Jerrick's hands shook uncontrollably, fingers trembling as if trying to grasp onto something solid in the swirling whirlpool of fear that consumed him. They reached out blindly, seeking refuge in the darkness, grasping at shadows that slipped through his trembling grasp, for the world had darkened for him.
Finally, he reached for William's collar. "It can't be… It can't be…" The darkness in the centers of his eyes swallowed the beautiful green irises as he looked at William.
"Jerrick!" William shook him as he got scared. This was a man who fought on the front lines and gained victory. What terrified him?
Jerrick bowed and shook his head when he looked up; his eyes were clear. "Can't happen. I do not love her. Everyone should know," he said before walking out.
William wondered if the man in front of him was the same man he knew. Somehow, he didn't feel the same.
What is going on in his mind?
"Wait!" William had to run behind him to catch up with him. "Is it because you love Imogen?"
Jerrick didn't stop and stomped away like a battle steed.
William could say that he was worried for her. "I'll marry Lady Jessamyn and keep her safe," William said. It mattered not to him who he married. If he could help Jerrick, he would do anything.
He didn't want to see Jerrick go through the turmoil that he couldn't even express. He thought that would be a good compromise. If Lady Jessamyn was suffering along with Jerrick, and if Jerrick just wanted her safety, he could help.
Jerrick, who almost reached the grand staircase, stopped. "What did you say?"
William expected Jerrick to be shocked as his words came out of nowhere. "I said I will~"
He had to swallow his words; Jerrick turned to face him furiously. "What did you say?" Jerrick repeated; his voice was a thunderous roar, booming like a clap of thunder, scattering away the servants in the vicinity.
He walked to William, the floor beneath him trembling and his hands fisting to give a punch. The scared man he saw moments earlier was gone. In front of him was the god of death and the commander of armies he saw on the battlefield.
William, appalled by Jerrick, stood his ground. "What did I ask wrong?"
"Ah, you think you're doing me a favor? Should I applaud you?" Jerrick asked, his lips trembling with scorn.
William furrowed his brows as was offended he was treated with hostility when he wanted to help.
All this anger, for what? For a woman who doesn't even like him?
"You are a hypocrite, Jerrick. You didn't shed a single drop of tear for the woman who gave you a son, and yet~"
"Don't you dare talk about Imogen, William," Jerrick shouted. He did relax his fists. "The whole world knows I love Imogen. I treated her~"
"Imogen didn't think so!" William shrugged.
At the first birthday celebration for Edward—Jerrick's son, while Jerrick was looking at the door waiting for someone's arrival, Imogen broke down, telling William that she was not as happy as others might think.
William never had a good opinion about Imogen. Before her wedding, everyone knew Imogen attended the events to which Lady Jessamyn was invited. Imogen was the reason rumors of Lady Jessamyn being a shrew spread in the high society. Imogen also openly flirted with Count Joar on various occasions as he heard. He had seen it happen in one of the balls.
He knew Imogen agreed to marry Jerrick only because of his title. "Archduchess" was indeed a much better title than "Countess". However, she can't be blamed for picking her husband. Every woman does that.
She had taken on the role of the Archduchess pretty seriously. There were no rumors about her after she married Jerrick. Jerrick was pleased with his wife too, bringing her everywhere he went.
He never saw the same smile on Jerrick's face he saw when he read those letters from Lady Jessamyn in the trenches though. But, hey! People grow up, and men don't smile all the time. War changes men. Jerrick was not himself after the jousting accident, but soon after, he had a son.
William thought everything was fine, until Imogen cried to him pitifully.
"Imogen said that to you?" Jerrick asked.
Not an ounce of sadness was seen in his eyes, but the exasperation of a man whose pride was hurt danced on his face. But then, he scoffed as if he was not bothered to answer him, that the issue raised was nothing. Either he thought he need not answer others for he knew the truth, or he was not bothered.
Jerrick rushed down the stairs like a man on a mission. With each footfall, his determination unyielding, his spirits undaunted. His gaze was steadfast and resolute; focused on one thing—Lady Jessamyn.
Watching his determined back, William thought of something. His pupils dilated. Without knowing he rushed behind Jerrick.
"You went there, didn't you?" William blocked Jerrick. His heart was pounding, and his breathing was heavy. "You went to the one-eyed seer on Mount Lumina, didn't you?"
Seeing the panic in his heart transferring onto Jerrick's face, William let out a sigh. "Why?" his eyes misted. "I told you not to…"
Jerrick's eyes clouded, and he looked away, fisting his hands. For a second he saw the helpless man he saw earlier.
"When did you- Was it before the end of the war?" William asked. Was that the reason he rejected Lady Jessamyn? "Jerrick, what…" An insuppressible sigh escaped his chest. "What did she say?" William asked after taking in a deep breath.
Jerrick patted William's shoulder. "I'll take my leave, William," he said and walked away. The fear on his face was no more.
William's hands trembled. He bowed supporting his hands on his knees. He still remembered that place etched with darkness where the souls of the evil howled.
Why, Jerrick? Why did you talk to her? Why?
When William stood up, his eyes were bright with determination.
Whatever it is, I will not let him destroy our Kingdom!
-----
Jessamyn placed the porridge on the side table and looked at Isadora. She couldn't believe she had slept for a week. The physician said her ailment was of the heart, for her body was not sick.
She knew that for some reason. And for some reason, she felt free; she could breathe freely as if the weight pressing on her chest was removed.
She looked out the window. It was a warm day. She was told that her brother had returned home and already the King had approved of the transfer of titles back to her family.
She couldn't understand the power that man held in the kingdom.
Why would he bother to look after me for days though?
She decided to find out.
"Isadora, bring me some outdoor morning clothes, please. Lynae will know where to find them," Jessamyn said with a smile.
"You… Milady, you want to go outside?" Isadora asked, her eyes widening with surprise.
"I need to test something," Jessamyn nodded, hiding a meaning behind her smile.