The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 132: In For Gossiping

Jessamyn’s heart twisted painfully at the words. This wasn’t about bravery or admiration. It was about lives lost and the irreversible damage caused. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Being brave isn’t about wearing a costume and playing a part. It’s about understanding the weight of your actions, about protecting others, not putting them in harm’s way."

Cordelia sobbed quietly, her shoulders shaking. "I’m so sorry... I never thought... I didn’t think about others and only thought about myself. It was my fault those girls died..."

"You were told I was sick. Why did you expect me to be here, fighting?"

"I’m sorry..."

Jessamyn wanted to hold on to her anger, but seeing Cordelia’s genuine remorse, she felt a flicker of compassion. "You need to understand, Cordelia. The world isn’t a play where you can pretend to be someone else without consequences."

Lady Cordelia nodded, her tears glistening in the moonlight. "I promise, I’ll make it right. Whatever it takes."

Jessamyn sighed, her heart heavy. "Promises won’t bring those girls back. But maybe, just maybe, we can prevent more tragedies if we act wisely from now on. It’s very dangerous for you too. They say Altanians are involved and with the position you will hold in the future can—"

"My position?" Lady Cordelia interjected, her eyes wide.

"Yes, as the future Queen of Ayberia, you have a responsibility to..." Jessamyn’s voice trailed off as she saw Lady Cordelia’s face turning pale. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

It was a well-known fact that Lady Cordelia was betrothed to the Crown Prince, but without any official announcement, nothing was certain. Judging by Cordelia’s expression, Jessamyn thought that maybe those were just rumors and Prince Louis had changed his mind about the betrothal.

Jessamyn now felt bad for bringing that up. With Cordelia being the rumored fiancée, it was dangerous for her to wander off into the woods. If anything happened to Cordelia, the King would be forced to act, to save face at least.

Aww! But she’s so cute...!

Jessamyn heard the sound of sword clashes in the distance. She clutched her hands to fists wondering if Jerrick would be right. They might be smuggling a lot of kidnapped. If there were five here and Jerrick was fighting with others, there must be more than a hundred people kidnapped.

Who has the capability for such a big operation?

"Stay here," Jessamyn said and walked to the men Jerrick had tied up earlier.

She managed to kill two as she never had a habit of leaving them alive but Jerrick only disarmed the three and tied them up. She thought he would want to interrogate them and he also had promised the people that he would bring the smugglers to justice.

Those men saw her approaching and snickered among themselves. Jessamyn knew they were talking vulgar words even though she didn’t understand them much. She did understand one thing.

They were Altanians!

Jessamyn returned to Cordelia who sat with her head bowed. She couldn’t use a stern tone with Cordelia anymore. "They are from Altania. Do you understand what would have happened if they caught you?" Jessamyn asked.

"Everyone thinks I am Louis’ fiancée and it will cause a...war..." Cordelia’s eyes watered.

Jessamyn let out a deep breath and held her hand. At least, she understands now. She was about to sit with Cordelia when she heard a noise in the bush behind Cordelia.

With a gulp, Jessamyn clutched her crossbow tighter, trying not to scare Cordelia. She almost released the arrow when she heard the familiar jovial voice.

"Please, do not, Crossbow Lady! I come in peace."

Jessamyn let out a deep breath and lowered her crossbow. Emerging from the shadows, the white wolf took a step back from the bush to reveal himself. He appeared to not want Cordelia to see him.

Her eyes darted in the direction where she could still hear the clashing swords. He can go help Jerrick, though! Why is he here?

"Worried for Jerrick?" The wolf’s voice echoed in her mind.

Jessamyn cleared her throat, meeting the wolf’s eyes. Why aren’t you? She wanted to ask. She even considered joining Jerrick in the fight.

"He’s fine! Do not worry about him," the wolf’s tone was dismissive, which Jessamyn didn’t like. She checked on Cordelia, who seemed oblivious to the wolf, lost in her own thoughts. Jessamyn pitied her.

"Ask her why she isn’t marrying the Crown Prince yet," the wolf prompted.

Jessamyn rolled her eyes. Seriously? Gossip? Is this truly the most important thing now?

"It is important to know. The future of the nation depends solely on the funny shoulders of that brat Prince. He needs to procreate to save me..."

Jessamyn furrowed her brows. Why does this sound so...personal?

"...and you," the wolf added. "...and the entire Kingdom. It is very very very important. And I am going to follow you until you ask her what I want you to ask. I am going to talk and talk and... How about singing? Do you mind hearing me sing? I am praised by everyone for my tone-deafness. I bet you would enjoy my voice in your head for the~"

"Oh, stop!" Jessamyn mentally interrupted the wolf, then turned to Cordelia. She never thought she would get tortured by a talking wolf in her life. "Lady Cordelia, if you don’t mind me asking, why haven’t you married the Crown Prince yet?"

"That’s nice of you, Crossbow Lady. I applaud you!" the wolf said. Jessamyn glared at him.

Cordelia looked up, startled. "What? Oh... it’s complicated," she said, her voice trembling.

Jessamyn sensed that’s she was about to open up and sat by her "There’s been... hesitation on... both sides."

"Complicated how?" Jessamyn pressed gently, despite feeling the urgency of the situation.

She didn’t want to press the poor soul. She looked devastated as she fiddled with her fingers. Jessamyn couldn’t see clearly but had a feeling that Cordelia would cry if she forced her.

But she had no other way.

Cordelia sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Louis-uh-um-The Crown Prince... he probably is not sure if I’m the right match for him. There are political alliances, pressures from the nobles, and... I’ve made it worse today, didn’t I? He’s... He..."

She looked at Jessamyn and a teardrop rolled down her cheek which she wiped quickly.

"Oh, please! Do not let her cry! Tell her that you will keep the secret and no one has to know!"

The wolf’s impatient voice echoed in her mind. Jessamyn gritted her teeth and pointed the crossbow at the wolf. He surely was not going to die of the arrow, but at least she would have a momentary peace.

"Ahhhhhh! Don’t shoot me! Ahhhhh!"

The wolf screeched like a banshee draining Jessamyn’s spirit. Her head split with a headache.