The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 80: Blooming Relationship

The woman guffawed seeing William’s pale face. The guards tried to grab the woman but she passed through without getting caught.

Isadora noticed the bewilderment on the guards’ faces as the woman passed through. What was that about?

Isadora turned her attention toward William. He watched the woman leave and then his eyes ended on Jerrick and Jessamyn. No mirth was left on his face as he fisted his hand.

Then he turned his attention toward Isadora. His face bloomed to a sweet smile. Isadora gulped unconsciously.

The King’s brother wants to be my brother! I have a brother!

Isadora smiled radiantly, her features brightening with a glow a mirror of the joy bubbling in her heart to find a part of her heart. Even still, a fear lingered in her heart for she was getting connections incredibly high which she didn’t think she deserved. She was but an abandoned slave. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Lady Jessamyn’s grace had offered her benefits more than she ever anticipated.

Was she even worthy to be the sister of the Grand Duke? She had a lot of questions to ask him. She understood her lady was wary of the Grand Duke’s intentions for the proposition, but looking at the smile on his face right then, she trusted him.

He gestured for her to get closer and she walked to his side with no qualms.

"How was the journey?" he asked hooking his arm around hers. His eyes twinkled with consideration. He walked with his back straight toward the front of the hall. All eyes were on the Archduke and Lady Jessamyn so very few eyes were on them.

"I enjoyed it," Isadora said, without knowing a blush formed on her face. The Grand Duke was indeed a very handsome man.

"I’ll provide you with one of my carriages for your return," he said.

Isadora waved her hand frantically. "Your Highness, you don’t have to..."

William leaned to the side, still facing forward. "It’s William for you, dear sister."

Isadora’s mouth went agape. She was still overwhelmed by the thought that she had a brother and now does she have to address the Grand Duke by his name?

Ahhh! It’s too much for me! Isadora screamed in her head.

William saw the flicker of emotions on Isadora’s dainty face and his lips curved to a content smile. He thought he would have to convince her. He was even worried that he didn’t know how to give a good impression of a big brother. But he was glad Isadora made it easy. She appeared to have an open heart toward their relationship.

As he glanced around, he noticed the eyes of others shifting towards him and the woman in his embrace. They likely speculated that he had at last chosen a mysterious companion. Curiosity would surely prompt inquiries into her background, accompanied by a tinge of regret for those who had hoped to claim the title of Grand Duchess for their own daughters and sisters.

They wouldn’t be satisfied even if he revealed the truth about Isadora being his adopted sister. They still wouldn’t want a woman near him other than the one they wanted.

Some women might try to attack Isadora to hurt her. Not all of these women who label themselves as "refined" actually possess refinement or grace as they claim to. They just put on a show to be one.

He had no respect for those distinguished ladies. They were all rotten to their core sparing a very few. They needed to be treated as the trash they were.

They can try anything. He knew how to protect the ones he loved. He was not the William of the past.

"You’ll sit with me," he said to her.

Isadora nodded gingerly. Why would she not utilize this chance of having a better view?

Isadora was floating in the sky with a delightful grin. She didn’t care about the stares at her. She needed to get used to it if she wanted to stay by her lady’s side.

But then, she felt the intensity of a scorching gaze upon her, prompting her to turn in its direction.

Uh-oh! Bernard!!

Bernard’s fiery blue eyes were not fixed on her directly; instead, they were focused on her arm, precisely where William’s arms made contact with her. Isadora quickly got out of William’s hold. William noticed this short interaction and smiled in his heart.

Young love!

William subtly placed Isadora to his right (traditionally a wife would stand to the left of her husband in formal events) to subside the burning jealousy of the war machine by Jerrick’s side.

Isadora felt content to be seated beside her lady, yet her happiness waned as she realized Bernard remained displeased. She was left unable to muster a smile.

She looked at him, trying to explain everything but he turned his face. With a pout, Isadora too turned her face. She didn’t want to deal with him anymore.

She looked at Jessamyn sitting beside her. She was staring blankly to the front but her hand was gently caressing the bird brooch on her chest. Although she looked aloof, Isadora could notice the subtle happiness on her face.

Isadora wondered what Wulfhart whispered in Lady Jessamyn’s ears. But it sure had made her happy. She saw Jessamyn’s eyes brighten hearing those words.

Isadora was filled with delight to see her lady dressed lavishly. The colors and the fabric complimented her fabulously. She looked like a celestial had descended. Then again, her lady could make anything look elegant just by wearing it. Her lady was meant to be clothed extravagantly.

She leaned forward to see Wulfhart’s expression. If she noticed the happiness on Lady Jessamyn’s face, he would have too and Isadora was curious to see his happy face.

Just as she leaned, Jerrick flicked his head to look behind him. Isadora followed his line of sight to see that woman in black standing at the end of the hallway. She turned to look straight at Jerrick before the guards blocked her view.

Isadora quickly looked at Jerrick. There was a flicker of rage and helplessness on his face but that was quickly replaced with a somber silence.

"Everyone! Stand for the Crown Prince!"

The Lord Chamberlain announced. Isadora’s attention turned to Lady Jessamyn who visibly winced. She noticed Wulfhart subtly placed his hand at the small of her back assuring her.

William’s lips curved to a smirk.

Behave this time, dearest nephew... You won’t be left alone with a small scar on your face anymore...