The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 141: Feeling Free

The night was serene, the air filled with the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl. Jessamyn’s heart swelled with a mixture of admiration and curiosity as she looked at Jerrick. His ability to communicate with the owl had left a lasting impression on her.

As they walked back, side by side, Jessamyn couldn’t help but steal glances at him, her mind racing with thoughts and questions. Jerrick, sensing her curiosity, turned to her with a knowing smile.

"It’s not magic, you know," he said softly, breaking the comfortable silence.

Jessamyn raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How did you train an owl?" she asked.

Jerrick chuckled. "It’s about understanding them, building a connection. You know it. Owls, like all creatures, respond to trust and respect. They’re not as solitary as people think."

Jessamyn listened intently, her admiration for Jerrick growing. "I thought you would have trained Jayjay for this..."

Jerrick’s face bloomed with a smile. "Do you think Jayjay can be covert?"

"That is impossible, I know..." Jessamyn chuckled. That bird couldn’t keep quiet for the life of her.

"Also, I don’t consider her my subordinate... someone I can control," he added.

Jessamyn looked at him, his words a little odd for her understanding. "Because she’s a pet?" she questioned.

Jerrick shrugged. His expression turned somber as he looked up at the moon, lost in his thoughts. "She’s not a pet. She’s... She’s more like... Maybe like what Jostein is to you," he said.

That bird was a living representation of the true happiness he knew in the past when he lived as a gardener in Jessamyn’s house. Just like the trees that witnessed their love, Jaylene too was a witness. He couldn’t uproot the trees, but he could bring Jaylene with him wherever he went.

Whenever he looked at the bird, he could think of the carefree days he spent with his first love. Those days were filled with laughter, whispered secrets, and the simple joys of being together. Jaylene was more than just a bird to him; she was a link to a past that he cherished, a past that still held a piece of his heart.

He did not love Jessamyn the way he loved her in the past anymore, but still, he cherished those memories just for that.

"Hmm..." Jessamyn bowed her head.

She didn’t want to think deeply about what he said. Just like some of her memories of Joar were tied to Jostein, his memories with Imogen might be tied to Jaylene.

She switched her thoughts to the owl he had trained. He had always been good with animals, but this was something beyond her knowledge and experience. He was good at medicine, gardening, training owls... war, cooking...

She wondered what other secrets he held, what other wonders he could show her.

Jerrick went to assure the women, and Jessamyn joined him. She tried to unlock the locks of the cages, but it was Jerrick’s sword that did the deed, efficiently breaking the locks.

The group of frightened young women huddled together. The air was thick with fear and uncertainty. Jessamyn’s heart ached at the sight, and she quickly moved to comfort them.

"It’s okay now," she said softly, kneeling down to their level. "You’re safe."

Jerrick stood beside her, his presence strong and reassuring. "We’re here to help," he added, his voice calm and steady. "No one will harm you anymore."

The women looked at Jessamyn and Jerrick with a mixture of relief and disbelief. Some began to cry softly, tears of both fear and gratitude. Jessamyn reached out, gently touching their hands, offering warmth and comfort.

One of the women, her face streaked with tears, spoke up. "Thank you," she whispered. "We were so scared." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Jessamyn nodded, her own eyes misting. "I know. But you’re safe now. We’ll take care of you."

Jessamyn and Jerrick stayed with the girls until the owl returned, accompanied by the tall man who had walked with Jerrick during the commendation ceremony. Alongside him were a group of other guards, their presence a reassuring sight for the rescued women.

Jessamyn watched as Jerrick gave orders to the guards with practiced authority. The tall man, whose name she learned was Filbert, moved efficiently, relaying Jerrick’s commands to the others.

The living smugglers were swiftly apprehended and sent to the Royal Guard for interrogation. Their cooperation was essential; the movement of Altanians within the kingdom had been confirmed, and it was imperative to gather information on any potential spies or further threats.

Jerrick’s demeanor was calm and controlled, his every action deliberate. Jessamyn observed him closely, noting the respect and trust the guards had in him. He was a natural leader, and his concern for the kingdom’s safety was evident in every command he issued.

Jessamyn, standing with the rescued girls, provided comfort and reassurance. She could see the fear and uncertainty in their eyes, but her presence, along with the swift action of the guards, seemed to ease their distress. She offered them gentle words, promising safety and a swift return to their families.

As they began to feel safe, the girls opened up to her, revealing how they had been kidnapped. Most of them were taken from the streets, snatched in moments of vulnerability. Some were working maids in wealthy households, targeted for their positions. The more Jessamyn listened, the more she realized the audacity of the Altanians. They had acted boldly, seemingly confident in their plans.

For the Altanians to act that brazenly, Jessamyn had a sinking feeling that they had insider information. There were traitors in their midst, people who had betrayed their own for personal gain or out of misguided loyalty to the enemy. The thought made her blood boil. The kingdom was already under strain with the King distracted by his mistress, the crown prince without an heir, and growing restlessness among the subjects. The internal divide made Ayberia vulnerable to external threats.

Jessamyn’s resolve hardened. She hoped they could find the traitors and bring them to justice swiftly. The kingdom needed stability and unity more than ever.

She wondered if the crown prince was wise enough to take up the mantle of ruling the kingdom in such a dire state. The kingdom needed a strong leader, someone who could unite the people and restore order. She hoped the crown prince could rise to the challenge.

After ensuring the last of the girls were safely brought out, Jessamyn and Jerrick made their way out of the forest. Jessamyn usually didn’t stay that long, always fearing her secret might be exposed. But tonight was different. She had acted openly, without the concealment of her purple hood, standing beside Jerrick with a sense of purpose and solidarity.

She felt free.