prepared, do not act out of habit. You have changed; you are no longer that young woman he could dictate to. You gained your freedom and independence and the strength to do as you must.”

“But he thinks of me as his wife, his property, and I am, so how then can I be free?”

Moira squeezed her arm. “No one but you can own your thoughts and many times our own thoughts can help set us free. If you continue to think fearful, you will react fearful. Think with courage and tenacity and you will demonstrate it. Arran would not know how to respond to a woman of strength and intelligence.”

“You are right. He feared you; I could see it in his eyes.”

“Then he will fear you if you are to meet, for you are much like me now.”

Brianna looked surprised. ‘Truly, you think so?”

“Nay, I know so.”

“Then it must be so.” Brianna laughed and Moira joined her.

Their husbands glanced their way.

“It is good Moira is here with her,” Royce said, relieved to see his wife happy.

Ian nodded, staring at the two women. “Why do you not seem pleased with their laughter?”