Page 200 of Moon Craving

"Enter quietly."

"We'd have to be quieter than a spider crawling across the floor for the Chrechte

not to notice we are there."

"We can go in the entrance Una uses from the kitchens." She bit her lip, wondering

if Guaire would think her awful for wanting to eavesdrop.

"The smell of food will mask our scents."

"Just so." She grinned.

Guaire winked.

They rushed around the tower to the kitchens, ignoring Una as they walked

through her domain. Though Abigail spared a smile for the two women helping to knead

bread for that evening's meal.

Unable to hear if she made sound, Abigail stepped as lightly as she could. Guaire

stuck close. They reached the entranceway when Guaire held her back.

"We dare not go any farther," he mouthed.

"Can you hear them?" she asked in a barely there whisper.

"Nay, but you can see the messenger's face."

She nodded and turned her attention to the king's soldier.

"The king was most concerned when he learned of the trick the English baron paid

on his favored laird."

The trick? Did that mean Scotland's king had learned Sir Hamilton had sent his

deaf stepdaughter to Scotland as bride to Talorc? How could he know?

The image of Jolenta's envious countenance swam before Abigail. Her younger

sister had been furious such a personage as a laird was wasted on Abigail. What would

Talorc do now that the king knew?

She could not tell what her husband said to the messenger, but the man nodded.

"Our king has heard your complaint. He will arrange to have your current marriage

annulled on the grounds of deception. One way or another, the deaf woman will be taken

care of. Sir Hamilton's daughter Jolenta will be sent north to replace her sister. It has

already been arranged."

Talorc surged to his feet and shouted something at the messenger. Abigail could