The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 183: Prettiest Bride

The night passed in a blur of restless thoughts and fleeting dreams. She had been getting a different set of dreams lately.

The wolf cub was not a cub anymore. The silence and peace of the garden were now replaced with the sound of the crashing waves and the shimmering waters, with light trails marking their paths. She walked with the wolf, feeling the strands of his fur between her fingers.

At times, she would feel this heaviness in her heart, not the sinking dreadful feeling, but as if a weight was resting on her chest followed by a ticklish feeling. She loved it.

In those dreams, the wolf would be resting on her chest, his hair tingling on her neck. She’d allow him, as she caressed his hair, for it was only a dream.

In the nights she couldn’t dream of him, she missed him.

She tried to hate the feeling she got thinking of that wolf but couldn’t. She yearned for him, the same way she yearned for Jerrick at times. She couldn’t understand herself, and it accentuated her guilt.

She only woke up in the afternoon since no one bothered to wake her up.

The maids brought her food, which she refused. It was a common tradition for brides to fast before their wedding. They broke their fast on their wedding night.

Since she was getting married at night, she wondered when her wedding night would be. She didn’t want to think about it, but since she promised to be his wife, it was her duty to consummate the wedding.

Was she excited? Yes. She was. More than she wanted to admit. She was nervous too. It would be the first time they would do it when she was fully conscious, if that made sense. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

She thought Jerrick would visit her. It had been days since she took a good look at him. He did not. It caused a sinking feeling in her heart. She did receive jewelry and other luxuries from him, though. She preferred to have a look at his face.

She dressed in her wedding gown, the fabric cool and light against her skin. The designer had talked about changing the general silhouette of the dress, which was common in the era. Jessamyn didn’t think she was important enough to change the silhouette of a design with her one dress, but she couldn’t say no to the designer’s excitement. The designer also introduced a new fabric. Usually, the fabrics they used for evening gowns were silk and satin. The designer wanted to try something different with embroidered chiffon.

Jessamyn had a glimpse of the beading and how the dress framed her as she had done the fitting a couple of times before, but with the hairdo and the makeup, the dress looked fabulous.

As she looked at herself in the mirror, she hardly recognized the woman staring back at her. The beadings glittered in the light along with the heavy jewelry that adorned her neck and hands.

It’s not a ring, or a bracelet; it’s not going to be a necklace either. What is he going to gift me?

Jessamyn did wonder. She still leaned toward a ring as she had one or two free fingers. It was something she would have to wear on every official ceremony, so she hoped it was something simple even though men presented a wedding gift that suited their status.

Jessamyn let out a deep breath taking a good look at herself once more.

"It is time..." Bernard entered the room and bowed to Jessamyn.

"You look dapper, Bernard," Jessamyn said, her voice warm. The compliment brought a smile to Bernard’s face, a hint of color rising in his cheeks. He did look nice in his military dress coat. Isadora would be pleased to see him. "Don’t forget to ask Isadora for a dance. Let everyone know you’re courting her."

Bernard nodded sheepishly, the bashful expression softening his usual stern demeanor. Jessamyn was glad she had mentioned it. It appeared he hadn’t thought about it till then. But he needed to be assertive in front of others. Considering Isadora’s position, many would vie for her.

"Sister dear!" Ethan walked in, his voice warm and familiar.

"Ethan!" Jessamyn’s smile widened at the sight of her brother.

"You’re so pretty..." Ethan said gently, holding her cheeks with a tenderness that brought tears to her eyes. "I am delighted..." His eyes clouded with emotion.

"Thank you for being here," Jessamyn said, her heart swelling with gratitude. She was truly glad she had someone who loved her walking her down the aisle.

The soft hum of the preparations outside the room seeped in, a reminder of the grandeur awaiting them. Jessamyn took a moment to steady herself, her hands smoothing the delicate fabric of her gown. Ethan extended his arm, and with a final glance in the mirror, Jessamyn took it, drawing strength from his steady presence.

She was about to embark on a new journey, one that would redefine her life in ways she couldn’t yet imagine. With a final deep breath, she stepped out of her room and into the future that awaited her, her heart both hopeful and afraid.

They got into the carriage, which would take them to the temple of Levana where the wedding was arranged. She had been told that Jerrick had already left for the venue.

"Look at the crowd!" Ethan exclaimed as he opened the window, his eyes wide with amazement. "I heard they have been standing in line since the morning, some even from last night..."

"For me?" Jessamyn raised her brows in surprise.

"Smile and wave, Jessamyn... You are loved," Ethan said gently.

It was hard for Jessamyn to take it all in. The streets were lined with people, their faces filled with joy and anticipation. She waved, her hand trembling slightly, and the crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable. The warmth of their admiration seeped into her heart, soothing her nerves and filling her with a sense of belonging.

The carriage moved slowly through the crowd of well-wishers, each smile and cheer a testament to the love and support of the people of Elodia.

Jessamyn’s heart swelled with emotion, the reality of her new role sinking in. She was not just marrying Jerrick; she was becoming a part of this community. People see her as someone blessed.

As they approached the temple of Levana, the grandeur of the structure took her breath away. The temple stood tall and majestic, its spires reaching for the heavens, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun.

The doors were adorned with flowers and ribbons, a vibrant display of celebration and joy.

Ethan helped her out of the carriage, his grip firm and reassuring. They walked up the steps, the sound of their footsteps smothered by the loud cheers of the crowd.

The doors opened, revealing the grand hall filled with friends, family, and dignitaries.

Jessamyn’s heart pounded.

This is it!