My Bratty Wife
Chapter 55 - Fifty Five

Chapter 55: Chapter Fifty Five

Suzy pushed open the heavy oak doors of the library, the scent of aged paper and leather immediately filling her senses. Sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting long shadows across the rows upon rows of books that lined the walls.

"Elias?" she called out tentatively, her voice echoing in the vast silence.

A figure emerged from behind a towering bookshelf, a surprised smile breaking out on his face. It was Elias, the library’s keeper, a young man with kind eyes and a perpetual air of quiet scholarly enthusiasm.

"My Lady Duchess!" he exclaimed, bowing slightly. "What a pleasant surprise! How are you doing ?"

Suzy offered a smile in return, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Elias, it’s good to see you again," she said. "I’m doing well, thank you for asking."

"Excellent news, Your Grace," Elias replied, his voice warm and genuine. "These past few weeks have been... trying, haven’t they?"

Suzy nodded, a wave of weariness washing over her. The memory of the attack, the constant feeling of being watched, it all took its toll.

"Indeed," she conceded. "But we persevere, don’t we?"

Elias chuckled softly. "Indeed, Your Grace. Perseverance is the key to overcoming any obstacle, be it a locked door or a complex book."

Suzy felt a flicker of a smile playing on her lips. Elias’s quiet optimism was infectious.

"Speaking of books," she continued, her voice taking on a more purposeful tone. "I wanted to return these." She held out a small stack of worn leather-bound volumes.

Elias’s eyes widened in recognition. "Ah, the travelogues you requested for your journey! I trust you found them entertaining?"

"Certainly," Suzy confirmed, her mind flashing back to the long, lonely nights on the road when she had devoured the stories of faraway lands. "They were a delightful distraction."

Elias bowed his head slightly. "There is no need for thanks, Your Grace. It is my pleasure to assist in any way I can."

Suzy’s smile lingered as she watched Elias carefully stack the returned books back onto the shelf.

"Elias," she began, her voice softening, "perhaps you could help me find a few more distractions for after the ball. Something captivating, something to take my mind off... well, everything."

Elias straightened up, his brow furrowed in concern. "Distraction, Your Grace? Is there something troubling you?"

Suzy hesitated, then shook her head with a small smile. "Not exactly troubling, Elias. More like... a need to lose myself in something other than the recent events."

A smile dawned on Elias’s face, understanding lighting up his eyes. "Ah, I see," he said, his voice gentle. "Well, then, the library is at your service, Your Grace. Perhaps a captivating novel, a gripping travelogue, or even a voyage into the unknown – whatever your heart desires."

Elias’s genuine concern and eagerness to help were a balm to her troubled soul. "Actually," she continued, a playful glint in her eyes, "perhaps a selection of all three? Enough to keep me occupied for a good long while."

Elias chuckled, his delight evident. "An excellent choice, Your Grace!" he exclaimed. "Leave it to me. I’ll curate a selection that will both entertain and enlighten you."

Suzy nodded, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "Thank you, Elias. I appreciate."

Elias bowed his head in a gesture of respect. "It is my honor to serve you, Your Grace," he replied. "Though, I must confess, the honor pales in comparison to your recent intervention regarding my wages."

A flicker of surprise crossed Suzy’s face. She hadn’t expected him to bring that up again. "Oh, that was nothing, Elias," she said dismissively. "Simply doing my duty as the Duchess."

Elias shook his head firmly. "No, Your Grace," he insisted. "You went above and beyond what was expected. And ever since, I’ve been racking my brain, trying to figure out a way to express my gratitude."

He gestured towards the towering shelves surrounding them. "The only thing I know how to offer are books, Your Grace. And if they can provide you with some solace and enjoyment, then I consider that a small token of my appreciation."

Suzy felt a warmth spread through her chest. Helping Elias had been the right thing to do, a matter of fairness. But seeing the genuine joy and gratitude in his eyes made it all the more worthwhile.

"Thank you, Elias," she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "That’s more than enough."

With a smile that reached his eyes, Elias bowed once more. "Of course, Your Grace," he replied. "Now, if you’ll excuse me, I shall get started on that curated selection."

Suzy left the library, a small stack of Elias’s chosen books tucked under her arm.

———————-

A heavy sigh escaped Ryan’s lips as he rubbed the bridge of his nose, the ache in his shoulder keeps reminding him of the recent attack. He glanced out the window, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the castle grounds. He was lost in thought, piecing together the events of the past few days, when a sharp knock on the door startled him back to reality.

"Enter," he called out, his voice a touch raspy.

The door creaked open, and Byron entered the study. His brow was furrowed with concern as his gaze fell upon his older brother. Ryan offered him a tired smile.

"Byron," he greeted, forcing himself to sit up straighter. "Come in, have a seat."

Byron strode across the room, his movements purposeful, and settled himself into the chair opposite Ryan. "How are you holding up, brother?" he inquired, his voice laced with worry.

"I’m alright," Ryan replied, though his grimace betrayed the lie. "The wound is healing, though it’s taking its sweet time."

Byron’s eyes narrowed in concern. "Perhaps you should consider requesting a more experienced doctor. This one seems to be taking an awfully long time."

Ryan chuckled weakly. "Don’t worry about me, Byron. The castle doctor is doing his best. Besides, I’ve faced worse." He forced a smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Byron wasn’t convinced. His gaze lingered on Ryan for a moment longer, then shifted. "What about the Duchess?" he asked cautiously. "Is she unharmed?"

"She’s fine," Ryan assured him, a flicker of worry crossing his features. "She wasn’t injured during the attack."

Byron let out a relieved breath. "Thank goodness. I heard a few rumors from Davis about what happened. The whole thing sounds quite unsettling."

Before Byron could elaborate, another knock on the door cut him off. Ryan sighed internally, the unwelcome interruption breaking the flow of the conversation. "Enter," he said with a hint of annoyance.

The door swung open, and Davis entered the room. He was followed by a young man, his posture stiff and his expression serious. He was clad in the standard guard uniform, his boots gleaming in the afternoon light.

"Your Grace," Davis said, bowing his head respectfully. "This is Noah, , as per your request. He’s one of our best guards, and he will be assigned solely to the protection of the Duchess."

Noah stepped forward, his gaze unwavering as he met Ryan’s eyes. He bowed low. "Your Grace," he said, his voice deep and firm. "I am at your service."

Ryan studied the young man for a moment. He had a strong build and a calm demeanor, qualities that would surely be beneficial in protecting Suzy. Still, a flicker of doubt lingered in Ryan’s mind.

"Very well, Noah," Ryan said finally. "See to it that the Duchess’ safety is your top priority. Report any suspicious activity or concerns immediately. Do you understand?"

Noah straightened and nodded curtly. "Yes, Your Grace. I understand perfectly."

Turning to Davis, he issued a series of instructions, outlining the specifics of Noah’s assignment. He emphasized the need for constant vigilance, especially in light of the recent attack.

Byron observed the exchange in silence, his heart swelling with a mixture of relief and concern. He saw the determination in Ryan’s eyes, the lengths he was willing to go to in order to protect his wife, and a newfound vulnerability that hadn’t been shut away from his heart. The incident had shaken Ryan, but it had also ignited a fierce protectiveness within him. It was a side of Ryan he rarely saw.

Ryan dismissed Davis and the young guard with a curt nod. As the door closed behind them, a heavy silence settled over the room.

Byron’s gaze shifted back to Ryan, a question lingering in his eyes. "Are you sure she needs a personal guard?" he asked gently. "Isn’t that overreacting a bit?"

Ryan met his brother’s gaze, his own filled with a steely resolve. "Maybe," he conceded. "But I won’t take any chances with her safety. Not after what happened."

Byron sighed, the concern in his eyes deepening. He understood his brother’s protectiveness, but he also knew the strain it must be putting on their relationship.

"Brother," he said softly, choosing his words carefully. "Have you spoken to the Duchess about this? Perhaps explaining your concerns and involving her in the decision might..."

Ryan cut him off with a frustrated gesture. "We haven’t exactly had the opportunity for a calm conversation lately," he admitted, his voice laced with a hint of bitterness.

Byron leaned back in his chair, a mix of frustration and sympathy washing over him. He knew Ryan and Suzy were struggling, their communication strained by pride and resentment. But seeing them at odds, especially when faced with such danger, only caused him greater worry.

"Oh well," Byron said, clapping his hands together once trying to uplift the strained atmosphere. "Now that the matter of security is settled, perhaps we should focus on catching whoever is behind this attack." His gaze narrowed, a glint of determination replacing his earlier concern. "They’ve messed with the wrong family, and they will pay dearly for it."