The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 289: Love And Mischief

Jerrick gave William a subtle nod, signaling that it was time. William, who had been politely enduring a noblewoman’s relentless attempts to secure a dance for her daughter, couldn’t hide his relief as he gracefully extricated himself from the conversation.

With a charming yet firm smile, he excused himself, leaving the flustered noblewoman and her daughter staring after him. He made his way to where Jerrick and Jessamyn stood, happy to be free from the noble ladies’ matchmaking schemes finally.

Meanwhile, Jessamyn hurried to Isadora, who was fidgeting nervously in the bridal chamber. The room was bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, casting a warm, golden hue across the walls. Fresh flowers—roses, lilies, and fragrant jasmine—were artfully arranged in every corner, filling the air with their delicate scent. The bed was draped in silk, with petals strewn across it in intricate patterns. The setting was both elegant and intimate, perfect for a night of romance.

Isadora’s cheeks were flushed, a telltale sign of her excitement mixed with nerves. "How do I look, Milady?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she twirled in her wedding gown. Her eyes sparkled, but her impatience was evident in the way she bit her lower lip. She was eager, her thoughts clearly racing toward what the night held for her and Bernard.

Jessamyn smiled warmly, squeezing her hand. "You look absolutely beautiful, Isadora. Bernard will be enchanted the moment he sees you," she assured her. Then, with a teasing glint in her eyes, she added, "But perhaps you should take a moment to refresh yourself first. I know you’re eager for Bernard to help you out of that gown, but maybe a relaxing bath and a change into something more comfortable might be better?"

Isadora blinked, her excitement momentarily paused as realization dawned on her. "Oh," she murmured, glancing down at herself. "You’re right. I should freshen up." She nodded shyly and allowed her maids to lead her to the adjoining bath chamber.

As Isadora bathed and prepared herself, Jessamyn found herself too restless to simply sit and wait. The day’s events and the joy of seeing Isadora so happy had her energy bubbling over. She decided to take a brief walk through the hallways, hoping to clear her thoughts.

It wasn’t long before she came across a curious sight. Down one of the dimly lit corridors, Jerrick and William loomed over Bernard, who was perched nervously on a small stool. It was clear from Bernard’s pale face and wide eyes that the brothers had been having quite the "conversation" with him.

Bernard looked like a lamb being cornered by wolves, blinking rapidly as if searching for an escape route. The two brothers stood intimidatingly over him—Jerrick’s arms crossed over his chest and William leaning in with a mischievous grin. Whatever they were saying to him had Bernard’s face drained of all color.

Jessamyn’s curiosity piqued, and she approached them with a playful smile. "Is everything all right here?" she asked, arching a brow as she stopped beside Jerrick.

The moment Jerrick turned toward her, his expression transformed from stern to one of pure delight. His eyes softened as they took in the sight of her, and a genuine smile spread across his face. William, however, was still murmuring something in Bernard’s ear, making the poor man look increasingly panicked.

"What exactly are you two doing to him?" Jessamyn asked, narrowing her eyes at Jerrick. She had a good idea of what was going on now—her husband and William were clearly taking advantage of Bernard’s nerves, probably teasing him mercilessly under the guise of "brotherly advice."

Jerrick wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "You did tell me to teach him the ropes for consummation," he said with a mock-innocent smile.

Jessamyn shot him an exasperated look. "I told you no such thing! And you didn’t offer Prince Louis any advice on his wedding night. Why the sudden change of heart?"

Jerrick’s grin widened, clearly enjoying her reaction. He leaned in close, his voice a playful whisper. "I’m just being an obedient husband, my love. I listen to my wife’s every wish, even the ones she doesn’t know she has. What kind of husband would I be if I didn’t make sure she thinks I’m always doing what she wants?"

Jessamyn rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t hide her amusement. "You’re insufferable." She gave him a light shove before entering the bridal chamber, where Isadora was now seated at her vanity, her maids brushing out her long, dark hair.

Jessamyn waved the maids away and took over the brushing herself. She ran the bristles gently through Isadora’s silky strands, smoothing them out with practiced ease. "Your brothers have poor Bernard out there trembling in his boots. He looks like he’s about to faint. Whatever they’re telling him, I doubt he’s going to be much use tonight unless you take control."

Instead of the dismay Jessamyn expected, Isadora’s face brightened with a sweet smile. "They care for me. I’m glad they’re looking out for me, even if they’re scaring him a little."

Jessamyn chuckled softly and kissed her cheek. "You’re right, Isadora. You’re loved by everyone who knows you. We all treasure you."

Soon, the time came, and Bernard was summoned to the chamber. He entered tentatively, bowing his head deeply when he saw Jessamyn. The poor man still looked a little shaken, but the determination in his eyes was clear. "Take good care of our Isadora, Bernard," Jessamyn said with a kind but firm tone.

Bernard straightened up slightly, the trust in her voice bolstering his confidence. "Now and always, Milady," he replied with a deep bow. The lines of worry on his face eased, and a small, grateful smile played at the corners of his mouth.

With a heart full of satisfaction, Jessamyn slipped out of the room, leaving the newlyweds to their privacy. Jerrick was waiting for her just outside the door, his eyes twinkling with mischief. The moment he saw her, he grinned as if he had just won a great victory.

Jessamyn playfully swatted his chest. "Oh, you’re so mature," she teased, but her laughter bubbled up as she spoke.

Without warning, Jerrick scooped her into his arms, cradling her against his chest. "Where are you taking me?" Jessamyn asked with a tired but happy sigh, leaning into his warmth. Her feet ached from the day’s activities, and she was more than content to be carried.

"Back to our castle," Jerrick replied smoothly, already heading down the corridor.

"But won’t Isadora look for us in the morning?" Jessamyn asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

Jerrick chuckled, nuzzling her hair affectionately. "She won’t. She’s clever and has Bernard wrapped around her little finger. He’ll make sure she has everything she needs."

Jessamyn’s brow furrowed, but before she could protest further, Jerrick playfully licked her cheek, earning a startled gasp from her. She quickly wiped her cheek with wide eyes, and Jerrick, thoroughly amused, kissed the back of her hand with a roguish grin.

"I don’t think my sister’s going to leave her chamber tomorrow morning," Jerrick mused. "We should give them a few days of peace before we visit."

Realizing he had a point, Jessamyn nodded, finally allowing herself to relax. She rested her head against his shoulder, her eyelids growing heavy. "Wake me up when we get home," she mumbled sleepily. "And don’t you dare tear this dress—it’s my favorite. I want to wear it again."

Jerrick laughed softly, pressing a kiss to her cheek. "I’ll try to restrain myself."

"I mean it," Jessamyn insisted, her voice laced with a playful warning as she struggled to keep her eyes open.

"Fine, fine..." Jerrick agreed, but there was a teasing lilt in his voice.

"Jerrick!" she scolded, opening her eyes just enough to give him a stern look.

"All right, Your Grace," he relented, blowing gently on her face until her eyes fluttered closed once more.

As her breathing evened out, Jerrick gazed down at her peaceful expression, a soft smile tugging at his lips. In this quiet moment, with her resting in his arms, all the worries of the world seemed distant.