The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 216: A Message From The Crown Prince

Jessamyn rolled her eyes. She thought Jerrick would return late, giving her time to comfort Bernard, but he appeared just as she was about to address Bernard’s concerns.

"Why are you here? Why aren’t you training the men I left in your charge?" Jerrick asked, his voice deep and laced with admonishment.

"Stop it, Jerrick," Jessamyn said with a smile. "He just wants to understand, to be a part of what’s happening. He feels abandoned."

She turned to Bernard. "Jerrick is a knight—"

Before she could finish, Jerrick pulled her back, wrapped his arm around her, and covered her mouth. With his other hand, he slapped her butt hard. "You’re growing more and more rebellious!" he bit her earlobe.

Jessamyn’s heart pounded. This man just did it in front of another man. He had become totally shameless.

"Wulfhart!" Bernard was not in the headspace to analyze what Jerrick was doing to Jessamyn. He kneeled beside Jerrick and hugged his leg. "Tell me what I did wrong."

"Stop it, Bernard!" Jerrick tried to free his leg, but Bernard clung tighter. At the same time, Jessamyn struggled to get out of his grip.

But Jerrick held on. He managed to shake off Bernard while keeping a firm hold on Jessamyn. "You wish," he whispered in her ear.

Jessamyn stopped struggling, fearing he might do something worse if she continued. He had turned more and more shameless.

"Wulfhart... Don’t abandon me..." Still on his knees, Bernard pleaded.

Jerrick sighed deeply, his frustration evident. He loosened his grip on Jessamyn but kept her close. "Bernard, you aren’t listening to me. Stop acting like a squire and embrace your role as a knight. Train those men and choose one to be your squire," Jerrick said, his voice commanding yet laced with affection.

Jessamyn smiled, relieved that Jerrick had finally explained it to Bernard. She expected Bernard to be happy, but he still looked downcast. It appeared that Jerrick’s words hadn’t fully registered.

"Oh, he’s going to knight you," Jessamyn explained, this time more directly.

Still, Bernard looked sad. Dragging his feet, he walked away. Jessamyn tried to catch up with him and ask why he was still upset, but Jerrick grabbed her arm and stopped her.

"What?" she turned to look at him with a pout. "Don’t you feel bad for him?" she asked.

"He’s sad because he wants to stay by my feet, kneeling. It will take some time for him to embrace his role as a knight. Let him be. He needs to grow up. Isadora will convince him," Jerrick said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

Jessamyn smiled at the care in Jerrick’s voice. Of course, he understood Bernard better. Jerrick was right. Bernard was not alone anymore. He had Isadora to share his burdens. They’d be fine.

"By the way..." Jerrick leaned into Jessamyn as they noticed the servants bustling around. "Prepare for bed tonight," he whispered, kissing her cheek.

Jessamyn pouted and rubbed her cheek. "I heard you only shared a bed once a month. But you’re torturing me every night. I—"

"Torturing you?" Jerrick smiled shamelessly. "Is that why you scream so loudly?"

Jessamyn glared at him, her face turning a deep shade of red. "You’re so..."

"So...?" he smirked, a playful glint in his eyes.

Jessamyn pulled away from his hold and dashed off, laughing. Jerrick, with a mischievous grin, hurried after her.

Jessamyn turned and shouted, "Mind your injured leg!" She wanted to remind him of his injury, a secret he had kept hidden for ages.

"Ah!" Jerrick shouted, slowing down a bit as he considered her words. Despite the caution, his eyes sparkled with mischief. "I think your arrival is a good luck charm... I think my leg is getting better..."

Jessamyn rolled her eyes, hearing that. Was this going to be his play for the future? She married him and magically his injured leg got healed. She was full of magic and a divine being. Was that what he wanted to tell everyone?

Jessamyn rolled her eyes, amused and exasperated. Was that going to be his story for the future? That she married him and magically his injured leg healed? She was full of magic and a divine being. Was that what he wanted to tell everyone?

"Is that your plan?" she teased as she turned to face him, breathless from running. "To claim I healed you with my mere presence?"

"Perhaps," he said, reaching and pulling her into his arms. "Or maybe I’ll just tell everyone how you bring joy to my life every day."

She softened at his words, her heart melting. "You’re impossible, you know that?"

"And you love it," he replied, his voice tender.

"I do," she said, leaning on his chest.

"Let’s go," Jerrick hurried her.

Jessamyn followed him without any qualms. She wanted to be with him too.

-----

With the Crown Prince’s wedding coming up in the spring, a grand celebration had been announced, set to begin with the equinox and extend over an entire month. One of the highlights was a week-long war game, an event eagerly anticipated by the nobility and knights alike.

Amidst the excitement, Ethan quietly announced his engagement to Lady Silvia. Jessamyn had grown close to Silvia, finding her to be a gentle soul with a resilient spirit. Despite the engagement, their wedding would have to wait until after the royal wedding, adhering to court protocol. Ethan didn’t mind the delay, content in his quiet happiness.

Meanwhile, Jerrick decided to push Bernard’s knighting ceremony to take place before the equinox. This would allow Bernard to participate in the war games as a full-fledged knight. Bernard, however, was conflicted. He came to Jerrick, pleading to be reinstated to his former position, feeling that the respect he already received was sufficient.

Jessamyn felt pity for Bernard, understanding his longing for his old role. However, Jerrick remained firm in his decision, believing it was time for Bernard to embrace his new responsibilities and the respect that came with them.

As preparations for the equinox celebrations progressed smoothly, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air. Jessamyn busied herself with the final touches on the decorations, ensuring that everything would be perfect for the upcoming festivities. The castle buzzed with activity, servants, and officials working tirelessly to bring the event to life.

One afternoon, as Jessamyn was overseeing the arrangements in the grand hall, Jerrick received a message from the Crown Prince. He read it quietly, his expression thoughtful. Jessamyn noticed the shift in his demeanor and approached him, curiosity piqued.

"What is it?" she asked softly, placing a hand on his arm.

Jerrick looked up, his eyes meeting hers. "The Crown Prince has summoned me," he said. "He wants to discuss the security arrangements for the celebrations and the war games. Also, he received a message from Altania."

Jessamyn’s face paled hearing that.

It is coming!