Page 127 of Love Me Forever

“I think what troubles us is that Arran has managed to outsmart us both.”

“That does irritate me.”

“I agree. The man irritates me more than I care to admit.”

“Arran deceives with charm and character. He confuses his opponent, giving him ample time to attack or escape.”

Royce frowned. “Then he does not often make mistakes.”

“If he makes mistakes, he is often prepared with another plan. He never seems to be caught unprepared.”

“So he prepares for every possibility.”

“Moira believes so. That is why she spoke of being prepared to Brianna.”

“She did?” Royce asked with surprise. ‘Tell me what they spoke of.”

“Moira was educated by a monk who taught her many skills. The one skill she found the most useful was preparation, preparation in all her studies and writings and experiments. Without such preparation she believes she would have no success. She took that knowledge and applied it toward life. This is what she discussed with Brianna. She convinced Brianna that while she felt safe with your protection, there was always the possibility that Arran could succeed in his attempts to abduct her. What then? What would she do?”

Royce slowly shook his head. “You tried to convince me of this.”

“I know my wife well, and I knew she was concerned for Brianna. She had made instant friends with my sister upon meeting her, and she was aware, for a stranger sees with clearer eyes than a family member, that Arran did not treat Brianna well. She helped her to regain her self-esteem and self-confidence after Arran’s hasty departure.”

“Moira did an excellent job. Your sister’s strength and courage saw her through the accident and helped her deal with a complete stranger she was entirely dependent on. Not an easy task for any woman.”

“Moira has done well with Brianna, which is why she wanted Brianna prepared for any possibility.”

“I am confused,” Royce admitted. “How could Brianna be prepared for her husband abducting her? I would like to think it was possible, but how?”

“I wondered the same myself. Arran ingrained my sister with fear. How could she possibly be prepared for facing a man she feared?”

Royce shook his head as if the answer finally dawned on him, and he found himself an idiot for not realizing it. “By showing no fear.”

“I felt as foolish as you for not realizing it myself.”

“That takes much courage.”

“You doubt Brianna has enough courage?”

“Nay,” Royce said, “she has the courage and more. I just feel foolish for being an arrogant fool and in believing I was her only defense.”

“Moira was raised in a convent since she was twelve and realized that while other women were there, she basically had herself to depend on. After all it became habit, and she looked to no one but herself to do what needed doing.”

“And she attempted to instill this in Brianna?”

“Aye, and I am grateful to her for it.”

“So am I,” Royce agreed. “It gives Brianna an edge over her opponent.”

“And it gives us time knowing she will defend herself. Arran found my wife offensive with the way she spoke her mind. When Brianna does the same with him, he will not know how to react He did not know how to react to Moira, and it was obvious he was uncomfortable around her.”

“But Brianna was once his wife. Will that not make a difference?”

“Arran preys on the weak, those unwilling or unable to defend themselves, those with strength he cannot tolerate.”

Royce gave that thought. “Yet he leads me to his destination.”

“He thought you would follow the other trail.”