The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 235: A Doting Husband

Jessamyn woke up, feeling the bed sinking beside her legs. A smile curved her lips as a pair of warm hands gently massaged her tired legs.

"Are you back?" she asked groggily, opening her eyes to see the familiar face illuminated by the soft glow of the fireplace.

Jerrick’s concerned eyes met hers. "Did I wake you?"

"No," Jessamyn replied, trying to sit up, but Jerrick patted her shoulder, encouraging her to rest. "Don’t get up."

Insisting, she repositioned herself to lay her head on his lap instead. "Did it go well?" she asked her voice a blend of curiosity and exhaustion.

He began to recount his evening, detailing everything he had done. While Jessamyn didn’t grasp all the intricacies, she deeply appreciated his openness.

"I did... I thought I’d have to rush to be with you, but I managed to come back earlier than expected..." His voice was soothing, and his fingers gently caressed her forehead, lulling her back to sleep.

Some time later, she stirred again, expecting Jerrick to be lying beside her. Instead, she found him still sitting by her legs, now massaging them with care.

"How many times should I tell you not to touch my feet?" she chided softly, attempting to pull her feet away. This man was the Archduke, after all; he shouldn’t be massaging her feet, even if she was his wife.

Jerrick chuckled, pulling her feet back onto his lap. Jessamyn could only sigh, resigned yet touched by his devotion.

"For the amazing favor you’re doing me, this is the least I could do," Jerrick explained, his tone gentle.

It was the first time he offered an explanation, and it made her realize once again how much the impending arrival of their child meant to him. Motherhood was known to bring joy to women, but here was proof that fatherhood could bring the same happiness to men.

"Ah..." Jessamyn relaxed, letting out a deep breath as his skilled hands worked their magic. "Do not forget what I am enduring for you..." she murmured, her voice trailing off as sleep claimed her once more.

Her pregnancy had been smooth so far, yet she playfully exaggerated her hardships to ensure she continued to be pampered. Who wouldn’t want to be doted on by their loving husband?

In the morning, Jessamyn allowed Jerrick to pamper her all the way to the carriage. He had thoughtfully changed the interior to be more comfortable for her, with a soft cushioned sofa where she could sit with her legs up. It was more than she could have asked for.

Settling into the plush seat, she attempted to focus on her embroidery, but the motion of the carriage made her stomach churn. She couldn’t throw up, but the giddiness was overwhelming.

"I’m going to end up fat..." she mumbled, drifting into sleep despite her best efforts to stay awake and hold onto the embroidery hoop. Her eyes closed, and she succumbed to the drowsiness that had been plaguing her.

Her previous pregnancy had been entirely different. She had experienced morning sickness but had been able to walk around without feeling faint. This time, however, every step felt like an ordeal. As she caressed her belly, a smile formed on her lips.

You’re so demanding, baby...

"If you’re drowsy, sleep," Jerrick said, gently taking her embroidery hoop and setting it aside. "Why must you protest?"

He placed his hand over hers, his eyes full of concern as he observed her pale but pleased face. "If it’s hard to bear, tell me. I can ask him to be more careful."

"Him?" Jessamyn opened her eyes, curiosity piqued. "You mean our baby? You can talk to him?"

Jerrick nodded. "He’s my blood. He has to listen to me."

"He’s only two months old... he’s not even born yet..." Jessamyn was incredulous. "He listens to you?" she asked, her eyes filled with wonderment.

"He’s not different from the animals that obey me. He has to..." Jerrick’s voice trailed off when he saw the look of disapproval on her face.

"Do not compare my son to an animal," she glared at him, her hand protectively caressing her belly. "Son, do not listen to your father. He’s so full of himself."

Jerrick scoffed, feeling misunderstood. All he wanted was to help her. How had he become the villain in this scenario?

"He’s not only draining your blood; he’s draining your energy and soul too. It’s going to get worse as he grows. Nurturing a Theodulf heir is not an easy feat, especially for someone like him with a strong aura... It’s your soul that’s holding you up to carry him," Jerrick explained.

Jessamyn looked at him, sensing his genuine concern. "My soul? Because my soul is formed by the union of the moon goddess and a demigod, is that what you’re saying? My original body would have been much stronger, wouldn’t it?"

Jerrick nodded. She was stronger than an average woman, possibly the strongest alive, but still not the strongest in the world. He wished she were the strongest so she would be safe. It was why he attended to her with such care; she would suffer without his help.

"Ah..." Jessamyn leaned on his shoulder with a smile. "I have a thoughtful husband..." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Jerrick smiled back, feeling a rush of warmth and affection.

"But..." Jessamyn continued, gently caressing her abdomen. "Do not stop him from taking what he needs. The more he takes from me, the stronger he grows. I want to give birth to a strong boy. After all, the fate of this world is going to rest on his shoulders..."

Jerrick let out a deep breath. Of course, that’s what she’d say. Even if she had one drop of blood left, she would give it to their son to make him stronger. Maybe all women were like that, and that was why nature decided only women could get pregnant. Men wouldn’t be this selfless.

Well, not all women have a strong maternal instinct like this. Some kill their own children for their happiness.

Jerrick shook his head, not wanting to dwell on such dark thoughts. He gently caressed Jessamyn’s head as she breathed evenly. Whenever she spoke of their son’s future, an indistinguishable fear gripped him.

Will I be the good father Jessamyn expects of me?