The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 41: Hidden Agenda

Winter Solstice—the day where the day is the shortest and the night the longest. It was the official start of winter and also the day the Altaians celebrated the rebirth of the sun as the longer days return.

Since it was a day of celebration for the people of Altania, their enemies, Winter Solstice was considered an inauspicious day in Ayberia.

And another thing.

Jessamyn was born in the middle of the longest night of the year—on the night of Winter Solstice.

Even her birth was inauspicious.

When she was young, the maids in the house told her that she had arrived unexpectedly with a month, still left to the due date. She hurried to come to the world on the most ill-omened day.

Looking at the baby’s raven-black hair and aberrant blue eyes, even the midwife who helped her mother asked her mother to kill the baby so that the baby’s misfortune wouldn’t affect the family.

Her birthday was never celebrated. She grew up unwanted, bearing the name of the jinx, and just like everyone predicted, she did bring misfortune wherever she went.

Maybe her mother should have killed her the day she was born.

Jessamyn was curious as to why he chose an inauspicious day for the wedding. She didn’t understand what he was planning at all. Was he trying to provoke someone? Was he trying to use her to further his agenda? She had no idea.

"That’s less than a month away," she said. "So, the Commendation Ceremony is~"

"It’s a full moon day," Jerrick interjected her. "This is the first time in twenty-nine years the full moon day coincides with the Winter Solstice," he held her hand.

She bowed and looked at her hand. His hand had gotten bigger than she remembered, and it was rougher.

"First time after the day you were born..." he added.

Jessamyn almost gasped when she gazed at him. She didn’t think he still remembered her birthday.

Yes, she knew of that tidbit too. It was rare for a full moon and winter solstice to fall on the same day. She was born on one such rare day.

She used to think that negated the ill fate her birthday brought. The moon was shining bright to welcome her to the world, and so, thinking that the moon was watching over her, she prayed her heart out to Levana.

She was only met with disappointment time and time again.

"We will get married with the Winter Solstice moon as a witness," Jerrick said. His eyes were gentle, and his hands holding her hand were warm.

Jessamyn’s mind was stormed with various emotions; she couldn’t figure out what she could do. She felt incredulous, but at the same time, she discerned happiness among the cocktail of emotions she felt.

Why do I feel happy?

"We are getting married at night?" she asked, mostly to avoid thinking about her feelings. Also, she had never heard of night weddings in their Kingdom. Weddings usually lasted till night, but no one exchanged vows at night.

Jerrick nodded and let go of her hand. He didn’t look at her anymore and stared straight ahead as if he had nothing more to say to her.

What are you planning?

She wanted to ask him, but she didn’t dare to. A chill passed through her spine thinking of what he might have planned for her.

"Will you find out who the boy’s parents are?" she asked, changing the topic. Also, it was important.

Jerrick looked at her but said nothing.

"He could be a merchant’s son. They might have lost him in Montrose. The kidnappers might have asked for a ransom already if~"

"Let’s go," Jerrick stood up, unwilling to continue the conversation.

"Ah, yes..." Jessamyn too stood up.

What is that about? Will he help the boy find his parents or not?

They reached the Theodulf Castle and Jessamyn went straight to her room. She was curious about the boy. Isadora was not there and she decided to check on Isadora’s room.

Lynae was standing outside Isadora’s room. The other maids got quiet the moment they saw Jessamyn.

"Whose child is that?" Lynae asked.

Jessamyn shrugged. "Did he talk?"

"He’s too young to talk," Lynae said.

Jessamyn didn’t want to stand outside and entered the room. She was startled to see Bernard standing by the door.

What is he doing inside Isadora’s room?

She didn’t dare to ask him anything and walked to the bed.

"Isadora..." she called softly.

Isadora turned and looked at her with a bright smile. "He’s sleeping," she whispered.

"Oh?" Jessamyn’s eyes got wide out of excitement. She sat beside Isadora and looked at the adorable sleeping baby.

After getting washed up, his face looked pink. His belly was round. His little hands were by his head and there were small bubbles on his red lips as he breathed evenly.

"He was so hungry he downed an entire bowl of porridge," Isadora said.

Jessamyn nodded with a bright smile. "That’s good. But... Where did you find clothes that fit him?" she asked. The baby was wearing comfortable sleepwear.

"The maids brought it. It might belong to the late young master of the castle," Isadora whispered.

Jessamyn’s heart skipped a beat. "Let’s change his clothes. I bought some clothes from the market," she said.

She didn’t think Jerrick would take it easy if he learned that they used his late son’s clothing for this boy. She had a feeling he didn’t like the boy.

"But, Milady... He’s sleeping. Also, old clothes are more soft and suitable for babies," Isadora said.

"Still..." Jessamyn didn’t find that right.

"Look at him..." Isadora supported her hands on her cheeks and stared at the sleeping baby. "So adorable..."

"He is..." Jessamyn joined Isadora.

She thought that the scenery she saw earlier was perfect, but it paled in comparison to the beauty of a sleeping child.

While those two were admiring the baby, another being was sulking in the corner feeling ignored. Bernard cleared his throat to get Isadora’s attention but she didn’t even flinch as her eyes were on the baby. Ever since she got the baby, she didn’t even look at him once.

"So cute..." Isadora gently rubbed his belly.

The boy was not pleased someone touched his belly and he knitted his brows and turned to his side.

Isadora giggled. "He’s so cute...Oh, Milady... I like him so much. I want one like him..." she said.

"You want a baby?" Jessamyn giggled. "Then have one..." 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Isadora’s face went red. Covering her face with her hands she giggled along with Jessamyn.

"You are never having one!"

Their giggles were interrupted by a thunderous voice.