The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 247: His Unwavering Trust

Jerrick felt a storm of conflicting emotions swirling inside him like a raging storm. His heart ached with pity for William, a deep, gut-wrenching desire to shield him from the harshness of the world.

Yet, beneath this protective urge, a gnawing suspicion festered like a persistent thorn, casting a shadow over his thoughts. Elaine, once a beacon of trust, now seemed enshrouded in doubt and danger.

"You do not trust her?" William’s voice cut through the silence, sensing the hesitation etched on Jerrick’s face.

Jerrick hesitated, his voice a fragile whisper. "Is it important? Will it be fruitful if I reveal my resignation?" He paused, his eyes locking onto William’s. "I’d rather choose not to lose you, William. You’re my brother."

William’s smile faltered, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his features. Jerrick braced himself for a sharp retort, but instead, William’s voice softened, trembling with raw emotion.

"She’s not the same person she once was, I know... But still... She’s my Elaine, Jerrick..." His voice cracked, and tears glistened in his eyes. "Jessamyn..." His voice rose, filled with a mix of anguish and desperation, and his fingers trembled. "Jessamyn seemed untrustworthy after she returned. Now you’re happy, aren’t you?"

Jerrick’s heart melted at the sight of William’s flickering hope, a fragile ember in the darkness. He remembered being in the same place not so long ago, teetering on the edge of despair. He could feel William’s pain and his struggle as if it were his own.

"Then, promise to keep all our secrets. Remember, Jessamyn told the council about you, and you’ll have to play your part. She wanted me to tell you that she was the one the council asked to take care of, so you’ll have to..." Jerrick’s voice trailed off, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.

"You trust me?" William’s eyes widened, a glimmer of hope mingling with the fear in his gaze. He didn’t want to lose Jerrick, his brother in every sense but blood.

"I empathize with you, for now. Do not lose your rationality, William. If Jessamyn or my son’s life gets in danger, I will not hold back—"

"It will not happen. I promise," William vowed, his voice fervent, clinging to the fragile thread of hope that bound them together.

"Jessamyn does not trust Elaine? Is this about the prophecy?" William asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jerrick could see the turmoil in William’s eyes. He knew William was grappling with conflicting emotions—hatred towards Jessamyn battling with a desperate need to understand her perspective.

"Mynah talked about the devastation she’d cause. She also wants to follow the council’s orders," Jerrick replied, choosing his words carefully. He wanted to remind William that any word against his Mynah would be taken as a slight against him.

At the same time, he hoped to avoid triggering William’s ire towards Jessamyn. "Anyway, I’ll leave it to you," he said, rising to his feet.

"She didn’t elaborate?" William followed, closing the distance between them. There was a pleading note in his voice, a need for more clarity.

Jerrick shook his head, avoiding William’s gaze. The truth was tangled in a web of loyalty and doubt, and he didn’t have the heart to unravel it himself. What could he reveal?

"And you trust her more?" William’s question was heavy with accusation, his eyes searching Jerrick’s for a hint of betrayal.

Jerrick met William’s gaze, a sad smile playing on his lips. He had anticipated this reaction, the inevitable doubt cast upon Jessamyn. "I’ll see you," he said softly, before turning to leave.

As he opened the door, he was met with the sight of Elaine in the hallway, balancing a tray with delicate care. She hurried towards him, her smile radiant and sweet.

"You’re leaving already, Your Grace?" she asked, her voice melodic, almost too cheerful.

Jerrick nodded, forcing a smile. His eyes flicked to the door where William stood, observing their interaction.

"I’d like to invite Your Grace and Her Grace for dinner here, if..." she glanced at William, seeking his approval.

William nodded, a spark of happiness igniting in his eyes.

"I’ll invite you formally. I’m so excited!" Elaine exclaimed, a joyful jump accentuating her words. She turned to William, her face glowing with childlike delight.

William’s expression softened, his face lighting up as if he were beholding the most adorable sight in the world. Jerrick, however, felt a pang of irritation. Elaine’s girlish enthusiasm seemed out of place for a woman in her thirties.

Jerrick’s mind wandered to his Songbird, imagining her in such a moment of unrestrained joy. That would be endearing.

Without another word, Jerrick walked away, not looking back. He wanted to lie on Jessamyn’s lap and let her fingers play with his hair. That would be a soothing balm.

-----

In the bathtub, Jessamyn gently ran her fingers through Jerrick’s hair as he leaned against her chest. The warm water soothed his tense muscles, and she watched the stress lines on his forehead slowly fade, replaced by a widening smile.

"William reacted just the way I predicted," Jerrick said, his voice tinged with both satisfaction and resignation.

Jessamyn searched his face for any lingering distress, but it seemed to have melted away, leaving behind a calm acceptance. She leaned down and kissed his forehead, her lips lingering as if trying to imprint reassurance into his skin. "He will not betray your trust. I just hoped he wouldn’t have the sword pass through his heart again," she murmured, her voice heavy with sorrow.

A deep sigh escaped her as memories of the prophecy flickered through her mind like haunting shadows. The images of destruction and despair weighed heavily on her heart.

"What devastation is she going to cause, Mynah?" Jerrick’s question was gentle but firm, his eyes searching hers. He had initially thought he didn’t need to know, but now he realized that to support her, to truly stand by her side, he needed to share her burdens. He needed to know.

Jessamyn sighed again, her breath mingling with the steam rising from the water. "War is coming, Jerrick. War is knocking on the doors of Elodia. If I were you, I would be preparing Elodia for a siege. You know what happened during the last siege of Elodia. People didn’t have food after ninety days, and they started eating their children..."

Jerrick’s face paled at her words, the horror of such a reality sinking in.

"The last time, the Theodulf family didn’t have a shifter. This time, we have two of us. No one can reach Elodia, certainly no army who lost in a game to us, Jessamyn..." Jerrick said, his voice filled with confusion and a desperate need to believe in their strength.

Jessamyn cupped his cheeks, her touch tender but insistent. "Are you finding my words hard to believe, love?" Her eyes searched his, filled with a mix of hope and fear.