The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 219: The Search

Jerrick noticed the frown line deepening between William’s eyes and decided it was best to steer the conversation elsewhere. While Jerrick harbored little affection for their mother, he understood William’s yearning for the motherly love he never received. Dismissing William’s wishes would be heartless.

Jerrick had never spent much time thinking about their mother, perhaps because he had Jessamyn for most of his life. Caring for her, loving her, and being loved in return filled the void their mother’s absence might have left. Jessamyn was his world, his anchor, and she gave him all the affection he needed.

William, on the other hand, grew up within the confining walls of the palace, adhering to every mandated rule and regulation expected of a royal sibling. He had to act maturely, always mindful of his position as the brother of the King. Yet, despite the responsibilities and expectations, he was allowed to pine over a woman who didn’t think twice before leaving him behind.

"My Jessamyn took care of our sister without even knowing the truth," Jerrick said, aiming to lighten the mood. His words brought a soft smile to his face as he noticed William’s expression brighten at the mention of Isadora.

"She did, didn’t she?" William’s eyes sparkled with a mix of gratitude and admiration. "Jessamyn has a heart of gold. Isadora is lucky to have her."

"We all are," Jerrick replied, his voice tinged with warmth.

William nodded, feeling a surge of emotion. "She’s... She’s the light in our darkest days. I noticed she never tried to sabotage any relationship even if she disagreed with them. She’s... odd, but a good one. I sometimes wonder how different things might have been if our mother had been more like her." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"Nah," William shook his head and patted Jerrick’s shoulder. "Then we won’t be here as a family..."

Jerrick nodded, his eyes glistening with unspoken emotions. "To the family," he said softly clinking his glass.

"To family," William echoed, feeling the weight of their shared history lift slightly. They would face the future together, bound by the love and strength they found in one another. The shadows of their past still lingered, but they no longer felt as daunting.

"Have you revealed the truth to Isadora yet?" Jerrick asked, his voice tinged with concern.

"I couldn’t..." William shrugged, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. "Do you think we should?"

If it were only about their mother, William would have had no problem revealing the truth to Isadora and the whole world. But their blood was different, marked by a legacy that was as powerful as it was dangerous.

"Do you think Isadora can be awakened to shift?" Jerrick’s question hung in the air, heavy with implications.

William looked at him, his brows furrowed in deep thought. "I hope she doesn’t..." he said softly, his voice low and filled with dread.

Jerrick nodded in agreement. For a Theodulf to awaken their ability to shift, they had to endure a sword passing through their soul, a metaphor for an agonizing loss that stripped away their will to live. Only then could they gain the ability to live longer, a cruel irony that neither brother wished upon their sister.

For William, it happened when he lost the love of his life. For Jerrick, it occurred when he was made to believe that he couldn’t be with Jessamyn to save her life. The pain of those moments was seared into their memories, a torment they would never want Isadora to experience.

"Protect Bernard," William said, his voice a determined whisper.

In the depths of his heart, he hoped Isadora would choose someone with a different path, a different destiny. But as a Theodulf, she was naturally drawn to someone wielding a sword, someone like Bernard.

Changing her mind would be nearly impossible. For a Theodulf, once they chose their true love, letting go was not an option.

Isadora wouldn’t be able to leave Bernard even if she wanted to. The bond of a Theodulf’s love was too strong, too binding. The only way to protect her from heartbreak was to protect her love. That’s what they could ensure as her big brothers.

Jerrick’s eyes softened with resolve. "I’m knighting him and slowly pushing him away from me. He has enough men now, and he doesn’t have to lead anymore. He is not pleased, but he will have to adjust..." He rubbed his chest, feeling the weight of his decisions.

He truly wished Isadora never had to go through the pain they had endured. The bond between Bernard and Isadora was strong, and Jerrick knew that protecting Bernard was essential for his sister’s happiness.

Though it pained him to distance himself from Bernard, he understood that it was necessary for Isadora’s sake.

He might be doing Bernard a disservice by keeping him away, but Bernard would appreciate it if he knew the truth. Jerrick missed not depending on Bernard, the steadfast presence he had always been. But he was willing to endure this separation for the sake of his sister.

His thoughts drifted back to the times when Bernard had been at his side, a loyal companion through countless battles and hardships. The decision to knight him, to push him into a new role, was not made lightly.

Jerrick hoped that with time, Bernard would understand the reasons behind his actions and find solace in his new responsibilities.

"Don’t push him too far away," William said. "You need to protect him."

"I know," Jerrick nodded. He had thought about it.

The brothers sat in reflective silence, sharing drinks, their thoughts united in their shared mission. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the room, a silent witness to their unspoken resolve.

-----

Jessamyn walked around the garden one more time as night fell, her steps slow and hesitant. The shadows of the tall trees loomed over her, and the cool night air sent shivers down her spine.

She wasn’t courageous enough to venture deep into the edge of the garden that led to the great green forest, but the urge to find the origin of the jasmine scent was almost unbearable.

It lingered in the air, teasing her senses, but despite her best efforts, the source remained elusive, breaking her spirit.

*Caw* *Caw*

The familiar cawing sound brought a flicker of hope to her despondent heart. She turned towards the sound, her eyes lighting up.

"Jayjay!" she exclaimed, smiling at the bird perched on a nearby branch. Even after knowing the bird for ages, she still marveled at its ability to mimic a raven so perfectly.

The bird flapped its wings and hopped closer, its eyes gleaming with intelligence. Jessamyn reached out a hand, and Jayjay hopped onto her wrist, tilting its head as if studying her.

"Can you help me with something, Jayjay?" she asked softly, stroking the bird’s feathers.