Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,46
hushed whispers when they thought he wasn’t paying heed, as he saw the looks of pity and sadness in their eyes, he began to remember.
The accident, watching the woman he loved die in his arms.
That was when the darkness and shadows first came. It had been unlike anything he had ever experienced.
The pain, too great to bear.
They had all been thrown into confusion; Thomas, the physician, and the rest of the staff, who had been sworn to secrecy.
The physician had believed that the incident had been caused by the sorrow his heart had felt at remembrance. He had promised Stephen would never have to suffer that way again.
He had been wrong.
Stephen’s physical injuries healed, many of the scars faded. However, the inner darkness and shadows always returned.
Every time they did, they took away a part of him. The physician tried every form of healing he could think of. Alas, nothing kept the dark thoughts at bay; not for long.
Eventually, he had given up altogether and decided to wait until the day they would claim him for good.
As he stepped out of bed to begin his day, he realized with no particular joy that he had been given another chance, more time to live.
But to what end?
He went about his morning preparations, barely saying a word to anyone he encountered.
Eventually, when he had dressed for the day and was ready to leave his chambers, he first crossed to the window and looked out onto the fields, and the stables.
He saw her again.
His golden-haired angel, riding away on Enora, as though he had not scolded for doing the same only a few, short days ago.
Unlike the first time, he could not bring himself to feel anger. Yes, the worry and fear remained, but there was something else. Something beautiful, something whole.
He could not help but wonder if … if he really were being given another chance at life, would he not be foolish not to live it as he would?
Yes, he would.
Knowing this, he threw caution to the wind.
Half an hour later, he left his chamber in riding breeches and a jacket he hadn’t tried to fit into in three years, and which hung loosely upon his powerful frame.
He ignored the strange looks from his staff, including Thomas who could not hide his awe, as he made his way to the stables.
When he arrived, Roy was there to welcome him.
The groom practically staggered in shock as he took in his master’s attire, but he soon recovered, or perhaps he simply managed to hide it well.
Stephen knew it could not be helped. He had refused to ride, either carriage or horse, in those three years. It was only right they should be so taken aback.
In truth, he wasn’t certain he remembered how to ride. He only hoped he would not embarrass his lineage by falling off the horse.
“Your Grace!” Roy greeted, dipping into a bow.
“Roy … saddle Eleazar. I am joining Lady Judith.”
Roy blinked repeatedly. “Your Grace?” he asked.
“Do I need to repeat myself, Roy? Or did you hear me the first time? I believe I was quite clear.”
Roy swallowed hard as his face turned red. When he tried to speak, he ended up stuttering. Eventually, he shut his mouth and drew in a deep breath.
“Your Grace, I heard every word. Forgive my impertinence. I shall have Eleazar saddled at once.”
Roy disappeared into the stable, reappearing with the saddled stallion a few minutes later.
Stephen’s heart swelled as he beheld his beloved horse. He had had Eleazar since he was a foal, a gift from his father on his eleventh birthday.
They had grown up together, man and horse, as comrades.
He felt his eyes sting as he drew closer to his horse. He had not imagined that their reunion would be such an emotional moment for him.
The horse stared at him in recognition, yet Stephen could see the grudge. It was one he knew he would have to live the rest of his life atoning for.
Slowly, he reached out, touching the stallion with his fingers, before placing his palm against its beautiful body.
Eleazar neighed, and Stephen understood.
“I know. I’m sorry. Forgive me. I did not mean to abandon you.”
Eleazar neighed again, and Stephen sighed.
“I can make no promises. Not now, Eleazar, but I will try. For you. I shall visit often.”
This time, Eleazar snickered softly, nuzzling Stephen with profound fondness.
He didn’t realize that he smiled as he rubbed his face against his old friend’s.