Page 71 of An Enchanted Spring

She became lost as they twisted their way through the hallways of the castle, some seeming to slope higher and others lower. Eventually, Brianagh pulled a key from the large keychain she wore at her waist and unlocked a heavy wooden door. It swung open, and Emma’s eyes widened in delight.

Inside, the room was filled with color. Bright tapestries, unlike any Emma had ever seen, lined the walls. Two large couches, made with rough-hewn wood and hand-sewn cushions, flanked the fireplace, in which a fire was already burning brightly. A carved desk, placed against the alcove window, held parchment and ink, neatly laid out on its surface, ready for use. The desk chair, made of the same wood, was cushioned and more ornate than the desk itself.

Books of all sizes lined the built-in shelves on either side of the desk, creating a warm and inviting environment.

Emma stared in wonder.

“It’s so nice to have another American here!” Brianagh exclaimed. “Call me Bri. I’m married to Nioclas, Aidan’s brother. But you probably know that already.”

Emma smiled at the infectious good cheer in her voice. “Well, yes. I’ve gotten the distinct impression that you’re a big part of this family.”

“Pshhh,” she replied with a roll of her eyes. “They all feel this need to coddle me, but everyone forgets that I’m quite independent. I even started my own business back in the States, did they tell you that?”

“Yes. I’ve just started some publicity work for Colin,” Emma replied. “Well, I was. I don’t know how that’s going to work out, me being here…and not there.” She frowned.

Bri nearly squealed. “Colin! You know him? How is he? Tell me he’s settled down, married. Kids. Something.”

Emma bit her lip. “Not married, no. But his house ismagnificent. He bought the adjoining neighbor’s part and renovated it. The library is phenomenal.”

Bri looked at her, interested. “Colin had you in his house?”

“Yes. I stayed there with Aidan and Reilly,” Emma explained. Bri’s eyebrow raised higher. “And Cian, although I barely saw him.”

“He slept outside your room when I couldn’t, love,” Aidan called over from where he’d settled on the couch.

Bri’s expression turned speculative at the endearment.

“Your business is thriving,” Emma rushed to inform her. “Colin’s taking it international. It’s why he hired me.”

“So, you work for Colin.”

“And me,” Aidan said. “It’s so good to see you, Bri.”

Bri smiled, her eyes misting again. “We thought you were dead.”

“Not dead,” he said softly. “Very much alive, some centuries in the future.”

Her gaze swung to Reilly. “In all the times you visited, you never said a word. Not once!”

“You know the rules,” Reilly said solemnly. He stood against the closed door, arms and ankles crossed. He directed his gaze to Nioclas. “I can’t tell you anything that might alter history.”

“And another of the rules is that you only travel when there’s a threat to the MacWilliam/O’Rourke line. So what’s the latest problem?”

Reilly gave a small shake of his head. “We can discuss that later, as it’s not a pressing matter at the moment. MacWilliam and Emma weren’t supposed to come.”

“Why did they, then?” Nick asked.

“Emma’s run into a spot of trouble with a particularly deranged ex-betrothed.”

Aidan quickly explained what happened. “…then I decided it best that we go to Colin’s for added protection. Reilly happened to be there, and we all decided to keep Emma under a tight guard.”

“That must’ve been highly annoying,” Brianagh replied, leaning over and giving Emma a sympathetic pat on the knee. “Three incredibly overbearing men ‘protecting’ you? I would’ve killed them, myself.”

“It wasn’t so bad. It all came from a good place.”

“It always does,” Bri agreed. “What did you say you were doing for Celtic Connections?”

“Public relations.”

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