The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 312: Changes In The City

Alderic led Jessamyn through the massive gates of Elodia, his brow furrowed with concern. The towering walls loomed overhead, casting long shadows as dusk settled over the city.

He had pleaded with his captain to let him escort her inside, and though the captain was less than thrilled at the idea of Alderic abandoning his post, he finally relented after seeing Jessamyn’s weary face and exhausted state.

The captain’s gaze softened, pity evident in his eyes. "Take her to safety," he instructed, waving them off with a resigned sigh. "You have one hour, no more."

Jessamyn offered the captain a grateful smile, her heart pounding with both relief and anxiety. The closer she got to the heart of Elodia, the more her fears intensified. She walked beside Alderic in silence, trying to calm the racing thoughts in her mind. She had no idea what to expect within the city walls or what news awaited her about her husband, the Archduke, who had been on a dangerous campaign.

As they made their way deeper into the city, Alderic broke the silence. "I couldn’t stay behind while Ayberia was in danger," he explained, his voice tinged with frustration. "My home was no longer safe. The Altanians—those bastards—they took back the valley we fought so hard to claim. After all the sacrifices, all the bloodshed..."

Jessamyn glanced at him, noting the fire in his eyes. It was more than patriotism she saw. It was rage—rage that the kingdom’s hard-won land had been seized. Rage that Joar’s efforts, his bravery and sacrifices, were being trampled by the enemy. Joar had been Alderic’s mentor, and his death had left a scar on the squire’s heart. It was that loyalty, that deep connection to Joar’s legacy, that had driven him to fight once more.

"I didn’t want to join the Arkhipov family’s ranks," Alderic continued, his jaw tightening. "I didn’t want to serve under an unworthy master, so I enlisted in the royal army. Of course, being labeled a ’novice’ again, they stationed me here at the outskirts of the city as a lowly guard." His voice held a bitter edge. "A far cry from serving as Joar’s squire."

Jessamyn could sense his frustration, but there was also a quiet contentment in his voice. Alderic wasn’t one to crave titles or glory. He was a man of honor, loyal to a fault, even if his current position didn’t reflect his true worth.

"Have you heard anything about the Archduke?" Jessamyn asked, her voice quiet but filled with urgency. "Has there been any news? Was the campaign successful?"

Alderic hesitated, his steps slowing as he glanced at her. His face darkened, and Jessamyn felt her heart skip a beat. "Your Grace, about that..."

The pit in her stomach grew deeper. "What do you know?" she pressed, her voice trembling. A cold dread crept up her spine, her worst fears beginning to take shape in her mind. Was her husband... had something happened to him?

"I don’t know anything for certain," Alderic said, trying to calm her rising panic. "There are rumors, speculations... but nothing confirmed. I don’t want to give you false information."

Jessamyn’s breath hitched, her heart racing in her chest. But as the fear threatened to consume her, she felt a soft, soothing presence from within. Her son. The life growing inside her seemed to pulse with a quiet reassurance, calming her in a way nothing else could. She took a deep breath, her hand resting protectively on her belly as the tension in her body began to ease.

"I need to know about Roche," she whispered, still unsettled but determined. "Has there been any word from the city? Or from William? If there’s been any movement in the navy, I would’ve heard by now."

Alderic remained silent for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Your Grace, I can’t say for certain," he finally replied, his voice low. "But I do know that there’s unrest. Things have changed while you’ve been away."

As they walked through the market district, Jessamyn could feel the tension in the air. The city was on edge. Though the market stalls were open, the usual hum of city life had been replaced by hushed whispers and wary glances. The merchants seemed preoccupied, their movements stiff and their eyes darting nervously between the passing guards. Fewer people haggled over prices; instead, there was a palpable sense of dread hanging over the streets, as if everyone was waiting for something terrible to happen.

The tension was so thick it was suffocating.

Guards patrolled in greater numbers than usual, their stern faces betraying the unrest beneath the surface. Prices for essentials had skyrocketed, and the crowd grew restless, their frustrations bubbling into small fights over food and supplies. Jessamyn watched as a scuffle broke out at one of the stalls, two men grabbing at the same loaf of bread. The guards were quick to intervene, but the desperation in the air was undeniable. War had brought out the worst in people, the fear of uncertainty making tempers flare.

"Alderic," Jessamyn began, her voice soft but commanding, "do you truly believe the King will reward your loyalty? Does he even know who stands with him in this city?"

Alderic’s expression grew dark, his lips pressed into a thin line. He glanced around before leaning in closer. "Your Grace," he whispered, his voice barely audible, "there are factions within these walls. Some who no longer believe in the King’s rule. There are whispers... a sect of people who want the Theodulf bloodline to ascend the throne."

Jessamyn’s breath caught in her throat. The weight of his words sank into her like stones. "The Theodulf bloodline? You mean... Jerrick?"

Alderic nodded, his eyes scanning the crowd as if to ensure no one was listening. "Tensions are high, Your Grace. There are many who believe the Archduke is the rightful ruler. Some are even calling for the old King’s deposition." He hesitated, lowering his voice further. "I’ve heard whispers of a coup, but nothing is certain yet. And also..."

Jessamyn’s heart raced, panic flooding her veins. A coup? The thought was unbearable. This wasn’t something Jerrick would want. He had never sought the throne, always content to serve the kingdom from behind the scenes. What had happened in the few short weeks since his departure? What was brewing within these walls? 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Alderic’s eyes flickered toward a group of soldiers watching them from across the market square. His jaw clenched, and without another word, he motioned for Jessamyn to follow him into a nearby tavern. The warm, dimly lit room offered a brief respite from the tensions outside, but Jessamyn’s mind was still racing.

As they sat, her heart pounded with fear and uncertainty. What if these whispers were true? What if the kingdom was on the brink of tearing itself apart, with her husband at the center of it all? And where did the King’s mistress fit into this?

That woman, so dangerous, had always posed a threat to Jessamyn’s family. Now, with Jerrick’s mother near Elodia, the potential for disaster loomed even larger.