"If ye did, then that would mean the key was taken when Hector was attacked. Ye did nae notice because ye had yer key to use, and ye had a lot on yer mind. The fire, Hector's beating, and this, they are all somehow connected, and if we want to get to the bottom of this, then we need to start at the beginning. Who started that fire and why?"
Gawain made his way toward the kitchens. He was beyond troubled, and he needed someone to talk to. He could link the three incidents to each other through one person and nothing more. He had no clue their motive for starting the fire or stealing Hector's keys to steal the plans. He paused to lean against a pillar, shaking his head as he tried to reason out the issue.
The person couldn't have known Caillen would make battle plans, so they had no reason to take Hector's keys, but they did, and the plans went missing. Either the person dabbled in black magic, or they were extremely intelligent enough to predict the next move the laird would make. He knew having a fresh mind to think with would open up doors he never even knew were there, so he sought out Davinia. The woman was smart enough to match his thinking, he was not going to exclude her from such a thing.
He also had to see her to sort out whatever issue they had from the morning. He had no idea what had set her off, but her change in mood was not going to go unnoticed.
As he got closer to the kitchens, the number of servants he encountered increased. With their head bowed, each one scurried off as fast as they could to complete their tasks. Peeping into the kitchen, he quickly caught sight of Davinia's blonde hair swinging around as her head darted from one direction to another, a small frown on her perfect features. Was she still upset with him?
"Davinia." He called out to her, stepping away from the wall to the entrance as she looked back at him. He did not miss the way her eyebrows scrunched up the more, but she still made her way toward him, not stopping at his side but going past him without a word, forcing him to follow. "Davinia, is something bothering ye? It is rare to see ye face this scrunched up." He teased, hoping to lighten the heavy tension between them but failed when he got a scoff in return. "M'eudail?"
"Do nae call me that." She turned around abruptly, almost causing Gawain to bump into her.
"Aye, why are ye upset with me, m'eudail? Is it because I did nae come to look fer ye after I returned? My apologies fer that, Caillen had some things he needed to take care of. I wanted to see ye about something concerning that but nae here."
"Ye need me help?"
"Aye, and I wanted to see ye."
"Oh really? Why come to me? Is Lady Flora nae enough help already." Gawain rolled his eyes as he scoffed at the mention of the lady. "Nae, nae! Do nae act uninterested now, Gawain."
"But I’m nae interested. The woman gets on me nerves like nae other. I didnae even go into the village with her, ye can ask Ida. She was with me the whole time. When I got there, Flora wanted me to—"
"Flora? Ye are on a first name basis again, are ye nae? Why am I even talking about this? Excuse me, I’ve work to do." Davinia tried to push past him, but he held on to her shoulder, leaning forward just enough so he could look into her eyes. "Unhand me."
"I’ll when ye’ve calmed down enough to listen to me. When I went to Lady Flora's chambers, she wanted me to step in with her, and I refused. Then she told me she wanted me to escort her to the village fer protection, and I refused again. I told her to meet me brother, who will issue her guards fer protection. I left immediately after that, I promise ye."
"Whether ye stayed or nae, I do nae care. Unhand me."
"Listen to me, I’ve nae interest in her. She’s married, Davinia, and I’ve ye now. I’ve ye with me, so why would I go after her?" Davinia reeled back, taking offense in his words. She went quiet, blinking a few times along with Gawain, who could almost sense a storm coming.
Just as she took a deep breath, getting herself ready to speak, Gawain took a step back. " Ye have me now? So, I was some sort of bed warmer to help ye cope with the loss of yer precious lady?"
"Nae! Would ye stop thinking so low of yerself? Fine, I apologize, I did not word that as I meant it. I meant to say whatever happened with Flora was in the past, and that is where it’ll stay. I’ve ye an... I’ve ye with me, and I’m more than content, Davinia. Flora will nae be the one to come between us. Nae one will come between us, ye’ve me word, m'eudail. I promise ye."
"If ye were nae with her, then why did ye come back so late? I already told ye the fastest way to get some men." She mumbled as she pulled herself from him, wrapping her arms around herself, a light blush settling on top of her cheeks.
"I was selecting the men I wanted. I needed men who could take on anyone so I asked them each to try to take me dagger from me. If ye want to blame someone, blame those men. I'm sorry, I had nae idea ye felt that way about Lady Flora, and I. Do nae take such things to heart, there is nae one fer me but ye, Davinia." He took a step closer to her, leaning in to gently peck her lips before she pulled away in surprise, earning a chuckle from him. "Am I forgiven, m'eudail?"
"Aye, I suppose." She replied as she pressed herself against his chest, eyes fluttering close as Gawain heard her sigh. "Now what did ye want to tell me?"
"Nae here. It is nae safe here. Come by me chambers after everyone has retired, and we can talk. I do nae think I’ll be attending supper, I’m tired, and I need some rest."
"Alright then. I should get back to the kitchen. Ye get some sleep. Ye have looked like ye got kicked awake since I saw ye in the morning." She waved him off before making her own way back to the kitchens.
Just as she disappeared into the hallway, he heard another feminine voice call out his name. This time, he wanted to run after Davinia. Still, unfortunately, Flora had latched on to him before he could even take a step.
Gawain was starting to realize his rest would not come as easily as she had hoped.
Chapter Twenty-Three
The rays of the evening sun filtered out from behind a cloud. It shined directly on Gawain and Flora, casting shadows on the floor around them. Flora managed to retain her grip on Gawain’s arm despite his attempt to gently pry her hands off him.
"Gawain, did ye just return? I also got back nae long ago. I even kept an eye out fer ye while I was in the village." When Flora spoke, her words piqued Gawain’s interest. "I've been gone all day."
Gawain's eyes darted from left to right as he replayed the incidents that had taken place in the last hour. If Flora claims not to have been in the keep all day, then something was seriously wrong somewhere. He brushed it aside for the moment, deciding to deal with it when he saw Davinia. If he was overthinking it then she definitely would have a more logical explanation.
Snapping out of his thoughts, he glared down at Flora, who grinned at him before he shook her off. He pushed her aside before he started to leave, but she held onto his shirt.
