The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 217: Feeling Helpless

"Jessamyn," Jerrick gently took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "What message did he receive from Altania? You know something, don’t you?" His voice was soft, filled with concern.

Jessamyn shrugged, her gaze dropping to the ground as she pondered deeply. She felt a heaviness in her chest, the weight of secrets she wasn’t sure she should share.

"You can tell me anything, you know that, right?" Jerrick’s voice was tender, yet firm. Seeing her so pale and anxious pained him. He wanted to ease her burden, to share whatever was troubling her.

"They are going to ask to join the games," Jessamyn finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes were dim, shadowed with worry.

"Altania?" Jerrick’s brows furrowed in surprise. Rumors had reached them that the royal family of Altania was seeking to mend relations between the two nations. Perhaps they saw the games as an opportune moment for reconciliation. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that it might be a trap.

Jessamyn averted her eyes, a shiver running through her as she recalled the prophecy. She had hoped it wouldn’t be these games, but deep down, she knew it was inevitable. This game would bring out someone, someone she desperately hoped would remain in the shadows.

Jessamyn sighed, the sound heavy with resignation. Her mind was a whirl of fears and uncertainties. She prayed that person wouldn’t return, but the prophecy was clear.

Jerrick watched her, his heart aching at her distress. He wanted to understand, to help her, but she was closed off, hiding her true feelings. He could see the struggle in her eyes, the battle she fought within herself.

"Do you want some tea?" Jessamyn asked, forcing a smile as she composed herself.

Jerrick nodded, his eyes never leaving her face. As she walked out, he watched her retreating figure with a heavy heart, his mind deep in thought. He knew there was more to her silence, more to the shadows in her eyes.

When she returned to the sitting room with the tea tray, Jerrick was still there, his expression one of deep contemplation. He looked up as she entered, his eyes softening as they met hers. She placed the tray on the table and poured them each a cup, her movements deliberate and careful.

"Thank you," Jerrick said, taking the cup from her. He watched her as she sat down beside him, her fingers wrapped around her own cup for warmth and comfort.

"Jessamyn," he began, his voice gentle, "I don’t want you to carry this burden alone. It’s not left with you. I’m here. Remember that," he said.

It was hard for him to translate what she said under the elm tree. But he finally got it. It was such a heavy burden for her, for anybody. He didn’t want her to carry that burden alone.

Her eyes met his, filled with a mixture of fear and hope.

"Yes," Jessamyn said, her voice heavy with emotion. She wanted to believe him, wanted to share everything with him, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she reached out and took his hand, squeezing it tightly.

"I know," she whispered. "Thank you, Jerrick."

They sat in silence for a while, the only sound the crackling of the fire in the hearth. Jessamyn wanted to share her worries with him but she lacked the courage to tell him everything. He won’t take it all. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

She had to harden her heart to manage on her own.

-----

Aurelia Castle.

Jerrick stared at the teacup in front of him, the steam rising gently. Ever since Isadora started living there, William had taken it upon himself to serve him tea in the evenings. Jerrick didn’t mind as long as it contributed to his health, but he found himself longing for something stronger tonight.

"It has come to our attention that whispers are suggesting the Archduchess is afflicted with an incurable malady, which prohibits her from bearing a child," William said, his tone casual yet probing.

Jerrick’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger igniting within him. "Is this your way of asking why I haven’t managed to ensure her condition with my child?" he replied, his voice laced with restrained fury.

The insinuation that they should already have a child stung deeply. They had only been married for three months, and the pressure to produce an heir was already looming over them. The thought of Jessamyn feeling that burden, of being scrutinized for something so deeply personal, infuriated him.

"If you want a child that desperately, have one yourself!" Jerrick snapped, pushing away the tray of tea and snacks with a dismissive wave. "Where’s the alcohol?" He strode to the corner of the room where William usually kept his best stash.

"I fear I may not excel in the role of a father. Nevertheless, I aspire to be a remarkable and beloved uncle," William said, his voice dripping with nonchalance.

Jerrick poured himself a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid glinting in the dim light. "If you think I’d leave my son even for a minute with you, unattended, keep dreaming," he retorted, taking a long, satisfying sip.

William chuckled, the sound low and amused. He knew Jerrick’s words were driven by protective instincts, but he also knew that once the child was older, Jerrick would trust him implicitly. The boy would need to learn the ways of the world, including matters of the heart, and William saw himself as an ideal guide.

"Why are you waiting?" William asked, his eyes narrowing in curiosity.

If Jerrick’s child would break the Theodulf curse, why was he postponing it?

Jerrick swirled the whiskey in his glass and let out a deep breath. "She’s not telling me what’s burdening her..."

"Surely, you’re not thinking she’s conspiring against you?" William’s tone was incredulous. That would be absurd.

"No," Jerrick waved his hand dismissively. "She feels burdened, and I can’t help her..." He looked away, his eyes downcast, a rare vulnerability creeping into his demeanor.

"You’re hurt she doesn’t trust you and love you enough," William observed, his voice softer now.

Jerrick remained silent, but his expression spoke volumes. William understood. "It could be any other reason..." he suggested.

"I know there is. She hides something from me... Loving me is how we break the curse, she said. At times, I wonder if the love she shows me is mandated..."

William studied Jerrick intently. "And...?"

Jerrick smiled, a bittersweet expression crossing his face. "I’ll take it. I’m that pathetic and thirsty for her love."

William sighed, feeling the weight of Jerrick’s words. "Did she say anything about the games?"

"Nothing. She wants us to decide. I cannot read her thoughts like in the past. She’s..."

"Grown?" William scoffed lightly.

"Yes..." Jerrick stared into the depths of his glass, lost in thought. "I have a feeling she might leave me after she births a son."

"That’s nonsense!" William’s voice rose in anger, but he quickly softened his tone upon seeing the somber expression on Jerrick’s face.

The realization struck William like a blow—leave, as in dead.