Chapter Twenty Five

Day passed, the echo of Ryan and Suzy's explosive argument clinging to the castle walls like a bad smell. The tension was a physical thing, a suffocating weight that pressed down on everyone, from the steward to the lowliest scullery maid. Whispers and hushed conversations filled the corridors, fueled by stolen glances and half-heard arguments.

Suzy found solace in the gardens, her haven of blooming flowers and twittering birds. The fresh air provided a welcome escape from the suffocating atmosphere within the castle walls. As she strolled along a familiar path, her eyes fell upon a solitary figure in the distance – Byron.

Byron was mounted on a handsome chestnut mare, his tall figure silhouetted against the clear blue sky. He was practicing dressage movements, his movements graceful and controlled.

Suddenly, an impulsive idea struck her. With a sense of defiance bubbling up inside her, she decided to break free from the confines of her gilded cage for a while.

Taking a deep breath, she called out, her voice echoing through the vast garden. "Byron!"

Byron, startled by the unexpected voice, reined in his horse and turned towards her. A smile spread across his face as he recognized her.

"Duchess!" he exclaimed, dismounting with surprising agility. "What a surprise! What brings you out here?"

Suzy hesitated for a moment, then blurted out, "I'm… I'm suffocating in there." She gestured vaguely towards the imposing castle behind her.

Byron chuckled softly, his smile understanding. "I can imagine," he said, his voice gentle. "The castle can feel rather… oppressive at times. That's why I disappear most times."

Suzy nodded, a wave of relief washing over her. For the first time in weeks, she felt seen, understood. "Do you think…" she began hesitantly, "...do you think I could join you? For a ride, I mean?"

Byron's smile widened. "Join me? But Cassandra, you don't…" he trailed off, gesturing towards her elegant dress, wholly unsuitable for riding.

Suzy's defiance flared again. "Don't tell me what I can't do, Byron. Your brother does that everyday." she countered, a playful glint in her eyes. "There's got to be something I can wear. Something that doesn't restrict me."

Byron chuckled again, the sound warm and genuine. "Alright, alright," he conceded, raising his hands in surrender. "Doris must have something suitable. Let me help you."

He turned and whistled, and a stablehand appeared leading a beautiful black mare. Suzy's eyes lit up at the sight of the sleek animal, its coat gleaming in the sunlight.

"Doris!" Byron called out, his voice carrying through the air. "Duchess Cassandra requires… a change of wardrobe. Something for riding, and quickly!"

A moment later, a breathless Doris appeared, her eyes wide with surprise. "Milady," she gasped, "are you sure? His Grace…"

Suzy cut her off with a determined smile. "Don't worry about His Grace, Doris," she said. "Just get me something comfortable, something… free."

Doris, sensing Suzy's need for escape, nodded her understanding. "Of course, milady," she said. "I'll have something ready immediately."

Suzy emerged from the castle, a vision of practicality and grace. Her auburn hair, cascading down her back earlier in a waterfall of curls, was now twisted into a messy but stylish bun. She wore breeches that hugged her curves comfortably and a forest green riding jacket that accentuated her already vibrant features.

Doris, who had been fretting over the unorthodox request, couldn't help but let out a gasp of admiration. "Milady," she breathed, "you look… stunning."

Suzy spun around, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Do I?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with a newfound confidence. "Perhaps this is a look I should adopt more often."

Doris chuckled, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Perhaps, Your Grace," she conceded. "But for riding, it's perfect."

Suzy nodded, a wave of gratitude washing over her. Doris, unlike Ryan, understand her need for a change, for a break from the suffocating expectations of her title.

With a spring in her step, Suzy joined Byron by the stables. He stood beside the black mare, his eyes widening in surprise as he took in her transformation.

"Milady," he breathed, his voice a low whistle. "You look… incredible."

Suzy blushed, a warmth blooming in her chest. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "And this…" she gestured towards the mare, "...is she for me?"

Byron grinned, a playful glint in his eyes. "Indeed," he confirmed. "Her name is Luna. She's a bit spirited, but I think you two will get along just fine."

Suzy approached the mare cautiously, her hand outstretched. Luna nickered softly, lowering her head to sniff Suzy's palm. A moment later, a sense of calm settled over the animal, as if acknowledging Suzy's gentle spirit.

With Byron's help, Suzy mounted Luna, settling comfortably into the saddle. The feel of the leather beneath her thighs, the warmth of the sun on her skin, and the gentle breeze in her hair brought a sense of peace that she hadn't felt in weeks.

"Ready?" Byron asked, his voice filled with a quiet excitement.

Suzy straightened her posture, a determined glint in her eyes. "Ready as I'll ever be," she declared.

They set off at a leisurely pace, leaving the imposing castle behind. Byron led the way, guiding Suzy through winding paths and hidden meadows. He pointed out hidden waterfalls, ancient ruins nestled amongst the trees, and breathtaking vistas that stretched as far as the eye could see.

"This place is incredible," Suzy exclaimed, her voice filled with awe as she took in the breathtaking scenery. "I had no idea these places even existed."

Byron chuckled. "These are the hidden treasures of the estate," he explained. "Places I used to explore as a child."

Suzy smiled, a sense of friendship blooming between them. As they rode, they talked about their passions and dream. For the first time in a long time, Suzy felt truly heard, truly understood.

They stopped by a crystal-clear stream, dismounting to let their horses graze in the lush meadow. Suzy dipped her cupped hands into the cool water, taking a long, refreshing drink.

She leaned back against the rough bark of the tree, a contemplative expression etched on her face. Byron, seated beside her, watched her with a kind smile.

"So," he began cautiously, breaking the comfortable silence, "do you… hate him?"

Suzy's brow furrowed, the question catching her off guard. Hate Ryan? The answer, she thought, was rather obvious. His coldness, his suffocating expectations, his constant disapproval – all of it fueled a simmering resentment within her. But before she could voice her answer, Byron continued, his voice laced with a hint of sadness.

"Well, I…" she stammered, searching for the right words.

But before she could answer, Byron continued, his voice laced with a deep sadness that tugged at Suzy's heartstrings. "Don't," he said gently, his gaze still distant. "Don't hate him, Cassandra. He's just… lost."

Suzy frowned, her initial anger giving way to a flicker of curiosity. "Lost?" she echoed, her voice barely a whisper. "What are you getting at, Byron?"

Byron hesitated for a moment, then reached out and plucked a blade of grass, twisting it between his fingers. "Ryan can be… difficult, that much is true," he began, his voice low and gentle. "But have you ever stopped to consider why?"

Suzy shook her head, a knot of confusion tightening in her stomach. "Why? Because he's a pompous, self-absorbed…"

"No," Byron interrupted softly, his voice tinged with sadness. "It's not that simple, Cassandra. You see, Ryan and I… we lost our mother when we were very young."

Suzy's eyes widened in surprise. She had never known. "He must have been devastated," she whispered, her voice filled with empathy.

Byron nodded, his jaw clenching for a moment before he continued. "He was," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "We both were. But Ryan… he was closer to her. She doted on him, you see. And her death… it hit him the hardest."

He paused, taking a deep breath as if gathering his composure. "Our father… he wasn't very… emotional," Byron continued, his voice strained. "He focused on his duties, on tradition, on law. He never really taught him how to… care for someone. He instilled in Ryan the importance of being perfect, of duty, of tradition, of upholding the family legacy, on making Ryan the perfect Duke but not the importance of… love."

"So, you're saying…" Suzy began cautiously, her voice soft.

"I'm saying he's just… new to all of this," Byron finished for her, his voice regaining a hint of its former strength. "He doesn't know how to express his feelings, how to be a husband. But don't hate him, Cassandra. Try to understand him."

Suzy pondered his words, a wave of conflicting emotions washing over her.

I… I'll try," she finally said, her voice barely a whisper. "But it won't be easy. If I can't take it I'll lash back at him. I don't want someone putting their trauma on me"

Byron smiled sadly, a flicker of hope flickering in his eyes. "I know," he said gently. " I understand."

Suzy and Byron sat under the oak tree for a while longer, lost in their own thoughts. Finally, the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting long shadows across the meadow.

Suzy pushed herself off the ground. "Well," she said, brushing off a stray bit of grass from her breeches, "I suppose we should head back."

Byron stood up, a hint of disappointment flickering across his features. "Yes," he agreed, "the sun is starting to dip below the horizon." As they mounted the horses and rode home.

They walked in comfortable silence towards the stables. Luna and the chestnut mare whinnied in greeting, nudging their hands for treats.

Suzy reached out and stroked Luna's velvety nose, a grateful smile gracing her lips. "Thank you, Byron," she said sincerely, her voice laced with a warmth that extended beyond just gratitude. "Today… today has been exactly what I needed."

Byron offered her a warm smile in return. "You're welcome," he replied, his voice genuine. "I'm glad I could provide some escape."

"Until next time, then?" Suzy asked, her voice a hopeful whisper.

Byron grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Until next time, Duchess," he replied, using her title with a hint of playfulness.

With a final wave goodbye, Suzy nudged Luna into a gentle trot, the image of Byron's warm smile imprinted on her mind.