The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 296: He Disappeared

Jessamyn cast a worried glance at Bernard, noting how ragged and gaunt he had become. His once strong and broad frame was now reduced, his breath coming in labored gasps as they trudged through the dense undergrowth.

They had been walking for what felt like an eternity—over a week without decent rest. Every step was a struggle, especially for Bernard, who received nothing but starvation and cruelty while Jessamyn was given just enough sustenance to keep her on her feet.

The baby growing inside her demanded more from her body, and the woman holding them captive knew that too well.

Jessamyn’s hand instinctively moved to cradle her swollen belly. She could feel her son stirring within her, restless and troubled by the situation they were in. The full moon was approaching, and Bernard’s willpower was dangerously waning with it. Jessamyn feared how long he could hold on. The chains that bound him were infused with dark magic, and with every pull of the silver links, she could see his strength slipping away.

The woman leading them, with her silver hair shimmering in the moonlight and cold green eyes devoid of any humanity, was none other than Jerrick’s mother—a figure shrouded in whispers and the one she had seen in her prophecy.

Two Weeks Earlier...

The days following Jerrick’s departure had been unsettling yet deceptively calm. Jessamyn spent her time managing the affairs of Roche, but there was an undercurrent of unease she couldn’t shake.

This nagging feeling drove her to visit the Theodulf Library more often, hoping to find solace in its ancient tomes. She trusted Jerrick implicitly and knew he would return safely, but the silence that followed his departure gnawed at her.

On the fifth day, she sent him a letter, hoping for any news, but it was met with nothing but deafening silence. Whispers from the capital city, Elodia, hinted that Jerrick and his company had vanished after marching off to war. No one had heard from them since. The uncertainty settled like a heavy cloud over Jessamyn’s heart. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

The days dragged on, each one more agonizing than the last. Jessamyn wrote to Cordelia, who was stationed in Elodia, hoping she could offer some insight. But even Cordelia had little to share.

The palace was in turmoil, with ministers spreading vicious rumors that Jerrick had turned traitor and joined the Altanians. Jessamyn knew better, but the gossip had begun to fester among the lords. Some of the more envious ministers, emboldened by Jerrick’s absence, even suggested marching against Roche to force him back, claiming he had abandoned his duties.

But in the face of such treachery, Prince Louis remained steadfast. Despite Lady Celena’s poisonous words, Louis overruled any attempts to undermine Roche’s defenses. For the time being, Roche was safe, but the uncertainty weighed heavily on Jessamyn.

As the days passed, Jessamyn began to feel as if someone was watching her in the castle. It was more than mere paranoia; it was a presence that sent chills down her spine, something ancient and malevolent. She initially suspected that Lady Celena might have sent spies from Elodia, but this presence was different—almost spiritual.

More unsettling was the fact that her son seemed to sense it too. The baby had become more active, his movements erratic as if he were guiding her.

One fateful day, he did guide her—straight to the source of that ominous presence. It was then that Jessamyn encountered Jerrick’s mother, her aura dark and filled with malice.

Jessamyn’s instincts screamed at her to flee, and she did hide. She sent a hurried message to William, warning him of their mother’s presence in the castle. Jessamyn had always respected Jerrick’s wishes regarding his estranged mother. Jerrick believed William, who yearned for their mother’s approval, should be the one to deal with her.

So Jessamyn complied, hoping William’s intervention would resolve the situation.

But everything spiraled out of control the moment William arrived. What should have been a simple confrontation turned into a nightmare. Bernard, who had come running at the first sign of trouble, was quickly ensnared by Jerrick’s mother, used as a pawn to trap Jessamyn.

Without any explanation, she forced Jessamyn to follow her deep into the Great Green Forest, dragging Bernard along as a helpless bargaining chip.

William had managed to track them down once, but Jerrick’s mother was ruthless. Jessamyn’s heart twisted painfully at the memory of seeing William collapse in the snow, blood staining the pristine white ground. She didn’t know if he was alive or dead—only that he had been left for dead by a woman who showed no mercy, not even for her own children.

"I need to rest," Jessamyn gasped, her legs trembling as they pressed onward. Her body felt like it was on the verge of collapsing, the weight of her pregnancy making every step torturous.

She wasn’t used to such harsh conditions. Jerrick had always ensured she was comfortable, and she’d never had to endure such grueling hardships. Tears welled up in her eyes as she glanced at Bernard, his face haggard and his body bruised from the relentless abuse.

Every time she pleaded for a break, it was Bernard who suffered the punishment. But this time, she genuinely couldn’t go on any further.

Bernard gave her a weak nod, understanding the unspoken pain in her eyes. Despite his own suffering, he bore it willingly, grateful that his wife was safe back home. He was determined to protect his lady, even if it meant enduring the worst of this ordeal.

Jerrick’s mother, noticing Jessamyn’s pale face and parched lips, smirked with cruel satisfaction. "You’re not very strong, are you? Then again, you were meant to carry only one..." Her voice dripped with disdain as she twisted the knife of her words.

She set up camp and began preparing a simple stew, the rich aroma filling the cold night air. She handed a bowl to Jessamyn but offered nothing to Bernard.

Jessamyn’s fists clenched in silent fury. The woman treated her like nothing more than a vessel, her only value being the heir she carried within her. She understood that any kindness shown to her was solely because of the baby she bore.

When Jessamyn had tried to share her meal with Bernard, she was met with sharp rebuke. Any request for mercy on Bernard’s behalf only resulted in further cruelty toward him.

Staring into the bowl of stew, Jessamyn’s eyes welled up with tears. She felt utterly powerless.

Jerrick, where are you?

Her heart cried out for him, her hope hanging by a thread. All she could do was hold onto the belief that somehow, he would find her before it was too late.