The crudeness of the statement caused Draven’s lip to curl. ‘Twas the type of comment his father would have made. And the fact that it was directed at Emily added even more rage to him.
Like a fool, Niles continued, “As spirited as Emily is, I imagine she provides quite a ride. Tell me, does she prefer spurs or spikes?”
Blind rage darkened his sight and before he could think, Draven slammed his fist straight into Niles’s face.
The baron spun about and fell to the floor.
Draven leapt over the table to seize the baron and strike him again.
Suddenly, Simon was there, pulling him back from Niles.
All the music and voices stopped instantly as the people around them turned to see what had happened.
Niles rose from the floor with bloodlust burning in his eyes. He wiped the blood from his lips and glared at Draven.
“‘Tis a lady you speak of,” Draven said, his tone a low growl as he pushed Simon away from him. “And I caution you to better counsel your tongue when it comes to her reputation lest you find that offending member ripped out.”
“What goes here?” Hugh pushed his way through the onlookers. “Niles? What happened?” He lifted the baron’s chin and examined the damage, then patted him comfortingly on the back as he summoned a servant to see to the baron’s needs.
They passed words between themselves, and then Hugh turned his outraged glare to Draven. Hatred flared his nostrils. “I want you out of my hall.”
Simon took a step forward. “But Draven just?—”
“Come, Simon,” he said, cutting his brother off. “I have no wish to stay where I’m not welcome.”
Draven took a step and found Emily planted in front of him, hands on hips.
She looked to her father. “Do you still consider me a lady of this hall, Father?”
“Of course.”
“Then Lord Draven is welcome here.”
“Emily,” her father growled in warning.
“Father,” she shot back. “If he leaves, I go with him.”
Draven lifted a brow at her cheek. So, he wasn’t the only she tested. In a way, it comforted him to know she held no fear of anyone.
Hugh’s brows drew together in fury. “I curse the day I ever laughed at your spirit, Emily. Little did I know then that it would long haunt my old age.” Hugh narrowed his gaze on Draven. “Very well, he can stay, but if he strikes another guest, he’s out the door on his arse. Do you understand me?”
She nodded.
Hugh cast one last furious glower to his daughter, then ordered everyone back to their merriment.
The mood of all was subdued as conversations began and the musicians began playing once more.
Niles continued to stare at Draven until the man Emily had attacked with the chicken came forward to get him. They walked off together.
Draven relaxed a tiny degree until he saw the condemnation on Emily’s face.
“Why did you hit him?”
“He begged me to do it.”
“Oh,” she said, her face bitterly amused. “I see. He just walked up to you and said, Lord Draven, please strike me on the face and knock me to the floor in front of my guests.”
Draven folded his arms over his chest. “Something like that.”
