The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 71: William’s Request

Jerrick steadied himself, drew upon his reserves, and faced William with a calm façade, concealing his inner storm.

William’s words hung heavy in the air. He wanted to ask William why that mattered; he was so curious about his past. Why did it matter to him? Why must he prod on the wound festering in his heart?

However, it dawned upon him that the issue at hand did not revolve around his own concerns; rather, it centered on Jessamyn. He needed to clear the air. His silence had allowed that baseless rumor to spread. She was hurt by that rumor too.

Jerrick was able to defeat the rage boiling in his heart thinking of Jessamyn. When he looked at William, his heart had calmed down.

"I never believed those rumors," Jerrick said meeting his eyes. "Even the moon has blemishes, and a mother’s love can be tainted. But my Songbird’s love for me was the purest and untainted. She had an unwavering trust toward the worthless me, smiled for me hiding her pain, and..." He choked.

"I know she had no one but me in her eyes and heart. I..." he gulped. "I broke her trust out of selfishness. She moved on with a man worthy of her love. No one has the right to blame her for choosing the man who loved her almost the..."

He couldn’t even finish what he wanted to say. How can he when his heart was stuffed with regret?

"I’ll apologize to her," William said.

Selfishness, Jerrick keeps on saying. But what does that even mean? He was not even happy with the woman he chose to marry. In that case, what did his selfishness get him?

"I do not regret what I did. The only thing she regrets is ever falling for me. It is what it is. There is no need to discuss this further." Saying this, Jerrick turned to leave. "Be there at the commendation ceremony."

"Did you find out who wants her dead?" William asked.

Jessamyn couldn’t move on from her past hurt after she was abandoned and it might help her if she knew the truth. But Jerrick was hurt too. Maybe it is better to leave the past in the past.

"Are you sure those snakes came for her? I don’t think so..." Jerrick smirked. "Someone wants to test the waters."

"What should we do?" William asked.

"Let’s wait until she gets her next instruction from the council."

"She hasn’t let them know about me yet?" William raised his brows as he was surprised.

Jerrick let out a deep breath. "She likes you, for now. She won’t betray the people she loves for whatever reason..."

William wetted his lips. She did seem like the reliable kind. Also, he subtly told him that Jessamyn didn’t love him anymore. It hurt. "What does she want with the council?"

"Aren’t you her friend? Find out," Jerrick said.

William pressed his lips. He could manipulate her if he needed to, but he didn’t know why he couldn’t do that. Also, in his heart, William had a feeling that Jerrick could break through her defenses more easily than him. She didn’t hate Jerrick as much as Jerrick thought.

After all, he witnessed it. She still wished for Jerrick’s well-being. She could put aside the hatred she had toward Imogen for his peace of mind.

"You trust me too much," William said. No one trusts him with women. He never gave any reason for anyone to trust him with a woman. Why would Jerrick trust him with the woman he treasures?

Big brother, he says. Can I be a big brother to her?

"What if she fell for me?"

The stiffness on Jerrick’s face disappeared with that question. He chuckled; the heaviness pressing on his facial muscles lifted with mirth he expressed.

"I already told you she won’t betray the ones she loves. The one she loves is frozen in time as the perfect and blameless lover. She will never betray him. She’s never going to fall in love again. As gentle as she may seem, her resolve is unyielding."

"So... It’s not because you trust me," William grimaced. Jerrick said nothing and smiled.

Although Jerrick was smiling, William noticed the rims of his eyes reddening. He wanted to ask why he was marrying her knowing that, but he didn’t want to walk in circles.

Not only Jessamyn was stuck in the past, but also Jerrick. At least, Jessamyn knew who she loved. Jerrick didn’t even have that clarity.

Only fate can change this dynamic between them as both were unwilling.

"She’s uncomfortable with Imogen’s pictures all over the house," he said.

"She’ll have to deal with it. Imogen was the woman I loved and she’s dead. I am not throwing out her memory," Jerrick said.

William sighed. He thought there would be at least a little ponderance from Jerrick’s side, but there was not. Maybe he could do nothing to help.

"Remember the commendation ceremony," Jerrick said before walking out.

"Wait..." William stopped Jerrick. "Please, prepare a meal for me before you leave. It’s been a while since I ate good food. I miss your cooking..."

A scowl darkened Jerrick’s features as he looked at William. "Ask your wife!"

William didn’t give up and blacked him. "You know I’m unmarried. And even if I am married, my wife won’t prepare my meals. Did your wife ever prepare a meal for you?" he asked.

Jerrick turned his face. He didn’t remember such a thing. William was right but he didn’t want to acknowledge him.

"Then cook it yourself!"

"Will you send Isadora to stay with me for a few days?" William asked, his eyes wide.

"Isadora?" Jerrick squinted his eyes. He couldn’t leave William anymore and faced him.

William’s face brightened up having grabbed Jerrick’s attention. He nodded his head like a chicken pecking on the ground.

"Isadora is not going to leave Jessamyn alone. She doesn’t know you."

"She doesn’t know you either," William quipped. "We can get to know each other if we stay under one roof. Please, Jerrick... Please... Don’t say no..."

Jerrick let out a deep breath as he rubbed his glabella.

Into what depths of chaos have I stumbled?

"Will you act like a grownup for once, William?" Jerrick shouted. "You’re five years older than me and yet you act like a five-year-old! Annoying!"

"Why do you want to keep her to yourself? Why can’t I have her with me for a few days?" William asked.

Jerrick let out a deep breath.

"Shall I write a letter to her?" William’s eyes widened. "She will surely agree..."

William rushed to his study.

Jerrick sighed.

How bothersome!