The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 89: Expressed Passion

Surrounded by tall reeds that provided them with privacy, accompanied only by the sounds of insects in the bushes, Bernard and Isadora remained in each other’s embrace.

Bernard’s lips paused merely an inch away from Isadora’s lips. Isadora pressed her hand on his cheek as she noticed his eyes wavering.

Her heart warmed sensing the overwhelming sense of care he hid in his heart for her. He was not hesitating for the lack of interest but was holding back minding her frailer state.

"Bernard..." Isadora whispered, softly pressing her cheek to his. She closed her eyes as she took in his masculine scent. "Never turn your back to me unless you intend to leave me for good. Even then, I’ll follow, knowing I will never catch up with you."

Bernard looked at her with his eyes wide. Isadora opened her eyes to look at his surprised face. Her heart was peaceful and it reflected in her face as a gentle smile.

"The rest of my life, I will be following you hoping to find your shadow at least..." Isadora said.

It was the truth. Lady Jessamyn was a genius, understanding that the time spent with a person didn’t matter as much as how they made you feel.

Bernard made her feel like she was his. She would do anything for him, even if it meant scorching the earth she stood on.

Maybe her feelings were too strong, she had no clue. It might be off-putting for Bernard. She wondered if that was the reason he stared at her blankly, but that was what she felt. She wanted to let him know.

He was supporting her weight on his arm and she felt like floating. His towering figure covered the sun and in his embrace, she felt protected.

"Should I stop, Bernard?" Isadora asked, gently tracing her thumb over the scar on his cheek. His calm eyes were lingering on her face giving her confidence. "I can’t stop, but I will disappear from your sight if I’m being a nuisance..."

Before she could finish, Bernard’s eyes blazed with a fierce determination. He closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both tender and fiery. Isadora’s heart raced as she melted into him, her arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer. The kiss deepened, a passionate exchange that spoke of unspoken desires and promises.

Bernard’s hands cupped her face, his touch sending shivers down her spine. Isadora responded with equal fervor, her fingers tangling in his hair as she poured all her love and longing into the kiss. In that moment, time ceased to exist, and the world around them faded into insignificance. All that mattered was the intense connection they shared, a love so powerful it consumed them both.

When they finally pulled apart, breathless and with hearts pounding, Bernard rested his forehead against hers. "Never..." he said, his voice a husky whisper. "You could never be a nuisance, Isadora. You are everything to me."

Isadora smiled, her heart soaring at his words. In his arms, she felt invincible.

-----

"Jessamyn... Myna, wake up!" Jerrick kissed her cheek as he carried her down the hallway. She looked as though she was deeply asleep, prompting him to wonder if the events of that other day had resurfaced.

"Are you in pain?" he asked. There was no reply. Her eyebrows were furrowed and she was still mumbling something, but it didn’t look like she was in pain.

He didn’t want to stay close to her, regardless. He walked to the rest area but found it occupied by other ladies. Not wanting to leave Jessamyn there, he decided to take her to the second floor, where he usually rested. The high nobles had a separate and lavish resting area.

As he approached the stairs, he was stopped by the Kingsguards. "Lady Jessamyn’s resting room is that way," they informed him.

If his hands were free, he would have helped them part the extra weight held by their necks. "Step aside!" he grumbled.

This woman is his Songbird. Nothing’s going to change if he was married to her or not. Why would these weasels care?

"Sorry, Your Grace, in the palace, we’ll have to follow the King’s rules... Please, spare us..." the guards bowed their heads in reverence.

Jerrick huffed in anger. If the palace had no place for his songbird, why would he grace it with his presence?

As he was about to turn, a melodic jingling sound echoed through the corridor. The silk skirt, a flowing luxury, rustled softly with each movement, announcing her arrival before she came to view.

Jerrick held Jessamyn close to his chest, feeling a protective surge as he noticed the King’s mistress’s interest in her. He found Celena’s attention toward Jessamyn deeply unsettling. He speculated that Celena might be working for the council; this could be the reason for her desire to speak with Jessamyn. However, he was determined to prevent their meeting.

As he observed Jessamyn earlier, it was clear she didn’t recognize Celena. A sense of unease gnawed at him—something about the situation felt profoundly wrong.

Jerrick’s expression hardened as he caught sight of her. As Celene got closer, her eyes focused on Jessamyn in his arms, her radiant beauty contrasted sharply with the coldness in his heart. His arms holding Jessamyn were however warm.

Celena’s eyes landed on Jerrick and her lips curved. "Why do I feel like we are drifting further apart as we draw closer, Your Grace?" she chuckled, her voice gentle as a stream.

Jerrick stared at her wordlessly. He didn’t recall ever talking to this woman for her to act familiar with him.

The golden jewelry adorning her shimmered in the light matching her uplifting smile. "I meant our hearts drifting further but our physical distance~"

Jerrick didn’t want to stand to hear that woman’s explanation and walked away. Feeling a pull, he stopped. His face turned dark seeing the woman standing with Jessamyn’s hair between her fingers.

"Her hair got caught..." Celena chuckled, gently untangling the hair that got caught on her bracelet. "Humans can’t move on if we get tethered too, can we?"

Jerrick said nothing and let her gracefully untangle the mess.

"She’s pretty..." Celena mumbled; her lips curved into a smile.

Jerrick furrowed his brows as her slender finger grazed along her eyebrow. He cleared his throat signaling her to let go.

"But tethered..." Celena mumbled. "Do you see it too, Your Grace... The tether that ties her?"

Jerrick furrowed his brows.

What nonsense is she spouting?