The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 37: Anger

Jessamyn surveyed her surroundings with wide-eyed wonder. They had left behind the bustling streets lined with stalls and had now entered a realm of opulence, where the air was filled with anticipation and luxury beckoned from every corner.

The transition to this exclusive part of the market had been seamless, leaving Jessamyn in awe of the lavish displays that greeted them at every turn.

Each luxury shop, adorned with ornate facades and sumptuous decorations, specialized in a realm of indulgence – from exquisite clothing and dazzling jewelry to meticulously crafted leather goods and tantalizing perfumes. They catered to the elite, the nobility, and those with discerning tastes, promising a world of extravagance and refinement.

The establishment Jerrick pointed at, promised nothing short of perfection – finely crafted garments fashioned from the most luxurious fabrics, tailored to fit the current trend. Within its walls, ornate jewelry gleamed under the soft glow of lamplight, while intricate tapestries and masterpieces adorned every inch of available space.

The tantalizing aroma of exotic spices, perfumes, and rare oils drifted from nearby apothecaries and perfumeries, weaving a seductive spell around Jessamyn’s senses.

The allure of such indulgence was nostalgic. With whispers circulating that the archduke himself was in the vicinity, it drew curious onlookers from every corner.

Jessamyn found herself swept away by the infectious enthusiasm of the moment. It was as if everyone were looking at her for their business to prosper.

With a glance at Jerrick, whose eyes sparkled with anticipation, she knew she couldn’t dampen his spirits by hesitating any longer.

He did save my life! I can do this!

Stepping through the shop’s threshold, Jessamyn felt like she was stepping into a fairy tale – a world she had once yearned for as a child, filled with dreams of grandeur and elegance. Yet, as she gazed upon the array of finery before her, she realized that her desires had evolved with time. What once seemed like the pinnacle of luxury now paled in her view.

She had three years to fulfill the dreams of her childhood. Seven years later, in that moment, surrounded by such abundance, Jessamyn realized that she didn’t desire them any longer. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"Milady, are you choosing for yourself or-" the shop owner rushed to her side.

As if he saw Jerrick only then, he apologized and gave an elaborate bow to Jerrick. Jerrick turned his face, finding awe in a piece of fabric displayed on the wall.

The shop owner then rushed to Jerrick and explained the fabric to him. Jessamyn pressed her lips to stop herself from laughing. Jerrick looked more uncomfortable than when she pushed the boy to him. It appeared that he was not used to visiting the shops.

She looked around, and her eyes got drawn to a lush black fabric. She felt the fabric that was smooth like butter in her hands; it glided down her skin.

Wow! How pretty!

"Let’s go!

Jerrick’s unimpressed voice almost startled her. When she looked at him, he was already at the door.

"Yes," she said and followed him. He walked angrily. Oh, what made him angry?

Maybe the bird sensed his anger too, it flew away.

Jerrick stormed into the next shop. Jessamyn saw the expectation of the other shop owners growing seeing Jerrick leaving that shop. They sent spies to see what Jerrick was looking for.

Jessamyn entered the shop with her eyes on the commotion on the streets. Spies from the other shops pushed and pulled to have a closer look. It was entertaining to watch them almost climbing on the other.

This place was livelier than the stalls from earlier. People here were more curious probably because they didn’t have many customers.

"Aww!" she yelped as she hit a rock. Her shoulder was almost dislocated.

She looked to the front thinking she hit a wall but meeting those green eyes, she grimaced. Why does he eat to become a stone wall? Why did he stop all of a sudden? Wait...is he angry at me? Why?

He was staring at her unblinkingly. She did a curtsy thinking that was what he expected. "I apologize; I didn’t watch where I was going, Your~"

"You’re choosing the dress for the Commendation ceremony of your brother. Avoid black," he said interjecting her.

Jessamyn pursed her lips. So, he’s mad because I looked at a black fabric?

She wanted to say that as the family with a raven for a crest, they can wear black at formal events. But she was scared of his glare. Somehow, she sensed the intensity of his anger had doubled over time.

"Yes," she said, her voice barely over a whisper, and nodded gingerly.

What a temper!

In that shop, Jessamyn was attracted to a deep midnight blue fabric. She also loved a particular design of the gown. Holding the fabric, she looked at him.

He bowed his head, rubbing his forehead. He was disappointed.

She then walked around choosing some other fabrics, but he was displeased with every one of them.

She gave up.

If he is going to say no to everything I like, why is he asking me to choose?

She stood there, not knowing what to do. He stood there, looking at her, waiting for something.

Jerrick was indeed perplexed. She used to love bright and pastel colors and frilly gowns with many laces and ribbons attached. She used to cry to him that she wanted to wear such dresses and go to balls.

He was in no position to give her what she wanted then. Back then, he couldn’t even afford to get her a proper silk kerchief much less a ballgown. Now he could get her anything she wanted to, but all she wants is to wear black and shades resembling black.

He noticed one other thing too. She avoided brown and red. Her mother didn’t let her wear other colors when she was younger because she stained and ruined her clothes.

Is she the same woman from my past or not?

Thinking of the present, he fisted his hands. After that night, the only thing she asked repeatedly was her widow’s weeds.

Even after she agreed to marry me, does she want to wear black remembering him? Jerrick’s eyes reddened with anger and he fisted his hands.

What does she take me for?