Page 163 of Moon Craving

making an accusation so much as an observation.

Nevertheless, a blush of humiliation crawled up her body. "No, I do not hear

anything."

"How did you know to move away, then?" he asked, curiosity and concern both

there for her to see in the way he watched her.

"I felt the earth pound beneath my feet."

"Aye, that is our lady," one of the soldiers said.

The sting of humiliation faded a little.

Guaire reached out and squeezed her shoulder. "Well done." He glared up at Niall.

"Even if some are too damn stubborn and mean to admit it."

She grabbed Guaire's hand. "Don't."

"I'll not tolerate him treating you so coldly."

"Guaire . . ." She sighed and said what needed saying. "My deception hurt him."

"I do not need you defending me to my . . . to Guaire," Niall said, a sulfuric glare

encompassing them both. Then he stormed away, toward the training ground, knocking

two soldiers right on their bums on the way.

"What is the matter with him?" Earc asked.

Abigail and Guaire both shrugged helplessly. Barr came walking up, leading the

still-agitated beast between two of the more seasoned Chrechte soldiers.

"Is he all right?"

"Is who all right, lady?" Earc asked.

"Talorc's horse," she said, replying to Earc but fixing her gaze on Barr.

"He is under control."

"You must find whoever is responsible for upsetting him so. I dare say you'll find

the culprit among the youth. A prank they had no idea could have such serious

consequences, but that cannot be repeated." She bit her lip, looking at the poor lathered

horse. "I wish Talorc were here, he could calm the beast more quickly."

"If our laird were back from hunting, I do not believe his first concern would be for

his horse," Barr said with an amused look.

Abigail grimaced. "If you say so." But she wasn't convinced of Barr's point of view.