The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 288: Possessive Humor

Jerrick couldn’t tear his gaze away from Jessamyn throughout the ceremony. Though he wore a mask of composure, his heart weighed heavy with sorrow. Every smile, every shared glance, held a bitter tinge, knowing what lay ahead for them. The knowledge of their future, a burden he’d foolishly sought from his ancestor, gnawed at his soul.

Regret lingered like a shadow in the depths of his eyes. If only he had heeded Jessamyn’s wisdom and remained content in the unknown, he might have spared them both the anguish that now clouded his heart. But it was too late.

The vision of their impending fate was seared into his mind, and it made every moment of happiness feel fragile, like glass on the verge of shattering.

As William escorted Isadora down the aisle, Jerrick stood tall beside Bernard, assuming the role of family in place of Bernard’s absent mother. He couldn’t help but notice the shimmer of tears in Bernard’s eyes as he approached his bride. It was clear that the presence of Jerrick, standing as his kin, meant the world to him. A fleeting warmth touched Jerrick’s heart, but it was quickly chased away by the looming dread that never left him.

Still, the ceremony was a beautiful success, filled with love and celebration. Isadora’s face glowed with joy as she exchanged vows with Bernard, their hands clasped tightly together, promising each other forever.

After the ceremony, the festivities moved to Bernard’s fief, where the villagers gathered to welcome their new lord and lady. The entire village erupted in joyous celebration, their laughter and cheers ringing through the evening air.

Flowers adorned every corner, and the streets bustled with merriment. The dance hall, where the banquet was held, was a lively affair, filled with both nobility and common folk alike. Bernard’s decision to invite the villagers caused a stir among some of the more haughty nobles, who were clearly uncomfortable mingling with the commoners.

It was entertaining for Jessamyn to watch the noblewomen who eyed William as if he were a prized stag, each trying to outshine the other in hopes of catching his favor. The absence of Lady Elaine at the wedding was clearly seen as an opportunity by these women, who eagerly pushed their daughters forward, trying to get William’s attention.

But it was amusing to see him reject their advances with a polite but firm disinterest.

In contrast to the gaiety and laughter, there was one dark corner of the grand hall where the air was thick with tension. There, a group of towering, stoic men sat in silence, drinking ale with a grim intensity.

It was Jerrick’s elite soldiers—the fearsome Scorpions, known across the land for their unmatched prowess in battle. They looked like giants, clad in dark furs and gleaming armor.

Jessamyn couldn’t help but be struck by how even Jerrick seemed small beside them. The very sight of them made the other guests uneasy; people instinctively steered clear of that part of the hall.

But Jessamyn’s curiosity was piqued. She found their aloof demeanor intriguing. Here were men who had fought beside her husband in countless battles, who knew the depths of his strength and ferocity.

She wanted to meet them, to gain their respect, and perhaps command the same reverence from them.

As they swayed together on the dance floor, Jessamyn looked up at Jerrick, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Shouldn’t you introduce me to them?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity. "They’re your men, after all. I’d like to know them."

Jerrick’s expression shifted, his brows furrowing as if she had just suggested something absurd. "They don’t like women," he said, his tone dismissive. "It’s better if you keep your distance."

Jessamyn’s smile faltered. "What do you mean they don’t like women?" she asked, her disappointment clear.

The idea of winning over these hardened soldiers had filled her with a secret thrill. If they accepted her, if they stood behind her, she would feel invincible, commanding respect from all who witnessed it.

After enduring a lifetime of scorn and ridicule before her marriage, Jessamyn relished the power and status that being Jerrick’s wife granted her. She longed to embrace it fully, even if it meant using the intimidation of those men to bolster her standing.

Jerrick’s grip tightened on her waist as they spun across the floor. "You look sad," he murmured, his voice gentle yet tinged with a hint of warning.

"Aren’t they your men? Shouldn’t they respect me as your wife?" she pressed, her tone edged with frustration. "Why should they despise me?"

Jerrick’s eyes flashed, a mixture of irritation and amusement dancing in their depths. He leaned closer, his voice a low rumble. "They despise the scent of a woman. Get too close, and they’ll retch."

Jessamyn’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Truly? But how are they supposed to continue their line if they’re so averse to women?" she asked, her voice dripping with incredulity. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

A rare grin broke across Jerrick’s face, and he couldn’t suppress a chuckle. Her questions, always pointed and direct, never failed to catch him off guard. "Would it make you happy if I told you that I don’t like my wife admiring my men?" he teased, his voice laced with possessive humor.

Jessamyn pouted, leaning into his chest as the dance slowed. "I’m not admiring them. I’m just curious. But I know you’re stronger than all of them," she said, her words both a reassurance and a declaration of pride.

Jerrick’s smirk softened into something warmer, something tender. "You know me too well," he murmured, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek as they continued to move in perfect harmony.

Across the hall, Bernard and Isadora were lost in their own world, gazing into each other’s eyes as if nothing else existed. Their love was palpable, the kind that could be felt even from a distance.

But as the night wore on, Jessamyn noticed how weary Isadora seemed, her energy waning after a long day filled with excitement. Jessamyn’s own limbs felt heavy, the weight of the day’s festivities finally catching up to her. She leaned closer to Jerrick, nudging him gently.

"It’s time," she whispered. "They’re both exhausted. Send them off to enjoy their privacy."