The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 255: An Embrace of Dreams

"But we have each other. We’ll get through this," Jessamyn whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. She looked up at Jerrick, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The weight of their trials felt lighter in his embrace, his presence a balm to her aching heart.

Jerrick pulled her into a tight embrace, his heart swelling with love and pride. He could feel her pulse, rapid and fragile as if her very essence was intertwined with his. "I sensed true feelings from you when you got angry at Elaine," he murmured softly, his lips brushing against her cheek. "You were so fierce, so protective."

Jessamyn choked back a sob. "If you were normal, and if you truly were allergic to nuts, you’d be..." Her voice faltered, the words caught in her throat, unable to voice the terrible fear that had gripped her.

Jerrick tightened his embrace, gently rocking her as he passed his warmth to her cold palms and cheeks. "You know those are two big ’ifs’, don’t you?" he said softly, his voice soothing her frayed nerves. He kissed the top of her head, his lips lingering in her hair. "Mynah, I am not going to die. Trust me, all right?"

Jessamyn nodded, her tears soaking into his shirt. "I will hold on to that," she whispered, drawing strength from his unwavering confidence.

In his loving embrace, Jessamyn felt her anxiety slowly melt away. She gently traced her finger on his lower lip, marveling at the softness. It was a tender, almost childlike gesture, but it conveyed a depth of emotion that words could not.

Jerrick smiled down at her, placing a light kiss on her finger. "What is it?" he asked, his voice filled with gentle curiosity.

Jessamyn sighed, her eyes distant as she allowed herself to dream. "Can you imagine a world where you’re a mere human and I too am a normal woman... There is no war, no titles, no hierarchy, and only happiness?"

Jerrick chuckled softly, the sound a warm vibration against her. "Beloved Mynah, no such place exists," he said, pulling her even closer. "Even if such a place existed, it would be too boring."

Jessamyn pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a mix of amusement and incredulity. "Too boring?" she asked. All she wanted was peace and harmony. How could he consider that boring?

"If there is no war, what am I going to do?" Jerrick teased. "Become a farmer?" 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Jessamyn giggled at the thought, the sound light and musical. "Or a..." She paused, wondering what occupation would suit him best. "I don’t know," she admitted, burying her face in his chest. "I think you’re suited to be the warrior," she said, her voice muffled but sincere.

Jerrick took a deep sniff of her hair, the familiar scent calming him. He kissed her head tenderly. "How about this? When the war is over and peace returns, I’ll become a gardener once more?"

"A gardener?" Jessamyn raised her brows in surprise. "Why would you go back to that?"

"To grow more flowers for your enjoyment," Jerrick said with a smile. "You love it, don’t you? Enjoying the flowers?"

Jessamyn’s eyes watered, a tender smile gracing her lips. She gently caressed his cheek. "I was interested in the garden only because that’s where you were," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. The garden was their secret haven, a place where they could escape the pressures of their respective worlds.

"And for the mangoes," she added, a playful glint in her eyes.

Jerrick chuckled, the sound rich and full. He hugged her close, his heart swelling with affection. Her warm breath fell on his neck, sending shivers down his spine. At that moment, he felt complete.

"What do you want me to be in our next life?" Jerrick asked, his voice soft but serious. He had her this life, and that was not close to enough for him. In their next life and the next one after that... No matter how many lives they had left, he wanted her to be his.

His alone.

Jessamyn giggled and looked at him, her eyes sparkling. "Next life? Are you making plans for your next life? Will you have a say?"

"It’s just... Tell me, what do I have to be?" Jerrick asked, his eyes searching hers.

Jessamyn let out a deep breath, nuzzling closer to his chest. She closed her eyes, the weight of his question pressing on her heart. When he talked about the next life, the spell the council gave her came to her memory.

She would meet Joar in her next life. Then what about Jerrick? The thought confused and saddened her. She hoped she had no next life. She wouldn’t have to go through that.

Sensing her worry, Jerrick didn’t relent. He wanted her to know that he wouldn’t let her go the next time like he did in this lifetime. "I’ll be a farmer... No... It doesn’t matter. I wish we both had the same status and it is easier for us to marry," he said, his voice filled with a mix of hope and determination.

He truly didn’t want anything else. He didn’t want to be rich; he could earn wealth. This time, he left her in search of status. He hoped in the next lifetime, both of them would be of the same status.

Jessamyn closed her eyes and a tear rolled down her cheek. Her heart bubbled with love for him. "If you find me, don’t let me go, Jerry," she whispered, her voice filled with raw emotion.

"I’m not letting you go," Jerrick said, hugging her tighter. His embrace was a promise. He was not going to let her go again.

The next morning, Jessamyn found herself face-to-face with Elaine once more. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words.

"Elaine," Jessamyn began, her voice calm but firm. "We need to talk about what happened at the dinner."

Elaine’s smile was tight, her eyes wary. "Jessamyn, it was a mistake. We’ve already discussed this."

"No," Jessamyn said, her eyes narrowing. "It wasn’t just a mistake. You and the council wanted to see if Jerrick would heal himself. You put his life at risk for your agenda."

Elaine’s composure faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly regained it. "Jessamyn, you must understand, we have to be sure. The safety of the kingdom depends on it."

"And what about the safety of my husband?" Jessamyn demanded, her voice rising. "What about our lives?"

Elaine’s eyes flickered with something Jessamyn couldn’t quite decipher. "Your husband is safe, Jessamyn. He survived, didn’t he?"

"That’s not the point," Jessamyn snapped, her patience wearing thin. "You violated my trust. You put Jerrick in danger to satisfy their curiosity. That’s unforgivable."

Elaine’s expression hardened. "You need to understand, Jessamyn. We all have a role to play. Sometimes, sacrifices must be made. Are you wavering from your purpose?"

Jessamyn felt a surge of anger and disgust. "Sacrifices? You’re talking about my husband’s life as if it’s a pawn in your game. I won’t stand for it. I’ve lost my husband once and I cannot live that life again!"