The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 256: Gentle Touch

Bernard and Isadora sat under the shade of the ancient oak tree, the sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting a dappled pattern on the ground. Bernard gently massaged Isadora’s slender fingers, his touch tender and reverent.

Isadora leaned into his arms, a serene smile gracing her lips. She marveled at the dichotomy of Bernard’s nature—the gentleness that seemed impossible for someone with his past.

"How come you are never scared of me, Isadora?" he asked, his voice a low murmur that blended with the rustling of the leaves.

Since their last meeting with his mother, where his dark past had been laid bare, Isadora had not pressed him for details. Bernard had expected questions, perhaps even fear, but she had offered only silent understanding.

The longing to know of his past that he had seen in her eyes had been replaced by unwavering love and delight, leaving him mystified by her indifference to such a terrifying revelation.

The memories of his childhood haunted him—memories of a mother who had rejected him and villagers who had stoned him, leaving him for dead.

Somehow, he had survived, fleeing to the forest where he became more beast than man. In that wild place, he had learned to survive among the animals, becoming the apex predator.

It wasn’t until Wulfhart found him and began the arduous process of restoring his humanity that Bernard began to reclaim his life. Yet, the scars of his past remained, a festering wound in his heart.

Isadora’s unwavering love was his only solace these days. Her acceptance baffled him, but he clung to it like a lifeline.

"Because I love you. There is no fear in love," Isadora replied, her voice steady and filled with conviction. She didn’t even look at him as she spoke, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon as if she saw their future there.

Bernard’s eyes lingered on her face, searching for any hint of doubt. "It’s true what my mother said about me. You’re still not scared of me?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Isadora turned to him, her expression serene. "After knowing that part of your past, I am relieved. I know you’ll protect me just the way you protected your sister. I’d be a fool to blame your protective instinct. I’ll need it. Next to Milady, you’re the only one I trust to protect me. To be honest, I trust you more than I trust Milady for protection. Milady is not as strong as you..." she said, smiling as she gently poked his muscular arm.

"She’d give up her life to protect me but I wouldn’t want that. You, however, I’d depend on, my love..."

Bernard’s heart swelled with a mix of emotions. Her trust was both a balm and a burden. "How are you not scared? I am capable of killing family!" he exclaimed, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Honestly, Bernard... I once tried to pick up your sword, do you remember? After that, I knew you wouldn’t hurt me," she said, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"Really? Why?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"Your sword is heavy. You do incredible tasks with ease. You hold that much strength. And yet, when you hold me, when your rough, stubby fingers touch mine... Bernard, how could you be so gentle with me?" she replied, her voice soft and filled with wonder.

Bernard’s gaze softened as he looked at her, his heart overflowing with love. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "Because you are my everything, Isadora. You are the light in my darkest days, the hope I cling to. Your love makes me gentle," he said, his voice breaking with emotion.

Isadora’s eyes filled with tears, and she leaned into his touch. "And you are my strength, Bernard. You are the anchor that keeps me grounded," she whispered.

He pulled her into a tight embrace, feeling the steady rhythm of her heartbeat against his chest. In that moment, all his fears and doubts melted away, replaced by a profound sense of peace. He kissed the top of her head, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair.

"Do you want to talk about your past, Bernard? Will that help you?" Isadora asked.

"No," Bernard replied immediately. He wouldn’t want Isadora to know about his life as a feral human. He loved to see the wonderment in her eyes as she looked at him.

"Then don’t. If someday, even if that day is years later, you want to tell me about your past, I’ll listen. It won’t change anything for me but if it helps you, I’ll listen..." Isadora said leaning on his chest.

Bernard hummed. He was relieved and overjoyed the more he heard her speak. He couldn’t believe such an amazing woman fell in love with him.

"Isadora, I promise to protect you always, with every ounce of my being. I will never let anyone harm you," he vowed, his voice firm and unwavering.

Isadora smiled, her heart soaring with love and gratitude. "And I promise to stand by your side, no matter what. Together, we will face whatever comes our way," she said, her voice filled with determination.

Bernard leaned down and captured her lips in a tender kiss, pouring all his love and devotion into that single moment. Isadora responded with equal enthusiasm, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer. The kiss was a silent promise, a testament to their unwavering commitment to each other.

When they finally pulled apart, breathless and flushed, Bernard rested his forehead against hers. "I love you, Isadora. More than words can ever express," he said, his voice a hushed whisper.

"And I love you, Bernard. Forever and always," she replied, her eyes shining with tears of joy.

-----

"What are you doing?" Jerrick’s voice was a low rumble, almost startling Jessamyn. She turned to find him standing behind her, his eyes soft with concern.

"Careful..." he murmured, placing his hand gently on her lower back and rubbing soothing circles. He then moved his hand to cup her belly, where a small but noticeable bump had begun to show, the promise of new life growing within her.

"Aren’t they adorable?" Jessamyn whispered, her eyes shining as she pointed towards Isadora and Bernard, who were sitting under a tree farther away. The couple seemed lost in their own world, their heads close together as they spoke in hushed tones.

Jerrick followed her gaze and smiled. "They do look happy," he agreed, his voice warm. "It’s good to see Bernard smile like that. He deserves some peace."

Jessamyn leaned into Jerrick’s embrace, her heart swelling with love for both the man beside her and the sight before them. "I’m glad they found each other," she said softly. "They’ve both been through so much. They deserve this happiness."

Jerrick kissed the top of her head, his lips lingering as he took in her scent. "Just like we do," he murmured, his hand moving in gentle, protective strokes over her belly.

As they stood there, watching Isadora and Bernard from a distance, Jessamyn felt a deep sense of contentment.