The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 238: Heartfelt Conversations

Jessamyn didn’t think much of the man she noticed earlier; he didn’t seem significant. She made her way to the banquet hall, her eyes immediately finding Jerrick. He was there, and the moment she stepped near the hall, his eyes landed on her. He always knew when she entered a room.

By the door stood Bernard, and the Crown Prince frequently glanced at Cordelia, his interest evident. William, in the midst of a group of Altanian ladies, entertained them with his charm and humor, their laughter floating above the din as they hid their smiles behind fans.

Feeling reassured that everyone was safe and where they needed to be, Jessamyn turned back to their room. Inside, she found Cordelia and Isadora giggling and whispering, their faces flushed with amusement. Curiosity piqued, Jessamyn joined them.

"What’s so entertaining?" she asked, seating herself in front of the two.

Cordelia and Isadora laughed, covering their mouths. Jessamyn squinted, pretending to be stern. "Are you talking about me?" She focused her gaze on Isadora, knowing she’d spill the truth.

Isadora caved, as expected. "You went to have a peek at your husband, didn’t you, Milady?"

Jessamyn shook her head, denying it playfully.

"See, I told you. Milady cannot keep her eyes off her husband even for a few minutes," Isadora teased, leaning closer to Cordelia.

Jessamyn responded with a grin, "I can’t. So what? I have a husband, and I go look at him whenever my heart yearns for him. Go look at your husbands before mocking me for having mine." The room erupted in laughter.

Then, Cordelia shared a secret. "Did you know, Jessamyn? Isadora says her bearcub does everything except going all the way... you know, down there..." Cordelia’s cheeks turned crimson.

Isadora, embarrassed, swatted at Cordelia with her fan. "You are not supposed to tell Milady that!"

Cordelia shrugged, a mischievous smile on her face as if she had no choice. Isadora pouted, looking at Jessamyn.

Jessamyn chuckled. "Perhaps Bernard knows he needs to keep it if he wants to do that again. He knows where to stop."

Jessamyn was not sure if Jerrick would castrate Bernard if he dared to defile his sister before the wedding but she said it anyway, mainly to warn Isadora again. Jessamyn didn’t want Isadora to face what she faced in her previous marriage.

"Milady! Don’t threaten Bernard like that!" Isadora stomped her feet in mock protest.

Jessamyn laughed, her mirth filling the room.

Not to be outdone, Isadora shared another tidbit. "Milady, did you know the crown prince licked her tongue?"

"What?" Jessamyn raised her brows in surprise, the statement both shocking and making sense at the same time.

Cordelia tried to silence Isadora, but she persisted. "He didn’t kiss her lips but licked her tongue. They haven’t even kissed yet."

Jessamyn bowed her head, laughing. "Well, she’s going to get married soon, and she’ll get kissed, and do other fun things whenever she wants to..."

"Jessamyn..." Cordelia’s face turned a deeper shade of red, hiding behind her hands.

Jessamyn could only laugh harder. "Why are you shy already? You know your first night will be a spectacle, right? My presence is a must too..." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

She expected Cordelia’s bashfulness to grow, but instead, her face paled. Sensing her fear, Jessamyn took a deep breath and held Cordelia’s hand. "It’s going to be fine," she assured, her tone soft and comforting.

Cordelia nodded, a weak smile forming. "It is scary... To think there will be a group of people out there... watching..." She cringed, goosebumps forming on her skin.

Jessamyn patted her hand gently. "I’m sure your husband knows how to handle it. Focus on him. I bet he’ll protect you. And..." she squeezed Cordelia’s hand reassuringly, "if it can make the room less crowded, I shall stay away."

"No," Cordelia interjected quickly. "I want you there. I need your support."

Jessamyn pressed her lips together to stop herself from laughing. "I’m pretty sure my presence will offer no support. I cannot climb into the bed with you to cheer you on... That would be awkward."

"Jessamyn..." Cordelia whined again, her fear evident. "I am serious. I am terrified of that night. I get sleepless just thinking about it."

Jessamyn took a deep breath and kneeled before her, holding Cordelia’s hands firmly. "It is but one night. Do not give it more weight than it deserves. You love him and he loves you. Look nowhere else, think about nothing else. Look into his eyes and let him lead. Forget the others. In the end, it’s about you and him. It’s a beautiful night when your marriage is consummated. You don’t have to be scared. Trust him."

Cordelia stared at Jessamyn, absorbing her words. "You are right. I’ve been taught about it, and yet... You are right, Jessamyn. I love him and trust him. That’s all I need to think about."

Jessamyn smiled, her eyes warm with understanding. "Exactly. Trust him, and trust yourself. You’ll be just fine."

Cordelia took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thank you, Jessamyn. Your words mean more to me than you know."

Isadora, who had been listening quietly, nodded in agreement. "Milady is right."

Cordelia smiled, her fear slowly dissipating. The ladies talked for some time, their laughter and chatter filling the room with warmth.

-----

In the banquet hall, Jerrick moved gracefully among the delegates, performing his duties with the poise expected of him. His mind, however, was elsewhere.

Although he appeared fully engaged, greeting the delegates and maintaining polite conversation, his ears were tuned to Jessamyn’s voice. He could hear the faint echoes of their lively chatter from their room and found himself straining to catch snippets of their conversation.

He hoped their talks wouldn’t veer toward her favorite books, as he didn’t have the heart to endure another long discussion about romantic heroes and heroines and what they did when they were alone.

But knowing Jessamyn and her friends, he had a sinking feeling that the conversation would inevitably head in that direction. He hadn’t realized until recently just how intrigued women could be with intimacy, sharing details and laughing about things he’d never dream of discussing so openly.

It made him wonder if the private moments he shared with Jessamyn might become fodder for their talks. The thought was both endearing and terrifying.

Deciding it was best not to find out, Jerrick forced himself to stop eavesdropping. He knew he couldn’t afford to be distracted tonight, not with so many important eyes watching him.

But he couldn’t help but keep one eye on the door, alert for any sign of trouble.

As he engaged with the delegates, his gaze would occasionally flicker towards the entrance of the hall, ensuring no uninvited guests or unwanted intruders slipped past. His vigilance was a silent testament to his protective nature, especially when it came to Jessamyn.

As he scanned the room, Jerrick’s eyes landed on a group of Altanian men whose demeanor conspicuously predatory. In the middle of the huddle, Lady Celena appeared trapped. His first instinct was to step forward and offer help, but he hesitated.

Could she be conspiring with them?