The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 209: Hopes of a Family

Bernard held her hand and sat with her. "Did she say anything to hurt you?" he asked.

He looked apologetic and sad making Isadora sad. "No," she shook her head. If anything his mother said hurt her, it was his mother’s fear for Bernard.

"She does not hate you, Isadora," Bernard said softly, holding her hand and rubbing it with his thumb. "She hates me..."

Isadora saw the profound sadness on his face, and her heart clenched. She wanted to tell him that his mother didn’t hate him, but the truth was blaring at their faces and she didn’t want to offer him empty solace.

She wanted to ask why, to understand the pain behind his words, but she held back, waiting for him to open up in his own time. She could see the weight of unresolved issues pressing on him, particularly the uncertainty of not having a home after she had asked him about it.

"I love you," she said, her voice filled with sincerity and warmth. That was the truth and that was enough.

As she expected, Bernard’s face bloomed with happiness. "I know. I love you too, Isadora."

Bernard then stood up, a spark of lightness in his step as he decided to buy her some snacks. Isadora joined him, their fingers entwined, as they strolled through the bustling market.

"Beatrice is adorable," Isadora said, her mind already forming plans to find and talk to her.

"She is," Bernard smiled, his eyes softening with memories. "She used to be so small and cried a lot at night..." He looked down at his hand, lost in thought.

"You’d have been ten when she was born," Isadora said gently. "You must remember her as a baby."

Bernard looked at her with wonder. "How did you know that was what I was thinking about? You are a genius."

"I am," Isadora said playfully, puffing her chest in mock pride.

They continued their walk, talking about mundane things, their conversation light and easy. The market was a lively place, filled with the vibrant colors of fresh produce and the enticing smells of street food. Vendors called out their wares, and children ran about, their laughter ringing through the air.

Bernard stopped at a stall selling sweet pastries. "These were my favorite as a child," he said, buying a small bag and offering one to Isadora. "Mother used to buy me these whenever she got money."

She took a bite, the sweet, flaky pastry melting in her mouth. "Delicious," she said, her eyes lighting up.

Bernard watched her, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I’m glad you like it."

As they walked, Isadora noticed the way Bernard interacted with the vendors. He was kind and respectful, although they looked at him with fear and wanted him out of their shop as soon as possible.

It was clear he was well-respected in the market as no one dared to voice any disapproval of him, and she felt a surge of pride in the man she loved.

They paused by a fountain in the quiet part of the town, seeing the carriage from the Aurelia Castle waiting for Isadora in the distance.

The gentle splashing of water in the fountain added a soothing backdrop to their conversation. Bernard took both her hands in his, his gaze intense and full of emotion.

"I want to give you everything, Isadora," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "A home, a family, a future. I want to make you happy."

"You already do make me happy," she replied, her eyes shining with love. "Just by being you."

He leaned in and kissed her, a tender, lingering kiss that spoke of promises and dreams. When they pulled away, they rested their foreheads together, savoring the moment of quiet intimacy, the world around them fading into a soft blur.

"I’ll soon bring you to my house, Isadora. I want to hold you..." he whispered in her ear, his breath warm against her skin. "Throughout the night."

Isadora’s knees went weak at the sound of his deep voice in her ear, sending shivers down her spine. She clutched her chest, trying to steady her racing heart, and cleared her throat. She attempted to take a step forward, but her legs had turned to jelly, betraying her.

Bernard chuckled, a rich, warm sound that only intensified her flustered state. "Save some energy, Isadora..." he mumbled. Without giving her a chance to gather herself, he scooped her up effortlessly, his strong arms holding her securely.

He placed her inside the carriage with a gentle care that made her heart flutter, and before she could recover from her surprise, he kissed her bewildered face again. "Don’t stop thinking about me," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief and affection, before stepping back and closing the carriage door.

Isadora sat there, stunned, her mind reeling from the intensity of his touch. Her fingers traced her lips where his kiss lingered, and she couldn’t help but smile, her heart full of warmth and excitement. Bernard’s chuckle echoed in her ears, a sound she wanted to hear for the rest of her life.

As the carriage started to move, Isadora leaned back, her thoughts consumed by him. She imagined the nights they would spend together, wrapped in each other’s arms, sharing whispers and dreams. The thought of being with him, of feeling his warmth and love, filled her with a deep sense of contentment.

I can’t wait to be yours entirely, Bernard... Come get me soon.

Outside, Bernard watched the carriage until it disappeared from sight, his heart swelling with love and anticipation.

-----

The next morning, Jessamyn prepared for their journey with meticulous care. Jerrick hadn’t divulged the details, but Filbert had filled her in. She couldn’t help but wonder why Bernard wasn’t as present around Jerrick as he used to be. Jerrick, who once relied on Bernard for nearly everything, now seemed to keep him at a distance, avoiding menial tasks for him.

Since they were traveling by carriage, Jessamyn took it upon herself to prepare lunch and snacks. The maids, under her detailed instructions, packed the necessities for the journey.

When Jerrick came downstairs, his limp was pronounced, a stark contrast to the nights when he showed no sign of injury, even lifting her effortlessly while she sat on his supposedly injured leg. Jessamyn rolled her eyes at the discrepancy but said nothing, simply making a mental note of his strength.

As they left the city, the streets erupted into joyous celebration, a commotion filled with cheer and excitement. An announcement followed, echoing through the air. Curious, Jessamyn opened the window to catch the proclamation.

It was a royal decree announcing the wedding of the crown prince to Lady Cordelia.

"Is this what you meant?" Jessamyn asked, turning to Jerrick, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Jerrick smiled, his eyes twinkling with satisfaction.

Jessamyn couldn’t contain her happiness. She leaped into his arms, hugging him tightly. "Thank you!"

"Are you that happy for them?" Jerrick asked, patting her back. Her excitement was infectious, and she was practically bouncing inside the carriage.