The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 234: Reconciliation

Bernard’s knighting ceremony was held in the Theodulf Castle. Bernard’s eyes were red as he knelt before Jerrick and once again swore his loyalty to him.

More than the title and the gifts that accompanied his newly gotten title, Bernard was happier to see the pride on Jerrick’s face.

Jessamyn tried to find out if Bernard’s family was in the celebrations but she couldn’t see his mother or sister. Isadora was gleefully following around Bernard like a teen girl following her first crush. It was beautiful to watch.

Bernard moved to the new castle. He cried as he left his room in the Theodulf Castle. Once again, he pleaded with Jerrick to let him stay there.

In the end, Jerrick had to drag Bernard to his castle himself. Since that was the first time Jessamyn visited there, she looked around the place. Isadora joined her.

Although that castle was incomparable to The Theodulf Castle, Isadora was happy with every single thing in the place.

Jessamyn saw Isadora’s pride and gratefulness and that filled her heart. Isadora went to Jerrick to thank him. Jessamyn was busy elsewhere and saw Isadora leaving Jerrick’s side, puffing angrily.

Jessamyn could only chuckle. Jerrick’s character of teasing the ones he loved the dearest hadn’t changed.

Preparations for the games were in full swing in the capital city. The grounds were alive with activity, a bustling scene of workers setting up grandstands, arranging banners, and ensuring every detail was perfect for the upcoming festivities.

The air was filled with anticipation and excitement throughout the Kingdom. Warriors and those who aspired to be one eagerly trained for the games.

Just a couple of days before Jerrick and Jessamyn were set to leave for Elodia, the capital of Ayberia, William arrived at Theodulf Castle for a visit.

His presence was a welcome surprise, though Jessamyn felt a slight pang of anxiety, remembering their last disagreement.

Determined to make amends, Jessamyn prepared a tray of snacks and tea herself. She carefully selected William’s favorite treats, arranging them with meticulous care, hoping the gesture would soften any lingering tension.

As she carried the tray to the drawing room, she took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. Jerrick saw her with the tray filled with William’s favorites and smiled. There was a tinge of pride on his face.

He was happy that his wife valued the relationship with his family members. It only gave him the urge to protect her more.

William was seated by the window, looking out at the garden with a contemplative expression. When Jessamyn entered, he turned, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"I brought some snacks," she said, her voice gentle. "I’m glad you visited. I thought we could sit and talk."

William’s smile widened, and he nodded. "That sounds wonderful, Jessamyn."

She placed the tray on the table between them and poured the tea, the clinking of porcelain breaking the silence. She took a seat, and for a moment, there was only the sound of tea being poured and the distant noise of preparations outside.

William looked at her abdomen and with his eyes wide, looked at Jerrick. Jerrick nodded and William smiled with content. The small misgivings on his face disappeared completely.

William couldn’t be silent anymore. "I can see..." he pointed at her abdomen. "About your pregnancy." His eyes softened as he spoke, a mixture of happiness and concern in his gaze.

Jessamyn’s hand instinctively moved to her lower abdomen, a small smile gracing her lips. "Yes, I’m two months along now."

William reached across the table, his hand covering hers. "I’m truly happy for you, Jessamyn. I know how much this means to you and Jerrick."

Her eyes welled up with tears, not of sadness but of relief and joy. "Thank you, William. It means a lot to hear you say that."

He squeezed her hand gently, his expression earnest remembering the promise he made that day. "I’m sorry for the way things ended last time we talked. I was too wrapped up in my own emotions and..."

Jessamyn shook her head, cutting him off. "No, William. I understand. Your mother is a sensitive subject for both of us. But I don’t want that to come between us anymore. We’re family."

William’s eyes glistened, and he took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. "You’re right. We are family. And I want to be there for you, for Jerrick, and my future nephew."

A warm, genuine smile spread across Jessamyn’s face. "Thank you, William. That means more to me than you know."

"What name have you chosen?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Jessamyn glanced at Jerrick, who shrugged slightly. They knew they were going to have a boy, but they hadn’t settled on a name yet.

"What do you suggest?" Jerrick asked, turning the question back to William.

"Brennan," William said immediately, his eyes glimmering with joy. "Brennan Theodulf would be the perfect name for your son."

Jessamyn looked at Jerrick to gauge his reaction. Jerrick seemed unsure, his brow furrowed in thought.

"Why not? That’s the perfect name!" William insisted, his enthusiasm palpable.

As they sipped their tea and shared the snacks, the conversation flowed naturally into discussions about the baby’s name. The hard feelings that had once lingered between them seemed to dissolve with every shared laugh and fond memory.

They reminisced about their childhood, the adventures they had shared, and the dreams they had for the future. William’s suggestion of Brennan became a topic of playful debate, with each of them sharing their thoughts and preferences.

As they parted that evening, Jessamyn felt a weight lifted from her heart. William sent Isadora to stay with her until the games ended. Jessamyn was glad to have Isadora back with her. She had missed her dearly.

The night before their departure, Jerrick retreated to his study to finalize the details of the games. Jessamyn knew him well enough to anticipate that he might pull an all-nighter, so she decided to go to bed alone.

As she approached the staircase, her heart pounded reflexively, a remnant of her past trauma. Despite her prophecy ensuring her son’s safety within Theodulf Castle, the shadows of her history lingered, making her uneasy.

Isadora noticed Jessamyn’s hesitation and gently took her hand, guiding her safely to her room. After changing into her nightclothes, Jessamyn lay on the bed, feeling the comforting warmth of the fireplace. Although spring was near, winter’s chill still clung to the air, but Jerrick’s meticulous care ensured she stayed warm and comfortable.

Her pregnancy had been relatively easy so far, with only occasional bouts of fatigue as the sole symptom. Jessamyn placed a hand over her abdomen, her thoughts drifting to Jerrick.

His dedication and love enveloped her like a cocoon, making her smile. She hoped he would find time to rest before their journey. Her thoughts of him lulled her into a peaceful sleep.

In the middle of the night, as the fire in the fireplace flickered and cast dancing shadows on the walls, something stirred in the room. A dark shadow rose slowly at the foot of Jessamyn’s bed.