Scandalized by My Prince Read online

  “Yes,” she replied. “It does.”

  “The date is important?”

  “It is to me,” Aubriella said. It helped ease some of her anxiety. The lady, though, seemed even more stressed. “Please don’t fret over me. I have a hard head and will be fine.” At least she hoped so. She didn’t like having her gift muted. She hadn’t realized how much she’d relied on it until it wasn’t there for her to reach.

  “That may be true,” the lady said, then smiled warmly. “Either way, we’ll help you. Do you feel up to a visit with my brother? He’s been anxiously waiting for word of your condition. The doctor left strict instructions not to wake you.”

  Aubriella wanted to know their names, but didn’t want to be rude and ask her outright. The easiest way to achieve her goal was to be blunt with her own name. “Thank you, my lady.” She lifted her lips into a welcoming smile. “My name is Aubriella Byrne, and I’m in your debt.”

  “More my brother’s than mine, Miss Byrne.” She sat on the bed. “I am Lady Odessa Barrington. My brother is the Earl of Thornbury. You’ll meet him soon.”

  So she had guessed correctly. If she was right, and she usually was, then the current earl was the son of the earl who’d been forced to marry the duke’s daughter. She’d always wondered about that particular story. Why had the king been so insistent? What had the earl done to offend him? Maybe it hadn’t been that at all. The king may have believed he was doing the previous earl a favor. When she found the chance, she’d quietly inquire about it.

  This was the best thing that had ever happened to her. The scholar inside of her wanted to dig deep and take as much information as she could home with her. If she ever did return home… Elizabeth Kendall’s journal hadn’t had a lot of information on traveling through the mirror. Her leap through had been an educated guess from the information she’d had on hand.

  “I’d like to thank him,” Aubriella said after she brushed her thoughts away. There was time to study the time period and all of the ins and outs regarding it later. Now she had to help the man she’d glimpsed in the mirror. He’d been in pain, and she couldn’t resist coming to him. The Earl of Thornbury could be that man. She had to meet him and find out. Maybe her gift would return in time to do some good. “When might I be introduced to him?”

  A soft knock on the door prevented Lady Odessa from answering. “Odess….” The man she’d seen in the mirror filled the doorframe. He’d stopped midsentence when his gaze locked on Aubriella. He was so beautiful, her heart stopped for a moment when she’d stared into his golden eyes. “I see our guest is awake,” he said. “How are you fairing?”

  She smiled at him. Her gift was returning in slow degrees, and this man’s pain stabbed through her. It wasn’t as potent as when she’d glimpsed him in the mirror, but it was enough for her to breathe sharply. He couldn’t know that though. Smiling was her way of combating it and shielding herself from any further overload.

  “I’m fine, my lord,” she replied. “Thank you for helping me.”

  He nodded. “Why were you on my lands?”

  The lord didn’t believe in pulling his punches, did he? He jumped right in and asked the question as boldly as he pleased. A part of her rather liked his no-nonsense attitude. She could get used to that if she chose to stay awhile. “I’m not sure how I came to be here.” Not a lie entirely. She had traveled to find him, so it would make sense the mirror would spit her out on his property; however, she didn’t know how it worked.

  “Were you running from someone?” he asked.

  She shook her head. More like running to someone… “I don’t believe so.”

  He frowned. “What happened to your gown?”

  Aubriella glanced down. She wasn’t wearing her skirt and matching blouse anymore. Now she wore a prudish white nightgown, buttoned to the neck. Ruffles and lace were everywhere. How had she not noticed it before? That’s right—she’d been to focused on the pain in her head and her new surroundings. She’d failed to take in her attire. Could anyone blame her?

  “Killian,” Lady Odessa said. Aubriella silently thanked her for giving her his first name. Killian… She rather liked the sound of it inside her head. She couldn’t wait to say it aloud. Lady Odessa had Aubriella’s back and chastised her brother, “I think that’s enough. Do you really think this is a good time to interrogate Miss Byrne?”

  “Miss Byrne?” He lifted a brow. “You recall your name but nothing else?”

  Hell. He wasn’t going to be easy to work with. She’d have to do the one thing she hated doing. Turning on the helpless attitude and sucking him into her thrall. It would be painful, especially with her current weakened state, but it was necessary. She closed her eyes and concentrated, reaching out for him. Aubriella locked onto the emotions pouring out of him and drew them in. Once she had a solid lock on him, she opened her eyes and met his gaze. Every inch of pain running through him now rushed through her instead. Lord Thornbury sucked in a breath and stared. His mouth fell open, and he took several steps toward her.

  “Are you all right?” He reached out, but yanked his hand back. “How did I not notice how fragile you are?”

  Aubriella was good and truly drained, but Killian was where she needed him. After awhile he’d be able to break free of the thrall, but not before she was able to get to the bottom of his pain. When she left him, he’d be a better man, or at the very least, able to move on with his life. He was the reason she’d come to the past.

  “I’m fine, my lord,” she said softly. “You don’t need to worry over me.”

  That was the truth. He shouldn’t concern himself with her. She figured he would though. It was part of her gift. If she needed to, she could appear as a helpless waif and draw people to her. The toughest people broke away the fastest—or those truly in love. Her gift seemed to cause men to react the strongest, but women weren’t immune. She had to work harder to make them see what she wanted them to.

  Lord Thornbury kept his gaze on her, but spoke to Lady Odessa. “Order a tray of food brought up for Miss Byrne. She hasn’t eaten in days and she’ll need substance.”

  Lady Odessa nodded and headed out of the room. Aubriella almost laughed at how fast she exited. Why wasn’t his sister worried about leaving him alone with an unmarried woman? What did she miss? Maybe it was nothing. The lady might have agreed with Lord Thornbury and decided she needed something to eat. On cue, her stomach growled, echoing through the room.

  “You are hungry,” Lord Thornbury said. “Food should arrive shortly. Is there anything I can get for you in the interim?”

  Aubriella shook her head. “I don’t suppose you have something more…” She picked at the lace on her sleeve and considered her words carefully. “I’d like to leave this bed, and my current attire isn’t something I can traverse the castle in.”

  He smiled. “I’ve already seen to having a gown altered for your use while you’re here. It’s one of Odessa’s old gowns. She’s considerably taller than you, but her maid believes shortening it will do the trick. She took your measurements while you slept.”

  Not creepy at all… She wouldn’t chastise him for it. The dress would come in handy later, and it didn’t matter how he managed to procure it for her. She was grateful he’d thought ahead, and at least he’d not been the one to poke and prod her while she was unconscious. Awake though—she might invite him to touch her as he pleased.

  “Thank you,” she said for what felt like the hundredth time. “I can never repay you for your kindness.”

  “Think nothing of it,” he replied, then paused. Lord Thornbury tilted his head and studied her before saying, “Though there is one thing I’d like from you.”

  She wasn’t sure if she should give in to anything. Curiosity won out in the end. “What would you like my lord?” Was it wrong a part of her hoped he asked for a kiss? Aubriella longed to feel this man’s lips on hers. He was wildly attractive with his dark hair and golden tiger eyes. He was all male, and she wanted to lick every inc
h of him. Down girl—jumping the guy isn’t why you’re here…

  “Tell me your full name,” he said.

  That was it? He could’ve easily gotten that from his sister. She must not have the same affect on him as he did her. He almost seemed—unmoved. He was more courteous and careful with her though. That was her gift at play. She blew out a breath. “Aubriella Byrne,” she told him. “But you may call me Brie.”

  Why had she given him permission to use her nickname?

  “Aubriella,” he said. His voice was a deep, rich timbre that rumbled through her. She could get used to this man saying her name. “A lovely name for an even lovelier lass.” He bent down and lifted her chin with his fingers, bringing her chin up so she could meet his gaze. “I think you and I are going to become well acquainted.”

  With those words, he spun on his heels and exited the room. Aubriella’s breathing became ragged and she’d never been so turned on in her life. Well acquainted indeed…

  Chapter 3

  Killian strolled through the hall, heading toward his office. He ran into Gavin, almost knocking him to the ground. “Och, man,” he said. “Don’t you ever go home?”

  Gavin laughed. “I’ve been gone for days. I arrived moments ago. Have you been so lost in your own head you hadn’t noticed my departure a sennight ago?”

  Had it been a week since he’d found Aubriella in the valley near his castle? She’d been unconscious for days. He’d worried over her condition, but the doctor had reassured him it was normal for someone with a head injury to sleep for a few days. He wasn’t entirely sure he’d believed him; however, he couldn’t argue with him either. The doctor had trained for such matters, and Killian had been groomed to be an earl.

  He’d been relieved when the lass had finally awoken. Something about her… One moment she seemed like a fragile flower, and others she was a veritable dragon. He didn’t understand her and feared he never would. Perhaps he was turning into a besotted fool over a little slip of a woman. None of that mattered at the moment. Gavin was staring at him, awaiting some kind of response, and he had none to give him.

  “If you left, why did you return?” He didn’t want to give his friend any fuel to tease him with. If he realized Killian was mooning over a woman he’d hear nothing else from him. “Did you miss Odessa that much?”

  Gavin was fighting a losing battle where Odessa was concerned. Killian wasn’t sure why he bothered. It was clear to all around them Gavin loved her, yet he kept running at every opportunity. There had to be a reason for that. He hoped his friend shared it with him one day.

  “I have more important things to do than court your sister,” Gavin retorted as he rolled his eyes. “I’m interested in the waif you found. How does she fair?”

  Killian paused, clenching his hand tightly. His first instinct was to discourage Gavin’s inquiry with his fist, but that would make things worse. If he wanted to steer Gavin away from questions about Aubriella, he had to give him something else to focus on.

  “The lass was doing fine the last I checked,” he replied as calmly as possible. “Odessa was taking her for a walk in the garden. If you wish, we can join them. It’ll give you the opportunity to share barbs with my sister. I know it’s one of your favorite activities.”

  Gavin scowled. “I should take you up on that offer, but not for the reasons you’ve indicated.”

  Killian took a deep breath and considered pouring himself a drink. A nice sniffer of whisky sounded heavenly at the moment. Between Odessa, his mother, and now Gavin, he was losing his bloody mind. Once his mother discovered Aubriella, she’d begin planning a wedding. Her romantic heart got her in more trouble than anything else. He should be somewhat grateful for her impractical nature. If not for that, he’d not exist.

  “I may regret this,” Killian said carefully. “But what other reason would you possibly have for a stroll in the garden?”

  Gavin leaned against Killian’s desk and folded his arms across his chest. “I’m curious about your actions,” he said smoothly. “More importantly, I’m wondering why you’ve allowed the lass to remain at Kingsbridge. How is it you’ve not remembered that all females who are not family are poison? I figured you would have sent her packing by now.”

  Killian scowled. Gavin was right. He didn’t have the patience for any female. The reason he tolerated Odessa and his mother was because they were family. Sometimes, he believed he’d been cursed with a flighty mother and stubborn sister to drive him insane.

  “She was injured,” he said evenly. “I’m not an ogre. She should be allowed some time to heal.”

  “A tidy excuse,” Gavin goaded him. “You can tell me the truth. I’m your friend. What’s the real reason?”

  Hell. Gavin wasn’t going to let it go. He’d poke and prod until Killian lost his temper and punched him in truth. Some days, he wished he could find a little peace. Other times, he was grateful for the people in his life. This wasn’t one of those moments.

  “You’re right,” Killian said.

  Gavin lifted a brow. “I am?”

  “Absolutely.” Killian nodded. “We absolutely should go to the garden. I think it’s the only way you’ll let this all go.”

  He might be tightening the noose around his own neck, but it was all he could think of to distract Gavin with. Odessa would sink her claws into his friend, and he’d not have a chance to notice Killian’s fascination with Aubriella. At least, he hoped that was how it would all play out.

  “I’d rather not,” Gavin said carefully. “I’ll take your word for it. Actually, there is another matter I wish to discuss.”

  “Oh?” Killian said. “Why didn’t you say so from the start?”

  Gavin shrugged. “I had to needle you. It’s rare you do something out of the ordinary.”

  Killian closed his eyes and reminded himself to breathe. His patience was running short. He opened his eyes and met Gavin’s gaze. “Why did you travel a half a day’s ride to come see me then?”

  If Gavin had come by to talk about something, it was probably important. He couldn’t really blame Gavin for teasing him. Killian did it often enough regarding Odessa. Turnabout was fair play, after all…

  “It’s about that matter in Manchester we discussed before. They’re going to have an assembly regarding voting rights—I know you’re interested in it.”

  Ah, yes, that… He had been fascinated by the working class’s interest in having the right to vote. Some women were even demanding the right as well. He wasn’t sure if they would get very far with it, but he wanted to help if he could. If anything, it would stick it to his true father a little bit. That is, if he bothered to take the time to notice what was going on in the country he was supposed to help govern.

  “When are they meeting?”

  “In six days,” he said. “At St. Peter’s field.”

  A female’s gasp echoed through the room. Gavin and Killian turned at the sound. Aubriella stood in the doorway staring at them both. One of the maids had altered one of Odessa’s older gowns to fit her. If possible she became even more lovely each time he saw her. The dress hugged her bosom and accented the color of her eyes. He stared at her for several seconds before he noticed that her mouth was hanging open as she glanced their way.

  “Pardon me, my lords,” she said a bit breathlessly. “Did you say something about St. Peter’s field?”

  “What of it?” Gavin asked. “Have you been there?”

  Aubriella shook her head. “Not that I recall.”

  Killian didn’t believe her. Something about his discussion with Gavin had caught her attention? Was she affiliated with one of the people organizing the meeting? Was she against the working class gaining the right to vote? He couldn’t be sure what Aubriella knew, but he’d bet his entire fortune she did have some information. He’d have to take the time to uncover it, but it would be worth it if it aided the cause.

  “Do you have family in Manchester?” Killian asked. “Perhaps that is why it seems familiar
.”

  Aubriella shook her head. “I’ve no family here, my lord.”

  “Here?” Killian raised a brow. “So, you do have family somewhere?”

  “Not exactly,” she replied. “I’ve no living family at the moment.”

  What a weird way to state her family was dead. At the moment? Did she expect them to suddenly rise from the dead, or was it something else entirely? Maybe she spoke of future children. Killian hoped she didn’t set her sights on marriage. Gavin would most likely marry Odessa once he got over the ridiculous curse notion. At least he didn’t have to worry about his friend taking a liking to Aubriella. Gavin’s superstitions made sure he didn’t get attached to any woman.

  “Why did the mention of Manchester make you gasp?” He still didn’t buy her answers. Something didn’t add up for him to let it go that easily. “You’ve not mentioned where you call home?”

  Her accent suggested she wasn’t English, but he couldn’t be certain. It had a soft melodic lilt to it. If he had to guess, she was from Ireland. He’d not had a lot of contact with anyone from that isle, but he’d met enough to recognize the tone in her voice.

  “I’m not an English citizen if that’s what you’re asking,” she replied. “That’s why it’s ludicrous you’re implying I’m from Manchester. Surely you knew that much already.”

  His lips tilted upward. “I’ve been wrong before. It’s best to ask questions to find the truth rather than assuming. Isn’t that right, Lord Havenwood.”

  Gavin nodded. “He makes an ass of himself enough as it is. Lord Thornbury likes to dig a hole for himself on a regular basis. Don’t think you’re special in that regard.”

  That was not the backup he’d been hoping for when he brought Gavin into the conversation. The urge to smack the backside of his head was growing with each passing moment.

  “The point, Miss Byrne, is you could still have family ties to Manchester regardless of the country you call home.”

  Aubriella fidgeted in the doorway. She remained silent for several heartbeats. Killian was starting to think she might not answer him, but she proved him wrong a moment later. “As I said, I have no family here. I gasped because I had a bad feeling when you mentioned St. Peter’s field. Please tell me you’re not going there.”