"I’m. It is ye who should listen to me. Hector was beat up. Davinia and I were almost killed! We were targeted as well, and the only reason we survived was because I pushed us out of the way. If I was behind all of this, why would I want to have meself killed?"
"Ye and Hector are two different cases. The circumstances surrounding the both of ye are separate. He’s the right hand of the clan. He had proved his loyalty countless times, Gawain ye’ve just returned from exile, and it feels like we have to be careful with ye."
"So that already makes me the one behind everything? Is that nae what ye’re really trying to say? Gawain betrayed the clan once, he'll do it again. He's after the laird's position. He wants the head of the wife of the Laird on a silver platter for crossing him. He tried and failed to kill his brother's lackey because his plans were figured out—"
"Gawain—" Davinia spoke from behind him.
"Please stay out of this, Davinia!" From the corner of his eye, he could see Davinia visibly flinch. He shuddered but refocused on his brother. Stepping back with her head bowed as Gawain rose to his feet. "If ye want to say something, Caillen, be a man and say it to me face. Ye summoned me back, now ye accuse me of something like this." He stood up, knocking the food of the table in front of him as he walked toward his seating brother.
Loud rattling noises rang through the room, but Caillen’s voice thundered above it. "Ye being this defensive only proves me point the more. All I wanted to ken was if it was ye who attacked Hector? Was it ye who started the fire, and was it ye who stole the missing keys? Ye were quick to arrive at how the thief would have gotten into me study in the first place, jumping in and out of me window until ye stormed back in demanding to see me keys. I ken I’m nae as bright as ye, but I’m nae fool either, Gawain. I called ye back here to reunite me family, but I guess I was wrong to do that.”
Caillen cut off Gawain’s advance and stopped within arm’s reach. His voice rose even higher, “Ye might be the intelligent brother, but ye do nae ken it all and yer own pride in yer abilities is what has always led to yer downfall. I asked ye to return and fix yer relationship with the clan, but instead, ye run into the arms of yer sister-in-law, frolicking about with her when ye ken she prefers another. Ye only use her to forget the one ye want because she’s married. Have ye nae shame, Gawain?"
Gawain looked over at Davinia. He could take the insults, but he would not have any of it for her, "Perhaps ye want to come a wee closer and repeat that?" Gawain replied, a fist forming in his hands naturally.
As soon as Caillen inched forward, Scott stepped up, pushing back the elder brother as Davinia and Emer rounded the children and servants. Flora had slinked off somewhere.
"Do ye really think I’ll let ye do as yer wish because ye’re me brother? I’ve been too lenient with ye, and it has come back to bite me in the arse. Father warned me that ye would never change. Ye think the world of yerself and look down on others. I should have left ye with the bastards ye chose to mingle with." Caillen struggled with Scott while Gawain waited patiently, holding back as he met Davinia’s worried stare as she stood by the door.
His blood boiled, and his hands furled and unfurled into fists. But even though she couldn’t say anything, Davinia didn’t have to. He could hear her cautioning him, reminding him of the consequences of fighting the Laird. Inside him, her voice screamed louder than his brother’s, begging him to retreat.
Yet, his rage sought to unravel. Caillen knew how hurtful rubbing his past in his face would be, and his. Granted that Gawain had poked his brother's sore wounds as well, Caillen had started it.
He had even snapped at Davinia. She was going to give him hell for that when he went to apologize. She had been trying to warn him, perhaps to save him from exactly this. He let his eyes focus on his brother’s rage again, and slowly his threats became louder and louder. He wanted to respond, both in kind and in might. Looking down, he found he had already formed an attacking stance.
He had to get away before he lost himself to his anger.
Unfurling his fists, he clicked his tongue, picking up the pitcher of wine in the middle of the table before he left, ignoring his brother's jabs for him to come back. He was sure if he turned back, he would dent the pitcher with Caillen's head. He had to go somewhere his brother couldn't find him easily.
He passed by Davinia, feeling sorry and thanking her at the same time.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Davinia wrapped her arms around herself as she walked behind Emer and her children. Her mind, however was long gone.
Gawain was frolicking around with her. How could Caillen say such things? Why would Caillen even start a fight with his brother? Gawain had been provoked and, in turn, had provoked Caillen into saying such vile things. She had tried to pull Gawain out of the argument but was yelled at. Gawain had never raised his voice at her even when she was his maid. It was more shocking than frightening, to say the least.
Still, she knew how badly hurt Gawain would be after that fight. After he had tried so hard to solve the mystery on his own so he wouldn't get accused, it all came back to knock him in the face. He was sure to be inconsolable for a while. She wanted to give him time, but at the same time, she knew she had to be there for him before this spiraled out of control. She was torn on what to do.
She sniffled slightly, almost missing the look her sister threw back at her. Emer’s face twisted weirdly when she was angry. Her forehead didn’t just fold on itself, she squinted as well. Her squint was why she was so easy to read. "I suppose ye’ve something to say, Emer?"
"Aye, but I’ve to put the children in their chambers first. Will ye wait fer me in me chambers?" Davinia nodded in response, going ahead of her sister, her arms squeezing tightly around her slim frame. Whatever it was, she still had to find Gawain on time. She just hoped he hadn't gone any further than he already had.
Emer shared her chambers with her husband. Davinia was familiar with the room as she personally oversaw the cleaning and upkeep of the place. Knowing she had not assigned anyone to the chamber, Davinia was surprised to find a servant kneeling by the bed, a cloth Davinia quickly recognized as the laird's tunic pressed to her face as she inhaled deeply. The servant did not seem to notice Davinia even as she stood and watched her for a moment. Not until the door slammed shut.
"Why are ye here?" The servant scampered to her feet, almost tripping at her first step at Davinia’s voice. She easily recognized the girl, Erica, when she tucked the tunic behind her. "Answer me."
"Me apologies, Miss Davinia. I only wanted to see if the tunic was dirty!" The girl turned over the tunic which Davinia snatched from her, taking a whiff out of it.
"I’ve nae assigned ye here. Who gave ye permission to come in here?"
"I’m sorry, Miss Davinia, I only wanted to make her work easier and—"
"I did nae permit ye to enter this chamber! There is a reason I oversee the tidying of this place." Davinia raised a brow at the shaking servant. "Have ye taken anything?"
"Nae, miss! I would never do such a thing. I promise I only came here to clean." Davinia huffed, trying to ease her nerves. She was upset over the turn of events. The last thing she wanted to do was take out her anger on a servant.
Her eyes shot open when her mind shifted over to what Gawain had told her the night before. A servant by the name of Erica was who his maid had seen exiting the store. She had also made advances toward him. A few girls had the name, and Gawain had not provided the last name, so Davinia had to be careful with how she asked.
