The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 225: Her Strength and Joy

Jessamyn was about to caution William to stay away from their mother if she appeared, but before she could, William started to laugh, a rare sound filled with pure, unrestrained happiness.

"I had a feeling," he said, his eyes shining with newfound hope. "Do you know where she is? How will I meet her? Why is she in hiding?" William’s questions tumbled out one after another, his excitement palpable.

Jessamyn’s heart ached as she watched his joy, knowing the truth she had to tell. "She’s not on your side, William," Jessamyn said softly, her voice trembling.

William paused, his laughter dying in his throat. "What do you mean by that?" he asked, confusion and hurt mingling in his eyes.

"I..." Jessamyn let out a deep breath, steadying herself. "She does not have the same principles as you. She’s dangerous. She—"

"All right," William interjected, his tone suddenly sharp and defensive. It was clear he didn’t want to hear anymore.

"William, please listen," Jessamyn pleaded, her voice breaking. "She’s been through a lot and got influenced by dark ways. She might see you as threats, not family."

William shook his head, his eyes hardening. "She’s our mother, Jessamyn. How can you say that?"

"I’m saying it because I care about you," Jessamyn replied, tears welling up in her eyes. "I don’t want you to get hurt. I don’t want you to face betrayal from someone you’ve been longing to see."

William’s gaze softened slightly, but he remained resolute. "I need to find out for myself, Jessamyn. I need to see her, to understand why."

"Does Jerrick know about this? Did you try to poison his mind against our..." William’s voice trailed off, and he bowed his head, realizing how hurtful his words sounded.

Jessamyn let out a deep breath. She didn’t let his words affect her, understanding that he didn’t truly mean what he said. She knew that whatever she said wouldn’t be registered in William’s heart right now.

She hadn’t pegged him as someone who would be so emotional about this issue; her last resort was to inform Jerrick.

"I’ll see you later, William," Jessamyn said with a heartfelt smile. She knew she couldn’t talk about the other person now.

Her heart ached for William. Everyone he loved and trusted in the past was going to turn against him. He needed support to handle their betrayal.

As she walked away, she wondered if it was wrong to talk about the prophecy with him. Since it involved him, he couldn’t understand it, and his heart was hardened against it.

Was that how the prophecy was destined to come to pass? Even if she revealed everything, could nothing change? Would it work the same way with Jerrick too? Must she handle it alone as she was shown?

She hoped that in time, William would understand her actions and see the love that guided them. Until then, she would carry the burden of the truth alone, protecting her family the best she could.

She was halfway home when she saw the luminous white wolf she had longed to see earlier. A wave of relief washed over her, and with a skip in her step, she rushed to him, unable to contain her joy.

She leaped onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her head on his soft fur. The sensation was soothing, a balm for her weary soul.

"You heal my heart, Jerrick," she whispered, her voice filled with raw emotion. His presence, his familiar scent, and his warmth enveloped her, making her feel safe and cherished.

In his embrace, all the worries and fears seemed to melt away. She realized at that moment that she didn’t need anything else in her life but him.

"I’m glad," he responded, his voice a comforting rumble. There was a profound understanding between them, a silent acknowledgment of their shared bond.

She hesitated for a moment, not wanting to burden him with her recent encounter. "The Council called me," she said, her voice wavering slightly. She didn’t want to reveal too much, to worry him unnecessarily. "I found William and talked to him for some time... He surely loves your mother a lot..."

Jerrick’s body tensed beneath her, sensing the weight of her words. He knew there was more to the story, but he chose not to press her, respecting her need for space. Instead, he nuzzled her gently, offering silent reassurance.

As she held him tightly, Jessamyn’s heart ached with the unspoken truths and the looming threats they faced. But in that moment, all that mattered was the warmth of his body against hers, the steady beat of his heart, and the promise of his unwavering support.

She took a deep breath, allowing the comfort of his presence to seep into her bones. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"Your mother is going to return, Jerrick," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of apprehension and resignation. "And so is Imogen. Brace for their return. And also her return..." she mumbled, the last part barely audible.

"Our mother?" Jerrick asked, his ears perking up. He probably didn’t pay much heed to whatever she said afterward.

"Yes. She wants to put you on the throne. You know what that means."

Jerrick remained silent, a heavy pause hanging between them. Jessamyn wondered if he truly grasped the weight of her words or if his mind was lost in the myriad of thoughts that undoubtedly plagued him.

"That woman by the King’s side..." Jerrick finally spoke, his tone contemplative. "What do you think of her?"

"You already had a doubt?" Jessamyn asked, surprised.

Jerrick nodded. "Her words were odd. I’ve thought about them a lot."

"She works with your mother... Or she will find your mother. I’m not sure. I saw a glimpse of them together. I didn’t feel anything good coming out of their meeting," Jessamyn said, her voice trembling with the weight of her visions and the uncertainty that accompanied them.

She didn’t have to say a lot, but her doubts made her ramble. Jerrick must have understood her, sensing the underlying fear in her words.

"William...," he sighed. "He yearns for that woman’s love. He’s... I’ll keep an eye on him so that he won’t get hurt."

"You believe me?" Jessamyn asked, her surprise evident in her voice. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for her, seeking validation from the one she loved.

Jerrick said nothing, but his silence spoke volumes. In his quiet acceptance, Jessamyn found the reassurance she needed. His wordless affirmation conveyed his trust in her, a bond that transcended spoken words. It was enough.

"You’re my strength, Jerrick," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "With you, I can face anything."

His response was a soft growl, a sound that conveyed his promise to stand by her, no matter what. The night felt less daunting with him by her side, and Jessamyn fell asleep resting on him.

-----

The next few days when Jerrick was out to meet the Crown Prince, Jessamyn made it her mission to find a way to get to "The Songbird Sanctuary".

And then it happened.