The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 257: Night Visit

The night before Cordelia’s wedding, Jessamyn stood by the window of the drawing room, gazing at the moonlit gardens below.

Cordelia had asked her to stay with her for the night, to offer emotional support on the eve of her big day. Jessamyn was deeply touched by Cordelia’s trust, feeling as if she had gained another little sister next to Isadora.

As she gathered her things to head to Cordelia’s manor, she felt a warm hand on her shoulder, making her jump slightly.

"Where are you going?" Jerrick’s deep voice broke the quiet, filled with a hint of amusement.

"I already told you, Cordelia~" she began, but Jerrick shook his head, cutting her off gently.

"Go to bed," he insisted, pressing his hand on her shoulders and leading her back towards the stairs.

"But Cordelia asked me to stay with her," Jessamyn protested softly, though she allowed herself to be guided.

"Get changed and come to bed," Jerrick said with a firmness that brooked no argument.

"But~" Jessamyn tried again, but Jerrick’s expression softened only a fraction.

"Tonight, William helped Louis sneak inside his fiancée’s bedroom. She won’t meet with you now. Come to bed with me," Jerrick said, his lips quirking into a small, knowing smile.

Jessamyn pouted, narrowing her eyes at him. "You’re not lying, are you?"

"Why would I lie?" Jerrick responded, and without waiting for her to protest further, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her up the stairs.

Jessamyn giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. Once inside their room, Jerrick helped her out of her clothes, his fingers lingering on her skin with a tenderness that made her heart flutter.

He wanted her to lie beside him naked, but Jessamyn insisted on wearing her nightgown, though she couldn’t resist his pleading eyes for long.

On the bed, Jerrick pouted as he massaged her back, his hands kneading her muscles with expert care. "Why don’t you want me tonight?" he whined, his voice tinged with a playful frustration.

Jessamyn gave him a smacking kiss on his lips. "I don’t feel like it tonight..." she whispered, her fingers tracing the lines of his face.

Jerrick sighed, begrudgingly accepting her decision, and continued his gentle massage. "Jerrick, why did Prince Louis meet Cordelia now?" she asked, trying to understand the urgency behind their late-night rendezvous.

"Hmm?" Jerrick grunted in displeasure. "To do what you’re not allowing me to do tonight..."

Jessamyn chuckled, pressing a series of quick kisses on his lips. Jerrick climbed on top of her, deepening the kiss, his need for her evident in every touch.

When they finally parted, their breaths mingling in the small space between them, he looked at her, a silent question in his eyes, asking if she had changed her mind.

"Cordelia was pretty stressed," Jessamyn said, her voice soft with concern.

Jerrick sighed, rolling off her and lying down beside her, his disappointment palpable.

Jessamyn scooted closer to him, resting her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "It must be hard for her..." she murmured, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his skin.

"He was also stressed to have his first time like that," Jerrick admitted; his voice was a low rumble in the quiet room.

"He told you that?" Jessamyn asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Why are we talking about them?" Jerrick’s frustration was clear, but there was a hint of amusement in his tone as well.

"Jerrick, you should have given him pointers on how to make Cordelia comfortable," Jessamyn teased, poking his side lightly.

Jerrick rolled his eyes, exasperated. It looked like he was concerned about it the least.

"At least ask William to..." Jessamyn began, but Jerrick was unimpressed by her request.

"First times are not going to be comfortable for anyone, especially during a bedding ceremony," he said, his tone practical and resigned.

"You made me comfortable on our wedding night!" Jessamyn countered, a fond smile playing on her lips.

Jerrick’s eyes glinted with playfulness. "Mynah, that was not our first time," he reminded her, his voice low and intimate.

Jessamyn sighed, a mixture of exasperation and affection. "True," she admitted, her smile widening. She shifted closer, her body fitting perfectly against his. "But you still made me feel safe and loved. That’s what matters."

Jerrick’s arms tightened around her, his lips finding hers in a kiss that spoke of promises and unspoken vows. "And I always will," he whispered against her lips. "Always."

They lay there in the quiet of their room, wrapped in each other’s arms, the outside world fading away. Jessamyn’s worries about Cordelia’s wedding melted into the background as she basked in the warmth and security of Jerrick’s love.

-----

Cordelia was waiting for Jessamyn in the drawing room. She felt a flutter of anxiety mixed with excitement, knowing that tomorrow she would be wed. The room felt unusually still, as if the house itself was holding its breath in anticipation.

But then, a strange feeling washed over her, and she felt a sudden compulsion to return to her room.

As she walked through the dimly lit corridors, she heard an odd noise near her window. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she hesitated, her hand hovering near the door handle. She wanted to see what it was but was too scared. She stood there, paralyzed by indecision, when a sweet, familiar voice broke the silence.

"Cordelia... open the window..."

Her heart leaped with recognition. "Louis!"

Cordelia rushed to the window, her hands trembling with excitement as she fumbled with the latch. The cool night air rushed in, carrying the scent of roses and the promise of his embrace. Just as Louis reached for her hand, she let out a small gasp and rushed away.

"Cordelia!" Louis shouted, his voice a mixture of surprise and amusement.

She returned moments later, a mischievous smile on her lips. "I locked my door," she said cheekily, her eyes sparkling with delight.

She extended her hand to help Louis climb up. His strong fingers wrapped around hers, and with a graceful effort, he swung himself into her room. The moment he was inside, Cordelia found herself enveloped in his arms, the warmth of his body melting away her fears.

"Why are you here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she gazed into his eyes, her heart swelling with love.

"Why else? To see you," Prince Louis replied, his voice tender and filled with longing.

Cordelia’s heart fluttered at his words, and she couldn’t help but smile. "You shouldn’t be here. What if someone sees us?" she murmured, though she made no move to push him away.

"I couldn’t stay away," he said, his thumb brushing gently across her cheek. "Not tonight, not when I need to see you, to hold you."

She leaned into his touch, her eyes closing briefly as she savored the sensation. "I was just about to go to bed," she said, her voice soft and inviting.

Louis smiled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Then I suppose I should bid you goodnight," he said.

"That’s it?" Cordelia’s eyes widened. "You’re leaving already?"