"Oh…of course." Caillen nodded, stepping back for his brother. “Do nae be late fer later."
"Aye." Gawain bowed his head respectfully at his brother before taking Davinia's hand "Come along."
He led her toward the guest chambers where his bag had been put. They walked through the halls in silence, Gawain slowing his steps when he noticed how far behind she was.
"Aye, Davinia. Perhaps we'll get to me chambers after Emer gives birth. Hurry up will ye?"
"Aye, yer legs are longer than mine." She joked as she caught up to him, holding on to the arm he offered. Gawain felt his chest swell with her action.
"Ye told me the old matron had retired."
"Aye. I've only just taken over. She lives in the village with her grandchildren. I visit her every once in a while."
"I see. I suppose ye’re fit fer the job. Ye’re ever so diligent, Davinia."
"Please, do nae flatter me." Davinia suppressed a laugh.
"When I came, I only dropped me bag and came to find ye. I thought I would find ye alone." Gawain inched toward her as he spoke.
"To be honest, ye did nae have to bring me anything." Davinia replied with a shy smile.
"I wanted to. Ye deserve it, Davinia. Yer letters brought me immense joy. It made me feel as if I was nae alone." He opened the door, stepping in not noticing her still by the door. "Thank ye."
"Nae, Gawain. I only wanted to be sure of yer wellbeing. I tell ye, ye were never alone."
"Come in, Davinia. I'm nae a highborn anymore."
"I’m still a maid and ye’re the laird's brother and guest. I’m only being respectful."
Gawain stretched out his hand for her, she hesitated but took it, allowing him to pull her into the room. “There is nae need fer that, Davinia."
She watched as he dug through the bag on the bed, nearly emptying its contents until he found a small pouch and he handed it to her. "What is it?"
"Open it." He said, a grin creeping onto his face. She nodded, dipping her fingers in it to take out a single silk ribbon. Do ye like it? I ken how much ye love blue." He pointed at her blue dress and she laughed, admiring the ribbon.
"I love it, Gawain." Her voice was soft as her green eyes peered up at him under her lashes. “Thank ye." Gawain found himself at a loss for words as he watched her take off her old ribbon, pocketing it before tying her hair back with her new one. Why had he never properly realized her beauty until it was too late.
He brushed the stray strands of hair out of her face when she looked back up at him. Her green eyes just as bright as he remembered, he stepped closer to her, cupping her face. "Ye’re beautiful, Davinia." A deep blush spread out on her cheeks when he lifted her face upwards. He could lean in, brushing his lips over here before she took a step out of his hold. She swallowed as she pressed her back to the door, "Davinia?"
"Me apologies, Gawain." Her voice shook, her eyes refusing to meet his. "I must be on my way back to the kitchen."
"Why?" She perked up at the question but still kept her eyes trained on his chest. “Why won't ye meet me eyes all of a sudden? Have I made ye uncomfortable? I apologize."
"Nae, please! Nae." She rubbed her arms not knowing what to say. “It is nae what ye think."
"Are ye married then? Do ye’ve someone that ye...nae, I apologize. I shouldn't have tried that." Gawain looked down at his feet. “I was too forward but do ye like the ribbon?"
Davinia let her hand touch her old one in the pocket of her apron. "Aye. It is beautiful, thank ye. I’ll treasure it. I'm glad ye remembered something as little as me favorite color."
"Do nae thank me. After all ye've done fer me over the years, taking care of me and noticing little things about me, it would be terrible of me if I did nae remember little things that you like."
"Oh." She sounded a little disappointed and Gawain looked up at her.
"What is the matter, have I said something wrong?"
"Nae, Gawain. I must be on me way. The festivities will begin soon." She had gathered her dress and was already making her way out of his chambers. He called out to her but she had already shut the door in her wake leaving him to deal with his rejection alone.
Chapter Three
