Scandalized by My Prince Page 2

  “What?” Trenton asked.

  “That’s one handsome man. He looks so lonely...” She tilted her head, intent on the image. She knew what she had to do. Trenton would save her cousin, but there was no one around to do the same for this man. “I’m going to help him…”

  She dropped the book and stepped through the mirror, disappearing inside. The mist swallowed her whole and disoriented her. She focused on the man and his location. The mist spat her out like something that tasted bad. She didn’t have time to prepare for the impact and her head bounced on the ground. Aubriella glanced up, meeting the man’s gaze. At least she’d managed to do that part right—she’d found him. Her vision blurred and she lost consciousness.

  Chapter 1

  Killian Lynwood, the Earl of Thornbury stared down at the lass lying on the ground. She had golden red hair and a heart-shaped face. Her eyes were a light brown with flecks of gold shimmering through them. Her small frame barely covered much of the earth beneath her. Her dress—he narrowed his gaze—it couldn’t really be considered a gown. The skirt fell beneath her knees and the top half was so white it appeared sheer. It appeared to be more of chemise than an actual blouse.

  What had happened to the poor thing? The woman blinked several times and her head dropped, bouncing off the grass beneath her. He wasn’t entirely sure where she’d come from. One minute he was alone, and the next he turned to find her before him. It was possible he’d been so lost in his own thoughts he’d walked by her without noticing, but he couldn’t be certain.

  When she regained consciousness, he’d have to ask her several questions. Starting with her name and ending with where the bloody hell she’d come from… It didn’t appear as if he’d be interrogating her anytime soon though. She wasn’t moving, and she may have injured herself in ways he couldn’t see. He’d have to help her even if he wasn’t feeling inclined to do so.

  He sighed. “Och, what am I to do with you?”

  There really wasn’t any choice. He would have to take her back to Kingsbridge castle. Once there, his servants would be able to assist him. He could send one of them to fetch a doctor and perhaps determine what ailed her. She was a lovely lass, but he’d rather not keep her around the castle for any length of time. His mother might start to get ideas about marriage and grandchildren. Killian had no desire to become a husband or a father. He already had too much responsibility on his hands.

  He lifted her into his arms and headed back to the castle, thankful she was a tiny thing. The lass’s weight was nearly nothing, making it easy for him to carry her. The castle was over the hills, beyond the edge of the River Tweed. His home sat on the English side of the river, and while technically he wasn’t a Scot, he often identified with them. Most of his servants were Scots, including his governess.

  Killian crossed over a hill and stopped a moment to catch his breath. Kingsbridge Castle loomed in the distance. The magnificent estate was glorious to behold, and he’d never tire of this particular sight. Sunlight streamed down upon it, creating a majestic view. It sat on a hill, making it easier to look down on the world around them.

  The castle was a throwback to times when medieval lords had to plan for sieges that could last for days. The large sweeping gates had long ago been renovated into actual doorways and the courtyard renovated so it wasn’t open and no longer allowed weather to stream in at will. The former courtyard had been converted into several different rooms. Over the years, the previous Earls of Thornbury had made changes. Each one constructing Kingsbridge even more impressively than before—Killian had yet to do any changes to the castle. He wasn’t even sure he wanted to. It didn’t belong to him in truth. He wasn’t really a Lynwood and didn’t deserve the title that came with the only home he’d ever known.

  He glanced down at the woman in his arms. Standing around looking at the castle wasn’t helping her. She needed a doctor and he had to make sure she found one. With a sigh, he continued his journey to the castle. A short time later, he was standing before the large wooden doors juggling her as he attempted to open them. As luck would have it he didn’t have to shuffle her for long. The door swung open wide and a large man filled the entrance. He had black hair with gold highlights. It fell to his shoulders in untamed waves. His grey eyes were akin to a storm cloud ready to unleash the heavens on the world. They darkened as he glared at Killian.

  “Gavin,” Killian said, addressing one of his closest friends. “Move before I knock you out of the way.”

  “I’d like to see you try,” he replied as he stared at the woman Killian held in his arms. “What did you do to the lass? Is this how you court a woman?” He crossed his arms across his chest defiantly. “Perhaps it would be best if you handed her over to me.”

  Like hell he would. He hadn’t harmed the lady, and it irritated him his friend believed he had. Gavin, above anyone else, should realize that. They always had each other’s back and that shouldn’t have changed because of one slip of a lass. “Move. Now.” Killian counted to three and pushed forward. If Gavin was going to be difficult, so be it. He had no trouble laying his friend flat. Gavin stepped out of his way, allowing him to enter the castle.

  “What happened to her?” Gavin asked.

  “I don’t know,” Killian replied. “I found her lying in the field beyond the castle.” He paused a moment and asked, “Do you recognize her?”

  Gavin shook his head as he gazed at the lass. “She’s a bit of a sprite. If not for her generous bosom I’d think she was no more than a girl.” He frowned as a lock of his dark hair fell forward. “Did she lose some of her clothing?”

  Killian wished he knew what had happened to her. She appeared a bit too delicate to be out in the world on her own. His protective instincts were starting to surface. That wasn’t a good thing. It would be hard for him to push her away if he continued to worry over her welfare.

  “I’m going to take her up to one of the unoccupied chambers,” Killian said. “Please have one of the servants summon the doctor for me.”

  Gavin nodded. “Would you like me to send for your mother as well?”

  “Not yet,” Killian said. His mother would take one look at the girl and scheme. “It may not be necessary.”

  Killian turned away from Gavin and moved toward the stairs. He went up and headed toward the solitary available chamber ready to use. His mother had made the servants keep it clean on the off-chance Killian would give in and take a bride. Putting the injured lass in that particular room was a risk, but he wanted to make sure she remained comfortable.

  He pushed open the door and laid her on the bed. She moaned and curled over onto her side. Her blouse rose to reveal the creamy flesh of her stomach—Killian swallowed hard and tugged it back down. The flimsy fabric tore under his fingers. He swore under his breath. The lass needed proper clothing and fast, but first he’d see to her health.

  “I heard we had a guest,” a female said.

  Killian swore again. How had his sister heard about the woman already? “She isn’t exactly a guest, Odessa.”

  “You do know you don’t have to knock a lady over the head to bring her home, do you not?”

  Killian closed his eyes and prayed for patience. He turned away from the injured lass and faced his sister. Odessa’s dark hair was pinned up in an elegant coiffure. Her dark green gown brought the color out of her hazel eyes. Her lips were tilted up into a mocking smile. She was teasing him…

  He lifted a brow. “I don’t need advice from my little sister.” Killian folded his arms across his chest. “Especially as you’ve failed to secure the match you desire for yourself. If it’s so easy, why is it I don’t have your betrothal to announce to the world?”

  She scowled at him. “That idiot hasn’t realized yet what a gift I am. He will soon enough.”

  Killian held back the bark of laughter that threatened to spill from deep inside of him. His sister had been trying her best to gain Gavin’s attention since they were children. Back then, Gavin had better thin
gs to do than cater to a girl. Killian wasn’t sure if he still felt the same way now. Odessa was a pretty girl and well set in her ways. He adored his little sister even when she irritated him to death.

  “Perhaps it’s time for you to let go of him,” he said softly. “Some men have no desire to settle down and have a family.”

  “No,” she said firmly. “I’ll marry Lord Havenwood, or I’ll have no one.”

  Killian almost felt sorry for his friend. His sister was determined to have him as her husband, and what Odessa wanted she always got. As much as he hated to admit it—Gavin’s days as an unmarried gentleman were numbered.

  “You fancy being a countess that much?”

  She picked up a vase and threw it. Killian ducked in time for it to hit the wall behind him, shattering into several pieces. He turned toward her. “Do I need to remind you we have an injured person in here?”

  She nibbled on her bottom lip. “I’m sorry—I wasn’t thinking.”

  A moan filled the room. Killian’s attention once again turned toward the woman he’d brought home. He couldn’t wait for her to wake so he could question her. What had she been doing on his land? Where had she come from? He had a myriad of questions for her and they grew with each passing moment.

  “Do you know who she is?” Odessa asked.

  He shook his head. “No. You don’t recognize her?” The lass was closer to Odessa’s age than his. Not many years separated them. Less than four years after he was born, his sister entered the world. She was bordering on becoming an old maid, but she had her heart set on Gavin. So she waited…

  “I’ve never seen her before. I wonder who she is.”

  As did he… There was something about her. It was more than her beauty—it was almost as if some part of her called to him. He couldn’t explain exactly what it was. All he could determine with a certainty was he had to help her. She needed him, and he had never been able to resist a damsel in distress.

  “We’ll find out soon enough, I expect.”

  Odessa stared down at the woman lying on the bed. She walked over to her and pulled a blanket over the lass’s body. The woman sighed and curled into it, clutching it closer to her.

  “She was shivering,” Odessa said almost apologetically. “Did you not notice.”

  He had, but Odessa reacted to it faster than he had. “Aye,” he agreed. “The doctor should arrive soon.”

  Killian hoped she wasn’t badly injured. He hated the idea someone had hurt her. He’d investigate and ask his people. Maybe they had an idea who she was and what may have befallen her.

  “Do you think it was wise to put her in this chamber?”

  Killian made himself look at Odessa. He wanted to keep vigil over the lass on the bed, but realized that wouldn’t be a good idea. Too much interest would give his family ideas. They all wanted to see him settled. Odessa wasn’t any different, but for the most part, she respected his wishes. His mother was a different story altogether. She claimed he had royal blood, and it was his duty to marry and have children. He couldn’t care less about any of it.

  “It was the only one available. Where else would you have had me put her?”

  Yes, the chamber was directly next to his, and attached through a set of doors, but that didn’t mean he wanted to marry her. If, one day, he chose to wed, this particular set of rooms would belong to his wife. As he had no intention of falling into that particular trap, he saw no reason why the injured lass couldn’t use it.

  “You’re right,” Odessa said. “The servants would have had to prepare another one. I suppose we should be glad mother insists this one is kept clean.”

  A large part of the castle wasn’t used. The servants dusted and cleaned the unused portion every other week. This happened to be the off week, and the rooms were sure to be a tad dusty.

  “Aye,” he agreed dryly. “We’re fortunate mother has unrealistic dreams of me wedding and giving her grandbabies to spoil. She’s better off waiting for you to make Gavin accede to your wishes.”

  A soft knock on the door gained both their attentions. They turned to find a small man with white hair in the entrance. “I’m told you have a need of me.”

  Killian nodded at the local doctor and gestured to the lass on the bed. “I found her in the valley. I’m not sure what is wrong with her.”

  “I’ll have a look,” he said. “But you’ll both need to leave the room to give the girl the privacy she deserves.”

  “Of course,” Killian agreed. “Please come to my study after you finish your examination.”

  The doctor inclined his head. “As soon as I’m finished, I’ll find you.”

  Killian glanced at his sister, lifting a brow. “Odessa?”

  His sister was staring at the lass with a puzzled expression on her face. He couldn’t be certain what she was trying to figure out and wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to either. In some ways, his sibling could be as meddling as their mother. The sooner they helped the injured woman and sent her home, the better he’d feel.

  “I’m coming,” his sister said and followed him out.

  The lass was in good hands. There wasn’t anything else, at that point, Killian could do for her. He’d go to his study and work. When the doctor was finished, he’d get a full report and decide what to do from there. He hoped the lass was all right, but sadly, a part of him also wished for a reason to keep her there. If she was healthy, what reason would he have? What kind of man did that make him? Perhaps he was becoming a bit deranged in his advanced age.

  He’d not stress over any of it until he had to. There would be answers soon enough, and he’d have to make a decision. Until then, he’d try his best to remove the ethereal beauty from his mind. Somehow, he didn’t think that would ever be possible though…

  Chapter 2

  A cold breeze blew over Aubriella, making her teeth chatter. She reached blindly for a blanket, finding nothing near. She cursed and opened her eyes to search for one. Bright sunlight streaming through the window momentarily blinded her. She blinked several times, trying to focus on the room. Where the hell was she? Nothing was recognizable to her.

  “How are you feeling?” a female asked.

  Aubriella glanced up at the woman sitting next to the bed. The lady had a very old book in her hands. She picked up a ribbon, slid it into the book, and closed it before she set it on a nearby table. Her dark hair was pulled back into a braid and twisted into an elaborate knot at the back of her neck. Her beauty made Aubriella feel inferior in comparison.

  “I’m…” Her voice came out hoarsely. She cleared her throat and tried to speak again. “I’m cold.”

  The woman nodded and then stood. She walked across the room and opened a chest. When she came back, she had an olive-green blanket in her hands. She unfolded it and placed it over Aubriella.

  “Is that better?” she asked.

  Aubriella nodded as she pulled the blanket closer. “It is. Thank you.” Why was she helping her? The last thing Aubriella remembered was going through the mirror to assist—she bolted upward. The man, where was he? Had he brought her to this place?

  “Where am I?” Aubriella asked. “Who are you?”

  The woman smiled and patted her arm. “You have no need to worry. You’re under my brother’s protection. No one will harm you here at Kingsbridge Castle.”

  Kingsbridge Castle? Why was that name familiar? She wracked her brain trying to place it. She’d earned her doctorate in history and specialized in both English and Scottish history. There was a fount of information on the battles they’d fought over the centuries. She had always been fascinated with how the United Kingdom had come into being. If her brain wasn’t so muddled, she’d be able to place the castle and its location. Castles, in particular, had always fascinated her.

  “Kingsbridge,” she said more to herself. Saying it aloud helped her to think.

  “Yes,” the lady replied. “What can you tell me of yourself?”

  Aubriella chewed on her lip. “Kin
gsbridge,” she said again and snapped her fingers. “I’m still in England.” Of all the places for her to end up… Kingsbridge castle had always fascinated her.

  The earls at Kingsbridge had a good relationship with their Scottish neighbors and often sided with them more than the English crown. They were lucky to retain control of the lands in most cases. There was one instance where the king had demanded the earl marry a duke’s daughter or he’d strip him of the title and land. When was that?

  “Yes,” the lady patted her again. “Are you afraid of someone? Do you wish to go to Scotland?”

  Aubriella glanced up at her, startled. She’d forgotten the lady was there. Perhaps she could be of use. “What year is it?”

  It was the lady’s turn to be surprised. “How hard did you hit your head?”

  Why did everything have to be done the hard way? It would be much easier if the lady had simply answered her. Now she had to pretend a bit to be addled for her to aid her. Aubriella raised her hand and rubbed the side of her head. It wasn’t difficult to feign injury. Her head did hurt something fierce.

  “I’m not sure,” she said and winced. “Please tell me the date.”

  The lady frowned. “It is August 3, 1819,” she finally answered. “Does that help you?”

  It did, but probably not for the reason the lady thought. It gave her an idea where they were in history. The current earl was probably the man she’d seen in the mirror. He’d hurt a great deal. If her head didn’t pain her, she’d be better able to read the lady at her side. She was working on pure instinct, and so far, it hadn’t gotten her anywhere.