“He lies,” I said in a low voice. When Gawain smiled coolly, I could have cheerfully shredded the meat from his bones. “This man is not only a thief, but insolent as well.”
“Indeed, I have never seen you so agitated, my lady, so your accusation must have some grounds.” Hamish spoke soothingly, then inclined his head slightly. “Of course, you would find this matter troubling, as women are wont to do.”
“My accusations have every ground,” I informed him, my tone so fierce that Hamish flinched. “By all that is holy, Hamish, I swear to you that this man stole this jewel fifteen years past and must be punished for it!”
“The laird will decide his fate,” Hamish said, again speaking to me as if I were a difficult child. “Perhaps you should retire to your chamber, my lady, and see to your attire.
