The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 237: The Leering Eyes

"Save up your energy for tomorrow and rest up. It is not mandatory for you to attend the state dinner tonight," Jerrick said, his expression turning serious.

"I don’t have to?" Jessamyn pondered aloud, her mind weighing the option.

The thought of mingling with other nobles and the delegates from Altania at the state dinner was far from appealing. The formalities and pretenses of such gatherings often left her weary.

"Wait, Isadora and Cordelia are attending. I should too," she said, sitting up with determination. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

As the future consort of the crown prince, Cordelia had a duty to attend the state dinner. Jessamyn knew Cordelia would rather avoid it, having noticed the lecherous glances from the men of Altania. Tales of their barbaric ways had made many nobles hesitant to bring their wives and unwed daughters.

"As you wish," Jerrick replied, his voice tinged with concern. He thought she was too tired and had hoped she would rest, but he understood her need to be with her friends.

Jessamyn kneeled on the bed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I love you, Jerrick," she whispered, her voice filled with affection. "I thought you were going to protect me like the other nobles."

Jerrick furrowed his brows, not fully grasping her meaning. "What?"

"If the men of Ayberia think that the only way to protect their women is by hiding them in their own kingdom, aren’t they cowards?" she said, kissing his lips softly.

Jerrick chuckled, his hands holding her waist firmly, drawing her closer. "I’m not one of them," he said with a smile.

"I know..." Jessamyn murmured, her breath warm against his skin. Her face flushed with a deepening desire as she kissed him again, this time trailing her lips along his jawline. "My husband is a Braveheart, a valiant champion, a stalwart who is not afraid of those puny men of Altania. I know I’m safe when he’s with me..."

She peppered kisses along his face and neck, the air between them growing warmer with each touch.

Jerrick’s heart swelled with love and pride, his resolve to protect her stronger than ever. Her husky voice and those eyes filled with desire ignited a spark in his lower abdomen. He had thought she was too tired, but if she had the energy for this, then perhaps she was well enough for the state dinner.

He expected her to back off, but she kissed him deeply, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pressed herself against him. Her passion surprised him, and he welcomed it with open arms, wrapping them around her and pulling her closer. Her kisses trailed along his jawline and neck, leaving a warm, tingling sensation in their wake.

Gently cupping her face in his hands, his thumbs brushed her cheeks. "How much time do you need to get ready?" he asked, his voice husky with desire.

Jessamyn’s heart fluttered at the sight of his eyes burning with passion. Her body responded to the heat of their closeness. She quickly untied his shirt, her fingers deft and eager. "We have enough time..." she murmured between kisses, her breath coming in soft, shallow gasps.

Her fingers lingered on the mark of her teeth on his shoulder, a smile blooming on her face. "I love you so much," she whispered, her voice filled with a blend of tenderness and desire.

Jerrick’s hands roamed down her back, tracing the contours of her body. He felt the heat of her skin through the fabric of her dress, his touch both gentle and possessive. "I love you too," he murmured against her lips, his voice thick with emotion.

Jerrick’s hands roamed down her back, tracing the curve of her spine as he pulled her even closer. The heat between them was palpable, their breaths mingling in the space between their lips. His touch was gentle yet insistent, a silent promise of his unwavering devotion and desire.

Jessamyn’s kisses became more fervent, her hands exploring his body with a sense of urgency. The room seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their own world of love and passion.

-----

"You are glowing more than the moonstone on your tiara, Milady!" Isadora exclaimed as they reached the entrance of the grand banquet hall. Jessamyn smiled, her cheeks flushing with a mix of pride and anticipation.

She realized it too. She didn’t think that she would glow after being intimate with her husband. Or it could be an effect of her pregnancy, she couldn’t tell.

"William is waiting for us inside," Isadora said and they walked in.

The hall was a breathtaking sight. Tall, elegant columns lined the perimeter, adorned with golden filigree that shimmered in the candlelight. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high, vaulted ceilings, their countless facets scattering light like stars across the room.

A soft, melodious symphony filled the air, the music weaving through the hall like an enchanting spell. The orchestra, positioned on a raised platform at the far end of the room, played with masterful precision. Violins sang in harmony, accompanied by the gentle strumming of harps and the resonant tones of cellos.

Nobles from both Ayberia and Altania mingled in elegant attire, their colorful garments creating a vibrant mosaic against the opulent backdrop. Tables draped in fine silk linens were laden with an array of delectable dishes, from succulent roasted meats to delicate pastries, all meticulously arranged to please both the eye and the palate.

Jessamyn took in the scene, her heart swelling with a mix of excitement and pride. She felt a gentle squeeze on her arm and turned to see Jerrick beside her, his eyes twinkling with admiration and affection. "You truly are the brightest star in this room," he whispered, his voice barely audible above the music.

"You are too," Jessamyn smiled.

Isadora, standing nearby, looked around with wide eyes, clearly impressed by the splendor of the evening. "It’s even more magnificent than I imagined," she said softly, her gaze sweeping across the room.

Cordelia joined them, her presence exuding grace and poise. "Shall we?" she asked, nodding toward the gathering of nobles. Despite her earlier reluctance, she seemed ready to face the evening with determination.

The banquet started and most of the conversation between the men were boring stately affairs. Isadora, Cordelia and Jessamyn all huddled together in a fainting couch, engaging in a conversation of their own.

Jessamyn noticed a pair of eyes lingering on them from the distance. The man was dressed in an elaborate attire of Altania and he kept on staring even when Jessamyn met eyes with them.

What’s his deal?