The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 231: Meeting Beatrice

"Of course, it was terrible. How did you live with it?" Jessamyn asked, her voice trembling with concern.

Jerrick’s physical pain or ailments were insignificant due to the unique blood that healed him, but the ailments of the heart couldn’t be cured. He had lived with that emotional pain for years, a constant torment that never fully abated.

Even remembering that pain made Jessamyn shudder, but Jerrick had endured it for so long.

"Maybe I got used to it. It was always there, and... it did get worse occasionally..." he said, shrugging it off. He smiled, trying to ease the stress lines forming on her forehead. He didn’t want her to feel bad.

The pain intensified whenever she called him by another name, along with other moments that cut deep into his heart.

"My poor Jerry," Jessamyn said, hugging him closer as tears started to fall freely from her eyes. "How can you dismiss it all?"

Jerrick hugged her back, smiling from the depths of his heart. "So, that was why it got worse the closer I was to you. You got better after I left you." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"Is that important now?" she asked, not recalling much of what happened when she fainted.

"Yes, it is," Jerrick replied, kissing her forehead gently.

"Why are you happy?" Jessamyn asked, pulling back to look at him. She was sad thinking about his pain, yet he seemed delighted.

"Silly, isn’t this what you want?" He chuckled, pinning her playfully under him.

"Yes..." Jessamyn said with a smile. Whatever the past had been like, they now had these beautiful moments together. She had to let go of the past and make every second of the present worth it.

She needed to become the Jessamyn of her youth, filled with hope even when everything around her looked bleak.

She had Jerrick, and that was enough.

Jerrick brushed a tear from her cheek, his eyes reflecting the love and devotion he felt for her. "We have a future together, Jessamyn. A beautiful future together with..." He placed his hand over her abdomen. "...our son. I promise you that."

Jessamyn nodded. A hearty smile bloomed on her face.

-----

For the next few weeks, Jessamyn floated around with happiness, her heart light and full. She tried to meet with William, but he and Jerrick were occupied with arranging the upcoming games, a significant event requiring meticulous planning and coordination.

Despite his busy schedule, Jerrick made sure to prepare a variety of medicines and supplements for Jessamyn, ensuring her health and well-being were well taken care of. His attention to detail and unwavering support made her feel cherished and loved.

Cordelia invited Jessamyn to participate in the wedding preparations, eager for her friend’s presence and input. However, Jessamyn felt hesitant to travel, preferring to stay within the sanctuary Jerrick had created for her.

Nonetheless, she eagerly gave her suggestions and advice to Cordelia, hoping to contribute to what she believed should be the wedding of the century.

After all, Cordelia was marrying the heir to the throne, and the wedding needed to be splendid, a grand celebration that would lift the spirits of the entire nation. Jessamyn’s suggestions focused on creating an event that was both elegant and joyous, a reflection of the love and unity the marriage symbolized.

As the days passed, Jessamyn found herself immersed in a blissful routine. She spent her mornings walking through the serene landscapes of their sanctuary, breathing in the fresh, fragrant air.

The afternoons were filled with moments of quiet reflection, often spent in the cozy nook by the window, embroidering and daydreaming about the future.

Evenings were her favorite when Jerrick would return from his duties, bringing with him stories of the day and sharing plans for the games. They would sit by the fireplace, their conversations flowing easily, their laughter filling the room.

Their love continued to deepen, each day a testament to the bond they shared. Jessamyn marveled at how far they had come, from the pain and misunderstandings of the past to the joy and hope of the present.

One day, Jessamyn and Isadora went to the market to get more supplies for her embroidery. The bustling stalls and lively chatter filled the air, making it a vibrant and lively outing. As they moved from one vendor to another, Jessamyn noticed a young girl following them at a distance.

Jessamyn’s keen eye and compassionate nature led her to sense the girl’s hesitation. She made sure to create a welcoming atmosphere, hoping the girl would feel comfortable enough to approach them. Some girls were simply shy or wanted to ask her something silly, while others sought her help or advice. Jessamyn’s warmth and openness usually drew them in.

As Jessamyn continued to observe the girl, she noticed that the girl’s gaze was fixed more on Isadora than on her. There was something familiar about those blue eyes, a sense of recognition tugging at the back of her mind.

"Isadora, do you know that girl?" Jessamyn asked, her voice gentle but curious.

Isadora’s eyes widened in surprise when she followed Jessamyn’s gaze and saw the girl. "Beatrice!" she exclaimed, rushing toward the girl with an urgency that surprised Jessamyn.

"She’s Bernard’s sister, Milady."

Beatrice’s face lit up with a mixture of relief and apprehension as Isadora approached her. Jessamyn could see the resemblance now, the familiar features that hinted at a deeper connection.

"Beatrice, what are you doing here?" Isadora asked, her voice filled with concern and tenderness.

"I...wanted to..." Beatrice looked at the ground, drawing circles with her foot.

Jessamyn couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Beatrice was so small and cute, a stark contrast to their father’s imposing features. She looked so innocent and vulnerable—impossible to ignore.

"Let’s get something for you," Jessamyn suggested warmly.

The girl hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting around the bustling market.

"Are you looking for your mother?" Isadora whispered gently in Beatrice’s ear.

Beatrice nodded hesitantly, her big eyes still making careful observations around them.

"We can run if we spot her," Isadora said with a cheeky smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Beatrice’s face lit up with a wide smile, and she nodded eagerly.

The three of them then walked around the market, enjoying the sights and sounds. Jessamyn made sure to keep a watchful eye on Beatrice, her heart swelling with affection for the girl. They visited various stalls, admiring colorful fabrics, intricate jewelry, and delicious-smelling food.

Jessamyn bought Beatrice a small trinket, a delicate bracelet with tiny, shimmering beads. Beatrice’s eyes sparkled with delight as she slipped it onto her wrist.

"Thank you, Your Grace," Beatrice said shyly, her cheeks rosy with happiness. She even did a cue curtsy.

"You’re welcome, Beatrice," Jessamyn replied, her heart warmed by the girl’s gratitude.

"I wish I could bring you to our home..." Beatrice said her head bowed out of sadness.

"Let’s go," Jessamyn said, only for Isadora to get shocked.

"Bring us to your house," Jessamyn added.

She truly wanted to know why Bernard’s mother didn’t like him. She tried asking Jerrick but he didn’t tell her why. She hoped to learn something.