The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 214: Helping A Stranger

The man’s eyes brightened seeing Jessamyn’s interest in him. He had a feeling his request would be granted if he pleaded with the right person—the lady. He carefully got down from the horse and helped the woman down.

The woman looked pale and was shaking in the cold. Jessamyn removed the cloak on her shoulder to cover the woman.

Just as she took a step forward, the entire posse of guards stood alert. They looked at Jerrick for the next command and since he didn’t say anything, they stood down.

Jessamyn offered her cloak which was much warmer than the blanket covering her. She also got warm tea for the woman.

"Aren’t you Baron Hilbert’s daughter?" Jessamyn asked. She had a feeling she had seen this woman somewhere and seeing the distinct mole on her hand, she recognized her.

Jerrick shook his head despondently and covered her with his cloak. He couldn’t believe that Jessamyn gave away her cloak for someone else when she couldn’t bear the cold.

The woman looked at Jessamyn with shock. She then moved closer to the strange man. As his cloak moved, Jessamyn noticed him wearing the armor of the Altanian army. She was surprised Jerrick’s guards were able to spot it earlier from a distance but then they were on duty to protect Jerrick for that reason.

Jerrick didn’t need protection, but he went everywhere with his guards, giving the impression that he needed help. His men truly lived up to the hype.

"Milady," the man addressed Jessamyn.

"She’s the Archduchess," Lady Hilbert whispered. She was so weak, she couldn’t stand straight and the man supported her. There was love in his eyes.

"Forgive me, Your Grace," The man bowed his head. "I am Hamilton Lorca from Altania. This is my wife. She’s sick. I need help to find medicines," he pleaded.

"How are you related to Milton Lorca?" Jerrick asked.

The man was unwilling to answer the question as his pride stopped him. But looking at the feeble woman in his arms, the conceitedness in his eyes disappeared. "I am his bastard son," he said.

Jessamyn saw the men gripping the hilts of their swords. Judging by their reaction, she realized that this man’s father must hold an important position in Altania.

"Baron Hilbert’s daughter is unmarried to my knowledge," Jessamyn said.

She understood the situation. There was no way a Baron’s daughter from Ayberia got married to the son of an important figure in Altania without causing a commotion.

These two have eloped!

"We might not be married traditionally, but I accepted him as my husband. He saved me from the smugglers and provided and protected me for this long. I..." Lady Hildert coughed and Hamilton patted her back.

"I love him," Lady Hilbert declared, her eyes red and her face pale.

"No one will help us. She has a terrible cold. Please, get her some medicines. I’ll do anything you ask me." Hamilton pleaded, once again, to Jessamyn.

Jessamyn looked at Jerrick. He appeared ready to take the man into custody and interrogate him. If Hamilton was indeed the son of an important figure in Altania, he would undoubtedly possess valuable information. However, Jessamyn’s heart softened upon seeing the desperation in Hamilton’s eyes and the fragile state of Lady Hilbert.

"Jerrick," Jessamyn said softly, turning to her husband. "We cannot turn them away. They need our help."

Jerrick’s eyes met hers, and he could see the determination in her gaze. "He’s kidnapping a lady of Ayberia. We cannot allow that."

"Let them go," Jessamyn repeated, her voice steady and firm.

Jerrick let out a deep breath. He knew better than to argue with her when she had made up her mind, especially when it involved helping someone in need. He nodded reluctantly.

As Jessamyn watched, Jerrick motioned to one of his men, who retrieved medicines from Jerrick’s private stash. He handed them to Hamilton, who accepted them with a look of profound gratitude.

"Thank you, Your Grace," Hamilton said, his voice thick with emotion. "We owe you our lives."

Lady Hilbert, too weak to speak, managed a grateful nod.

"Take care of her," Jessamyn said softly. "And be careful."

Hamilton helped Lady Hilbert back onto their horse, and with one last look of gratitude, they disappeared into the thick woods.

Jerrick watched them go, then turned to Jessamyn, who was staring into the forest, biting her lips in thought. "You know him?" he asked.

Jessamyn snapped out of her reverie and looked at him with a smile. "I supported the star-crossed lovers. Nothing more," she lied through her teeth.

"Feeling altruistic today, are we?" Jerrick chuckled.

Jessamyn wasn’t sure if he believed her, but it seemed he didn’t care. He probably had someone keeping a watchful eye on the couple who had left. He was a careful person, always ensuring that no loose ends were left untied.

The carriage resumed its journey, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels filling the silence between them. Jessamyn’s thoughts were a whirlwind of concern and hope. She glanced at Jerrick, whose expression was inscrutable.

"You did the right thing," she murmured, more to reassure herself than him.

Jerrick looked at her, his eyes softening. "I hope so," he replied. "I just hope this doesn’t bring more trouble our way."

Jessamyn leaned against him, drawing comfort and strength from his presence. "Who knows? Maybe he will be of help to us one day. You reap what you sow. We sowed sympathy. Let’s see what we reap," she said with a smile.

Jerrick hummed thoughtfully and kissed her head. Despite the warmth of the moment, his eyes dulled, realizing she wasn’t telling him everything. "I want you to be safe, Jessamyn. I want nothing else. I would lose anything to ensure that," he said.

In the past, he had been willing to let her go, thinking it would keep her safe. It had been a wrong decision, one he regretted deeply. Now, he resolved to protect her by staying close, never letting her out of his sight.

"Then protect me well," Jessamyn kissed his cheek, her lips soft against his skin. "I just want to be with you. You take care of the rest."

The little misgivings in his heart melted away, replaced by a deep sense of love and determination, as he gazed at her pure, trusting smile. He wrapped his arms around her more tightly, vowing to keep her safe from any harm that might come their way.