Gawain's eyes widened as his nostrils flared at his brother's words. "Ye did nae taken me into consideration, Caillen. I ken that I was wrong, but ye did nothing to stop father from banishing me. Ye let him ruin my life for a mistake and you sat there, watching."
"Neither father nae I ruined yer life, Gawain. Ye were punished because of the lengths ye went to steal me birthright! Now I’ve brought ye back despite the elder's protest, and ye still antagonize me because ye failed in taking what was never yers to begin with? This is why father could nae stand ye. Ye always have to make everything difficult!"
"I never wanted yer birthright in the first place, Caillen. I never wanted what was nae mine. I never wanted to carry yer cross but ye left and I had to suddenly do yer job! I worked fer years only fer it to be snatched out of me face just because ye decided to return? I only tried to fight so I wouldn't get the worse end of the staff. It is the same way I never begged ye to call me back. I’ve nae business here, and nae do ye’ve a valid reason get calling me back. "
Caillen pinched the bridge of his nose, stepping away from his brother to slump back in his chair. He could feel a dull ache starting to bloom above his eyes. "I called ye back so he could partake in the clan's happiness. A bairn is to be born, brother."
"’Tis nae yer first child. Why call me now?"
"Think what ye will. Ye have always been thick-headed."
"And ye’ve always been nonchalant." Caillen looked up at his brother, leaning forward in warning.
"What did ye say to me?"
"And insensitive." Gawain spat in defiance. “Ye lack empathy, and ye hide behind yer pretentious charm. If I’m to be yer left hand, then me first advice to ye would be to go into the village."
"It is nae yer job to tell me how to run me clan. If ye think ‘tis easy, then do it. "
"I would have, but father had to summon his most beloved son. He and the elders stuck to ye like ants to sweets while I who had been slaving away for years was suddenly cast out. Now ye try to degrade me by telling me I would serve under a man who once served under me? Ye rub our father's partial love in me face. Ye call me a thief who wants the birthright ye never even wanted to begin with. Ye simply called me back to be the jest of this event, milord."
"Gawain...that is nae true. I would never think—"
"Aye, ye do nae think. That is yer problem. But do nae worry, milord. If ye want a show, I’ll give ye one."
Chapter Five
Davinia narrowly evaded crashing into a few servants as she made her way out of the castle. Her face flushed and her heart beating faster than ever, she was close to full-on sprinting toward the one place she knew she could have a few minutes of privacy during a busy day; the garden.
A small stump in the far corner of the vegetable garden was where she sat, pulling aggressively at the weeds at her feet as her mind raced. Her cheeks matched the tomatoes only a few paces away from her as she recalled the feel of Gawain's lips against hers. A feather-like touch, teasing even. Never in her life had she thought such a thing would happen, her affections were being returned.
How long had he felt the same way? When did he notice her affections? Did he honor his brother's invitation just for her? Different thoughts filled her head at the many possibilities of being with Gawain, each one making her heart skip a beat.
She tugged at a rather difficult weed, not relenting until she had its roots out of the dark soil. She wondered what Gawain saw in her. If she was to be blunt, she couldn't find a single thing that would attract the man. She did not have a large chest and broad hips like Lady Flora, his previous wife to be. She was not brought up with the etiquette of a lady, neither did she look like one. The only flashy jewelry she had was her new ribbon.
Untying her hair, she inspected the ribbon for any signs of previous use. Perhaps he had won it, or a lady friend from his travels had given it to him. It was likely. She couldn't think of a proper reason as to why he would give her something as expensive as a silk ribbon. Even if he was true, what was so unique about her that drew him so? Was it her hair? No, it was the color of the earth. Was it her body? No, it couldn't be. Her younger sister was far more developed than she was. Was it her experience with men? She flushed. It couldn't be, she had never…
Then what could it be? What about her could have attracted Gawain after all these years?
Perhaps he was looking for a mistress?
Her heart clenched at the possibility, but she had no other path to go down through. Gawain did not seem like he would be staying after the bairn was born. Perhaps he just needed someone to fiddle about with until he took off once more. A huge part of her doubted it, but there was always that little voice at the back of her head that reminded her that she hadn't been around him for years. He may have changed. He could easily no longer be the Gawain she knew. With his appearance, she was sure women had no problem throwing themselves at him. Or he might be only be paying her attention out of pity. She couldn’t be sure.
Her shoulders sagged with a deep sigh. She had gotten her hopes high and gotten herself hurt once more. When would she ever learn?
She slowly left the garden, her new ribbon tucked in her apron pocket as it had been replaced by her old one. It was a beautiful thing, but she did not have the heart to put it on. She dragged herself toward the kitchen, deciding to focus on her work and pushing Gawain to the back of her mind. She was about to turn into the kitchen when she heard small, almost whisper-like voices coming from the store. Pressing herself against the wall, she strained her ear to listen to what they had to say. Gossip was what every maid thrived upon.
"I saw him when he was on his way into the castle. I do admire Duncan for standing his ground, refusing to let him pass."
"Duncan did that? Goodness, I would have passed out if I had to face him."
"It's his crimes that terrify me more than his appearance. I wonder why the Laird would even let him back in."
Three maids, Davinia recognized them after a quick peep. Lazy gossips who spent the majority of their time behind the group, talking about anything and everything no matter how hard they were scolded. Today, their topic of interest was Gawain and it did not sit well with Davinia.
"The Laird is his brother. Pity perhaps? If I was Laird, I would never let such a dangerous man set foot on me lands. Ye ken what he did before he got exiled?"
"You ken, I only heard he tried to kill the Laird."
