The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 221: Into The Forest

Carrying a carefully folded piece of paper, Lynae stood with her head bowed, a ghost of her former self. Jaylene flew away into the castle.

"What is it, Lynae?" Jessamyn asked gently as she walked towards her.

After their wedding, she hadn’t seen much of Lynae. She had been told Lynae was no longer working in the castle, and it was surprising to see her there now.

"You look..." Jessamyn’s words trailed off as she rushed to Lynae’s side, noticing the young woman’s unsteady stance. As she held Lynae’s hand, her eyes widened in horror at the sight of scars and bruises littering her skin. "Lynae... who did this to you?" she asked, her voice trembling with concern.

Lynae said nothing, her lips pressed tightly together as if holding in a painful secret. With a trembling hand, she held out the folded paper, urging Jessamyn to take it.

Jessamyn took the paper, her heart pounding. In the next moment, Lynae crumpled to the ground, her body racked with sobs. Jessamyn’s eyes widened in shock as she saw a pool of blood spreading beneath her.

"Lynae!" Jessamyn cried out, trying to lift her. But Lynae coughed up blood, and with one final, shuddering breath, she passed away in Jessamyn’s arms.

Jessamyn’s heart broke at the sight. Tears streamed down her face as she cradled Lynae’s lifeless body. She unfolded the paper with trembling hands, the urgency to understand what had happened overwhelming her.

"At midnight, meet us in the forest near the interlocked palm tree."

Jessamyn crumpled the paper in her hand, recognizing the writing immediately. This summon was undoubtedly from the Council.

As she held Lynae’s lifeless body, her gaze drifted to the distance, where shadows danced at the edge of the forest. Only then did she notice the arrowhead lodged in Lynae’s throat. Why did they kill Lynae, not allowing her to speak?

She gently laid Lynae on the ground, knowing the Council would handle the cleanup. If they didn’t, she would have to ask for Jerrick’s help. She stared at the shadows, which seemed to be waiting for her to leave.

Jessamyn turned and walked toward the castle, but before she disappeared from view, she glanced back. One of the shadowy figures had the unmistakable gait of her master. It must have been her master who killed Lynae with just an arrowhead.

Her hands fisted and shook with a mix of fear and anger. The realization that her master was involved in such a ruthless act was a bitter pill to swallow.

Is it time already?

Jessamyn’s hand subconsciously reached to her abdomen, a small comfort in the midst of her turmoil. She was glad she was not pregnant yet.

As she made her way back to the castle, she was greeted by the strong scent of alcohol. Jerrick stumbled toward her, his eyes glassy and unfocused.

"My wife..." he mumbled, reaching out for her.

Jessamyn smiled despite her heavy heart and caught him in her arms. With gentle care, she guided him to his room. He giggled like a child as she undressed him, his drunken antics a stark contrast to the turmoil in her heart.

"Let’s get you cleaned up," she murmured, leading him to the bathtub.

Jerrick continued to lean on her, making her smile despite everything. He splashed water playfully, and she couldn’t help but laugh as she helped him wash away the grime of the day.

By the end of it, she decided to take a bath with him since she was already wet. The warm water enveloped them both, a brief respite from the cold reality outside. As they soaked, Jerrick’s touch was tender, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on her skin.

"Did you eat anything? Let me change for dinner," she said, trying to pull away.

But Jerrick held her firmly, not letting go. Leaning against the curve of her chest, he smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist. His warmth and the steady rhythm of his breathing were a comfort she desperately needed.

"Do you want to sleep?" she asked, her voice soft and soothing.

It would be better if he slept. She didn’t want him to follow her to the forest tonight. The danger that awaited her was not something she wanted him to face, especially not in his current state.

Jerrick nuzzled closer, his lips brushing against her collarbone. "Stay with me," he murmured, his voice a sleepy whisper.

Jessamyn’s heart ached with love and worry. She stroked his hair gently, her fingers weaving through the damp strands. "I’ll stay until you fall asleep," she promised, hoping he would drift off soon.

His eyes fluttered closed, and his breathing began to even out. She held him close, her thoughts racing with the impending meeting and the shadows that lurked in the forest. As Jerrick’s grip on her loosened, she kissed his forehead, a silent vow to return to him.

Carefully, she eased out of his embrace and dressed quietly. With one last glance at Jerrick, now peacefully asleep, she steeled herself for the night ahead. She knew she had to be strong for him, for their future together.

She ate her fill, knowing she would need the energy for whatever awaited her in the forest. Afterward, she checked on Jerrick once more, finding him still sleeping peacefully with a smile on his face. She wanted him to have that smile forever. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Jessamyn sneaked out to the garden and walked into the forest. As she moved deeper into the woods, a sense of foreboding washed over her. It felt as if a cloud of darkness surrounded her, making her invisible to the outside world.

Spells weaved around her. She was not sure of they were protecting her or isolating her. She had never felt magic like this before, so potent and pervasive.

The interlocked palm trees she was supposed to find were a mystery to her. She had never seen them in the great green forest, and the deeper she ventured, the more uncertain she became. Yet, she pressed on, her heart pounding with each step.

After walking for what felt like an eternity, she saw a familiar figure in the distance—her master. His presence was both a relief and a reminder of the gravity of the situation. She followed him silently, her steps light and cautious.

As she trailed behind him, the forest seemed to close in around her, the trees whispering secrets she couldn’t decipher. The air grew colder, and shadows danced in the moonlight, playing tricks on her eyes. She kept her focus on her master, his figure a beacon in the oppressive darkness.

The path grew narrower, and the trees more twisted, as if they were trying to protect the secrets hidden within the forest. Jessamyn’s breath quickened, but she forced herself to stay calm, to stay focused. She knew she had to find the interlocked palm trees and confront whatever awaited her there.

Her master stopped suddenly, and she froze. The air around him shimmered with magic, and Jessamyn felt a chill run down her spine.

She took a deep breath and stepped forward, ready to face whatever lay ahead.