The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 294: His Insistence

Jerrick’s gaze lingered on her, searching her expression, and Jessamyn felt the weight of his scrutiny. He knew her too well, knew that beneath her obedient nod there was a restless spirit that wouldn’t easily be contained.

The way his brow furrowed told her that he didn’t entirely believe she would stay put, even if she promised to do so.

"You’re planning something," he said, his voice laced with suspicion.

Jessamyn forced a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "I’m not. I’ll stay here in Roche, as you asked."

But Jerrick’s expression remained wary. He stepped closer, closing the distance between them until she could feel the warmth of his body, the familiar scent of him mingling with the crisp autumn air. His hand came up to cup her chin, tilting her face so that she couldn’t avoid his gaze. "You think I don’t know when you’re hiding something? You’ve got that look you get when you’re about to do something reckless."

His words made her heart skip, and she struggled to maintain her composure. She wanted to tell him she had no intention of defying him, but part of her knew that if she needed to act, she couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

She would protect Cordelia and the little life inside her.

"Jerrick, I would never jeopardize Roche," she said softly, placing her hand on his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat. "I understand they need to be my priority."

For a moment, the tension in his stance seemed to ease. He released her chin, letting his hand trail down to rest against her cheek. "I know you want to do what’s best, Jessamyn. You’re not alone here—you’ve got William, Bernard, and everyone loyal to us. Your priority should be yourself."

"I understand," she whispered, her voice laced with a quiet determination that Jerrick didn’t miss.

"Mynah, is this about the past? You are holding on to me just like you did then. Do you think I’ll return changed?" he asked.

"No," Jessamyn shook her head immediately. She knew this time was different. She was his wife and carrying his heir.

A smile formed on her lips. He must have brought her to the Iron Mountain to prove to him that it was not a similar situation as the last time.

"I know it’s not the same, Jerrick. I hold the key to the castle." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

He studied her for another long moment as if trying to gauge whether her resolve was something he could trust.

Then, with a reluctant sigh, he pressed his forehead against hers, a gesture of intimacy that always made her heart ache with affection. "Just promise me you’ll be careful."

Jessamyn’s breath hitched. "I promise," she said, but she could feel the lingering unease between them. Both of them knew that promises were fragile things, easily broken when the winds of fate changed direction.

As they continued walking back toward Roche, Jessamyn couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling that their separation was drawing closer. She had always hated goodbyes, and this one felt particularly ominous. Not because she didn’t trust him but for other reasons.

The knowledge that Jerrick was headed back to a battlefield he’d fought on years before, where blood had already been spilled and lives lost, made her stomach twist with dread. And yet, despite her fears, she knew he was doing what needed to be done.

That was who Jerrick was—a protector, a warrior, someone who would give it all if it meant securing peace for those he loved.

The wind picked up, rustling the leaves in the trees, and Jessamyn found herself reaching out to take his hand. "Jerrick?"

He glanced at her, his expression softening. "Yes?"

"Will you be back before winter?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope. The idea of facing the colder months without him made her feel hollow inside. She needed him beside her, especially with the birth of their child drawing nearer.

"I’ll do everything in my power to be back by then," he said, squeezing her hand gently. "This campaign won’t drag on like the last one. We’ll push them out of the valley and secure it for good."

She nodded, trusting in his confidence, but a part of her still worried. Wars rarely went according to plan, and the Altanians were known for their stubbornness. They would not relinquish the valley easily, not when it held such strategic importance.

They continued in silence for a while, the path winding down through the forest toward Roche. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the treetops, but Jessamyn could feel the chill in the air—a reminder that time was slipping away, that soon they would have to part.

As they reached the castle, Jerrick stopped and led her to their sanctuary. In the drawer, he kept a charm. "Keep this with you all the time. The animals will listen to you," he said. "Although..." his eyes ended on her belly. "You wouldn’t need it..."

"It seems like I am the most protected person in the whole world..." Jessamyn looked at the little trinket and her lips curved. She safely stored it in her pocket.

"Should I visit Cordelia if things get rough in Elodia?" she asked again, more tentatively this time. "I can offer her my protection. She carries the future of the Kingdom."

Jerrick’s hand tightened on hers, his jaw clenching. "No."

The finality in his voice left no room for argument, and Jessamyn knew better than to push the issue.

He was saying without saying that the secret kingdom in the Iron Mountains was where their kingdom was. He probably made that decision recently for he never faltered in his service to Ayberia. He would go to any distance to ensure her safety.

She wanted to listen to him.

Still, as they neared the gates of Roche, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she would be drawn there. But those were thoughts best kept to herself. For now, she would focus on the time they had left together, fleeting as it was.

As they walked through the gates, she leaned closer to him, savoring the warmth of his presence. Whatever the future held, she would face it with him in her heart, no matter the distance between them. And if the time came to make a choice, she would do what she believed was right—for their child, for Ayberia, and for Jerrick. Even if that meant breaking her promise.