The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 321: Last Goodbye

Jessamyn looked at William, her thoughts swirling in a mix of fear and determination. She wanted to find Jerrick, to be by his side. But before she could act, there was something she had to address. The weight of their losses hung heavily between them.

"The King is dead, William," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. The words felt like stones tumbling out of her mouth. She turned to Cordelia, who stepped beside her and gave a small nod of agreement. "We aren’t sure, but Celena—"

"It’s true." William’s voice cut through the air, sharp and certain. "I saw it. Celena killed him." His eyes darkened as they landed on Cordelia. "You are now the Queen of Ayberia. I should bow to you."

Jessamyn turned to Cordelia, and without hesitation, she dropped into a graceful curtsey, her heart swelling with pride at being the first to show Cordelia the respect she deserved as queen. But Cordelia, overwhelmed by the chaos of the night, didn’t seem to register the gesture. Her thoughts were elsewhere.

"Louis! Where is he?" Cordelia cried out, her panic cutting through the moment of formality.

Jessamyn straightened, exchanging a tense glance with William. The weight of the night pressed on them all, and there was no time for titles or ceremonies. Not when danger was so close. "Elaine is here?" she asked, her voice filled with urgency.

William’s smile faltered, his expression clouding with pain and regret. The mixture of emotions that flickered across his face was heartbreaking. He glanced toward the body of his mother, his voice lowering. "My actions, Jessamyn... I’ve hurt people. But I want to protect the ones who love me." His voice cracked, revealing the depth of his inner struggle. "I’m not willing to lose those who love me for the sake of my own desires. I have to break free from this curse."

Jessamyn reached out and grasped his hand, her touch gentle but firm. "We do love you, William," she whispered, her words filled with warmth and reassurance. She could see the decision forming in his eyes. The battle within him was nearly over, and he had chosen the side of love. She no longer feared leaving him to confront Elaine on his own.

William smiled at her, though it was a bittersweet expression, one that held more understanding than joy. "The Council has a spell... a binding spell. It could—"

"I know," Jessamyn interrupted, nodding as if she had anticipated this. "Salt works."

William blinked, slightly surprised. "You guessed that?"

Jessamyn allowed herself a small, amused smile. "Yes. That’s why I’ve been gathering every bit of magically ’powerful’ salt I could get my hands on. It’s ironic, isn’t it? Something as simple as salt, a mundane substance, can unravel the most powerful of spells." She shook her head, still marveling at the simplicity of it all.

Magic is often seen as something grand, beyond human comprehension, but in truth, it’s the simplest things that can undo even the greatest powers.

William’s face grew serious. "Elaine used that spell on me. I don’t think anyone else would’ve succeeded. Which means..."

Jessamyn’s eyes widened with sudden understanding. "The Council will use me to cast that spell on Jerrick."

William nodded gravely. "Elaine will try and get you. I’ll stop her."

Jessamyn’s heart sank as the realization hit her. Time was running out. She had to find Jerrick, and quickly. Together, they could stand a chance against whatever dark plans the Council had in store.

"I have to go to Jerrick," she said firmly, her voice trembling slightly. "Once I find him, we’ll be safe. He can protect me and our baby." Her hand instinctively moved to her belly, her protective instincts kicking in. She knew they would face whatever came their way better together. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

William squeezed her hand, his grip warm and reassuring. "I’ll keep my promise," he said, his gaze lingering on her belly. The look in his eyes sent a chill through Jessamyn, as though he were saying goodbye for the last time.

A lump formed in her throat. She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "I know you will, William. Thank you," she whispered, pulling back with a small, bittersweet smile.

William held her close for a moment longer before placing his hand gently on her belly. His voice dropped to a soft murmur as he leaned in. "You’ll have to protect your mother too, little one," he whispered.

Jessamyn felt a sudden, sharp kick inside her womb. Her son, her fierce little warrior, stirred at the sound of William’s voice, as if responding to his uncle’s words. She smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek as the warmth of the moment filled her heart.

Turning to Cordelia, Jessamyn pulled her into a tight embrace. As their bellies touched, Cordelia let out a small gasp, her hand flying to her own belly. "There... I felt it again," she whispered, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. "I felt the baby move for the first time when you came into the room. Now it’s even stronger."

Jessamyn chuckled softly, placing her hand over Cordelia’s. "Our babies must be talking to each other." In the midst of the chaos, this moment of shared joy lifted the mothers’ spirits.

Cordelia smiled warmly and hugged Jessamyn again, her voice filled with gratitude. "I can’t thank you enough, Jessamyn. You saved our lives."

Jessamyn’s eyes softened, her heart swelling with affection for her friend. "It’s my duty," she murmured, gently rubbing Cordelia’s back. "And I will keep doing it, for you... and for them."

But even as they shared this tender moment, Jessamyn’s mind raced ahead. The night was far from over, and the dangers lurking outside wouldn’t wait for them to catch their breath.

Jessamyn gripped Cordelia’s hand as she steadied herself. There was no time for rest. The danger was far from over. But now, with her son alive and the truth revealed, she felt stronger than ever. There was hope yet, and she would fight with every ounce of strength she had to protect her family.

As they prepared to leave, Jessamyn cast one last glance at the broken, lifeless body on the floor. The war wasn’t over, but the next battle was already beginning.

William watched Jessamyn disappear into the thick woods. She trusted the horse so much and he could sense the strength of the horse. After all, the horse accompanied Joar, the mighty warrior to battle.

"I wish I can help you, Jessamyn..." William said, a teardrop rolling down his cheek.