Chapter 20 - Twenty
The following day, a boisterous laugh echoed through the castle halls, announcing the arrival of Viscount Conrad. Suzy, peeking out from a nearby window, watched as a tall, flamboyant man, clad in extravagant clothing, swept into the grand hall, a wide grin plastered on his face.
"Ryan, my dear friend!" Conrad bellowed, throwing his arms wide in an exaggerated embrace. "It’s been too long! And who might this be?" he added, his gaze falling on Suzy, who stood stiffly beside Ryan.
"This," Ryan replied, his voice showing lack of warmth, "is Duchess Cassandra."
Conrad gave Suzy a once-over, his eyes lingering on her face for a moment too long. A smirk played on his lips as he finally spoke. "Duchess, huh? Weren’t you expecting a... more polished bride, Ryan?" His voice dripped with a subtle mockery.
Suzy bristled at his insinuation, but before she could retort, Ryan stepped forward, his voice hardening. "Conrad," he said, a dangerous edge creeping into his tone, "what exactly are you implying?"
Conrad’s smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered. "Oh, come now, Ryan," he chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "Just a bit of friendly teasing. You wouldn’t expect a perfectly formed Duchess in this remote corner of the world, would you?" He cast another pointed glance at Suzy, his gaze now lingering on her freckles and dimples.
Suzy felt a mixture of anger and humiliation boiling from her insides. Who was this man to judge her?
But before she could voice her displeasure, Ryan surprised her. He stepped forward, his body a rigid wall in front of her. "There’s nothing wrong with the Duchess’s appearance, Conrad," he stated, his voice cold and commanding.
Conrad raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Really? Because those freckles, for one..."
"Her freckles," Ryan interrupted, his voice cutting through Conrad’s amusement, "are a mark of beauty, just as unique as the woman herself. And as for anything else," he continued, his voice turning low and menacing, "her personal life is exactly that – personal. And a topic that is strictly off-limits, understood?"
Conrad’s eyes widened in surprise. He had clearly not anticipated such a vehement defense from his usually reserved friend. He stammered for a moment, then forced a laugh. "Ah, very well, Ryan," he conceded, raising his hands in mock surrender. "My apologies, Duchess. I seem to have forgotten my manners."