The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 207: Happiness

Jessamyn stayed in the mansion for a couple of days with Jerrick, a brief respite in their whirlwind of emotions and revelations.

Jerrick, ever attentive to her desires, reduced the number of servants, creating an intimate sanctuary just for the two of them. Jessamyn, however, had little time to notice the changes as she busied herself looking after him, relishing the rare moments of domestic tranquility.

In the moments when he didn’t metaphorically tie her to the bed, Jessamyn filled her days with simple, heartfelt tasks. She cooked meals that filled the mansion with comforting aromas and instructed the gardener to lay out a garden with her favorite flowers. The vision of blooming petals greeting her upon their return in the spring brought a contented smile to her face.

Jerrick, always thoughtful, brought her out once to check on Jostein. The sight of the horse recovering quickly, his health improving day by day, warmed Jessamyn’s heart. Jostein recognized her, his eyes lighting up with joy, which made her feel immensely happy.

As Jostein bowed in reverence to Jerrick, she watched with newfound awareness as her husband gently petted Jostein, communicating in a way she hadn’t fully understood before. The realization that he could talk to animals had been right in front of her eyes all along, yet she had missed it.

"You’re not raising a bear, are you?" she asked, squeezing his hand. She loved that he held her hand wherever they went, a small gesture that spoke volumes.

"I told you it was a wild bear," he replied with his peculiar smirk.

"You didn’t mind if I found out?" she asked, curious about his openness with her now. Perhaps if she had asked earlier, he would have shared his secrets. Or perhaps not.

"What if I told the council?" she leaned in and whispered in his ear, her voice playful yet serious.

Jerrick smiled and said nothing more, his silence speaking volumes. The gentleness of his hands remained the same as he held hers, and Jessamyn couldn’t help but smile.

Jessamyn couldn’t help but think of Joar when she saw Jostein. His memory was ingrained in her heart, a part of her soul’s weave.

Yet, strangely, she didn’t feel the familiar pang of sadness or the urge to cry. Instead, her heart swelled with gratitude and joy, knowing how his love had shaped her. Joar was now in a better place, and she found solace in that thought.

As she glanced at Jerrick, his smile a permanent fixture on his face these days, she was reminded of the carefree days of the past when she would lose herself in admiring that very smile. It was a comforting sight, a beacon of the happiness they had rediscovered.

Imogen crossed her mind once or twice, and those were the only times she felt a twinge of bitterness. The betrayal still stung, but the pain was dulled by the overwhelming love that now filled her life.

Isadora had already left for Montrose with Bernard, and even if she had stayed, Jessamyn doubted she would have had time to spend with her. Jerrick clung to her like a needy toddler, more like a man deeply in love.

She was unsure of the depth of his feelings, but she knew without a doubt that she was falling in love with him again. It wasn’t even hard; it felt natural, as if their love was destined to rekindle.

The evening before they left for Roche, Jerrick had gone out on some official business. He returned with a smile that spoke of accomplishment, his eyes alight with a secret triumph.

"What happened?" she asked, serving him dinner. "And you didn’t have to come home hungry..." she added with concern. It was late, and she worried about his well-being.

"You’ll know about it soon," he replied, his smile concealing a hidden meaning.

"What is it?" she asked, curiosity piqued. She begged him to reveal his secret, but he remained tight-lipped, his smile only growing more mysterious.

The anticipation was almost unbearable but she trusted him and the peace in her heart stayed undefeated.

-----

While Jessamyn’s life was peaceful, Isadora’s life was filled with joy and peace too. That day, Bernard brought her out to the marketplace in Roche after getting permission from the grand duke to take her out.

Bernard was polite asking her out to her brother/guardian and it was fun for Isadora to watch.

Never in her life did she imagine that her man would be asking the permission of her family to bring her out on a date.

Bernard glared at her for laughing at him. Isadora couldn’t help but laugh. She almost asked him when he was going to bring her to meet his family, but stopped herself.

The previous time she asked about it, he was filled with gloom. She decided to wait for him to open up to her.

Bernard brought her to the furniture stores in the marketplace. Isadora was not sure which one they should choose for their house.

She was keeping the secret that the Archduke was planning on giving Bernard a castle. She believed the castle would come furnished. But she did choose some furnitures and curtain designs.

"Can we buy them the next time we come here?" she asked Bernard.

"Next time?" Bernard’s lips dipped with disappointment. "If you like it, we can buy them now."

"And where will we keep them?" Isadora asked. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Bernard let out a deep breath. "I don’t know why I can’t find a place to build our house... I’m meeting dead ends..."

Isadora pouted her lips seeing the sadness spreading on Bernard’s face. She almost revealed to him that it was the Archduke’s design. She got angry at Jerrick for making her keep this a secret. She couldn’t bear to see Bernard’s sad face.

"We are going to get a much better house. Trust me. I have a feeling," she gripped his hands to assure him.

This man was so willing to spend money when he was with her. She didn’t know if he was trying to impress her or if he wanted that much to spend on her.

"I love you, Bernard," she said squeezing his hand.

She wished she was closer to his height so she could kiss him whenever she wanted to kiss him. When they were standing or walking, she found it a chore to kiss him.

Why am I not tall?

"Are you hungry?" Bernard looked at her with concern.

"Yes," Isadora smiled. This man she fell in love with loved to feed her. Nothing lifts his sprits more than watching her eat. Sooner, she would become round and short, but she didn’t care. She wanted to make him smile.

"Sit here..." Bernard found her a shady place to sit and rushed out.

"Careful!" she shouted. He didn’t have to rush.

She looked around the lively market place when she felt a pair of eyes on her. The woman wearing widows weeds looked like she wanted to say something to her.

Who is she?