The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 73: Parallel Perspectives

Jessamyn patted Isadora’s head with a smile. "Ethan is wonderful, isn’t he?"

When she got married to Joar, Emily stopped her father from giving any valuables. It caused her embarrassment in her marital family. Ethan must have known about it.

It would have changed a lot, however, if she got a dowry for her wedding with Joar. Joar did add a lot to the dowry from his own pockets but his mother figured it out and it caused a big problem for her in the past.

She was not marrying the man she loved and didn’t think any of that made any difference.

She could only sigh silently.

"He is, Milady. I am glad he reciprocates your love."

"He is going to bring his ladylove to his commendation ceremony. He didn’t write about it but Emily won’t be happy with his choice of a wife. A knight’s daughter will not meet the standards permitted by Emily’s inflated sense of self for a daughter-in-law."

"You are willing to offer support, Milady?" Isadora asked supporting her cheeks in her hands.

Jessamyn smiled. "Are you asking for Ethan or yourself?"

"Milady..." Isadora whined, her face blushed bright red. "You’re teasing me..."

"I am," Jessamyn chuckled.

Isadora buried her head in Jessamyn’s lap to hide her blush. Jessamyn gently patted her head.

"Will you find me presumptuous if I express my thoughts, Isadora?" she asked.

"Milady!" Holding Jessamyn’s hand, Isadora popped her head up to look at her. "Why would you say such a thing? You can tell me anything you want to. I will never consider you..."

Jessamyn cupped Isadora’s cheeks and kissed her forehead. "I know." She smiled from her heart.

"Sweet Isadora, being in love is an amazing feeling but it’s not without its pitfalls. Hold on to your virtue no matter how overwhelming your feelings get. Men won’t lose anything if anything goes south. The blame will fall entirely on the woman. Save it for your wedding night. I am not saying Bernard won’t keep his word, but no one can predict the future. You might end up blaming yourself. It is prudent to follow the customs of the society..."

"Milady..." Isadora placed her hands over Jessamyn’s hands. Her lady never talked to her about this before and she didn’t know how to react.

Jessamyn’s eyes were red and Isadora figured she was talking from experience. She didn’t know if Jessamyn ever got blamed for losing her virtue. But maybe she was wrong. Or is it someone else’s story?

Wait... Did Milady regret not being virtuous on her wedding night? Who did she lose it with? No way! Just no way!

All Isadora could remember was the scene she saw that night in the forest. She was so fluent as if she was accustomed to it with the archduke.

That may not be their first time.

Isadora’s maiden heart fluttered with all the excitement. But then she wondered if it would matter considering their situation.

"I shall follow your advice, Milady," Isadora hugged Jessamyn.

Jessamyn patted her back. "Good girl..."

As they were chatting, there was another knock at the door. A maid came to inform them that the archduke summoned them.

"Both of us?" Jessamyn asked to confirm.

When the maid confirmed, Jessamyn quickly fixed herself and stepped out. Isadora observed her lady’s face to see if she was at least a little bit excited. She was not. Their wedding day grew closer and as days passed, her lady was only turning more and more indifferent.

Isadora overcame her inhibition to bow her head the moment her eyes landed on Bernard and smiled at him. He smiled back and opened the door for them. When she walked past him, her sleeves brushed on his arm.

’...overwhelming feelings... wedding night...’

Out of everything her lady talked about, only those words repeated in her mind. That, and the images she saw in the forest of her lady and the archduke.

How will it feel to touch Bernard’s bare skin when he is slick with sweat? What will he taste like? What does a kiss feel like?

With such salacious thoughts ruling her mind, Isadora looked at Bernard. This time, she couldn’t meet his eyes and bowed her head.

She quickly tried to face him fearing he might sulk, but seeing his bright face with a lopsided smile, she bowed her head again.

He can’t have read my thoughts, right? Right? What if he did? What will I do? He’ll think I’m dirty!

Jessamyn’s heart was racing. After that night he told her that he could force her to carry his son, this was the first time she would meet him. She gathered her courage as she stepped in.

Jerrick reclined regally behind the ornate table with an aristocratic elegance. His gaze was like molten steel, holding an intensity that could both enthrall and intimidate.

Jessamyn quickly bowed her head and did a curtsey. Isadora stood by her side.

"Sit," his voice rang majestically. "Here’s a letter for you."

Jessamyn looked at Isadora. There were two of them and he uttered two commands. Which one was for her?

"For me?" Isadora stepped forward and Jessamyn sat at the edge of the sofa. She couldn’t wait to leave that place.

"Your brother wrote to me..." he said.

Jessamyn looked at him. She was the only one with a brother in that room. She met his emerald eyes and immediately encountered a pang of pain. It was as if an invisible hook sank into her heart and pulled her toward him. The more she resisted, the more it hurt.

Clenching her jaws, she held her breath to get accustomed to the pain. His presence gave her pain and there was no way around it. Well, pain and lust. It was either pain or lust. She must have gotten cursed to feel that way.

Maybe the pain was better than lust.

"What did he say?" she asked blankly.

Looking at her, Jerrick rolled his tongue inside his mouth. "I never asked for dowry."

"My family surely cannot gift the dowry His Grace’s status entails, but I humbly request you magnanimously accept it. It is mandatory for my family’s honor," she said.

"You’re prepared to follow the traditions of the wedding?" he asked.

Jessamyn’s heart skipped a beat seeing the smile on his face. Anticipation of the sharp words to come accompanied the dread that filled her chest cavity, triggered by that smirk. At the same time, a twist of sweetness spread in her heart.

Was it happiness? She couldn’t understand her feelings anymore.

"As mandated by His Grace," she answered. What else could she say?

"Then, will you~"

*Hic* *Hic*

Isadora’s sobs interjected whatever he was going to say. Jessamyn stood up and rushed to Isadora.

Jerrick sighed. As expected! What was William thinking?

But his heart was bubbling with happiness. By some miracle, Jessamyn had agreed to go through the wedding following traditions and customs.

We are going to have a proper wedding!