Infatuation Or First Love?

Isadora was pleased to see her lady in high spirits. After seeing her motionless for days, seeing her with a sparkle in her eyes was a welcome change.

"The gardens are blooming even though winter is upon us. You'll love the scent of roses in the morning, Milady," Isadora said while gently brushing Jessamyn's long hair. She couldn't help but hum a happy song. The past few days were hell. She needed a walk.

"Oh, we are not going for a walk in the garden, Sweet Isadora. I am talking you out, to the town. I hear the fabrics and embroidery threads in Roche rival the ones in the capital city. I want to check the truth to such allegations," Jessamyn smiled.

Since Roche is specialized in fiber crops and silk. It was also the closest city to the biggest port in Ayberia—Monrose. They say Roche is the fashion capital of Ayberia as the greatest seamstress of their time who dressed the King and Queen was based there. Also, Imogen was known for setting fashion trends in the capital city. 

Jessamyn was not interested in visiting the shops in the past since she didn't want to step foot on Roche but since she was going to be there for a while, she decided she might as well try.

Since she had an ailment of the heart, and lost her leather bag of weapons, she decided to take on embroidery to occupy her mind. It had been seven years since she did her last embroidery.

Will I even remember it anymore?

Isadora's smile vanished. "We are going out? Out of the castle walls?"

"Why, my Sweet Isadora? What is the matter? I reckon the gracious Wulfhart won't mind lil' old me going out of his castle to purchase embroidery materials for my brother's commendation ceremony, will he? He will be happy to see me out and about, don't you think?" Jessamyn's smile widened.

Isadora scratched the back of her head. Maybe she went a little too far trying to spread a good word about the lord of the castle to her lady. Maybe she should have measured her words.

"But… But, Milady… I…" Isadora wondered how to break the news to her without dampening her rare good mood. "Wulfhart is not currently at the castle and without Wulfhart's permission, the bear cub won't…" Isadora pressed her lips seeing the smile on her lady's impeccable face.

So what? So, what if they didn't have Wulfhart's permission? If it makes her lady happy, she will do anything!!!

"Milady," Isadora leaned to Jessamyn's ears and whispered. "Do you have a plan?" She asked. If her lady needed help handling the mountainous bear cub, she might have a plan or two.

"Bear cub?" Jessamyn caught the important part of what Isadora said. "You mean Bernard?" She raised her brows.

He might be called a bear for he resembled one. But a bear cub? Where does Isadora see the cuteness in him?

Isadora's entire face went red. She had been trying to avoid him after that incident fearing he might bring it up. He too stayed away from her.

But yesterday night, suddenly, that guy stormed inside the room and offered her a bowl of stew and a glass of warm milk. He stood in front of her, saying nothing else. She had to assume he wanted her to eat; she was hungry too. He left only after she finished everything. He even smiled.

What was that about?

Jessamyn saw Isadora's face burning red with shyness. That was the first time she had seen such bashfulness on Isadora's face.

Wow! How pretty!

"Military men do have a certain charm to them, don't they?" Jessamyn teased Isadora. What woman wouldn't waver for a man in uniform?

"No, they do not," Isadora was quick to refuse. "What do they have other than those bulging muscles? I'd love the company of educated men. I love poetry, not tales of valor. Swords don't write poetry. Pen is mightier than the sword," she said and puffed her cheeks.

Who found that bear cub charming? She just… she just couldn't stop looking at him for some reason. It must be the air in here; nothing more. 

Jessamyn laughed. Maybe what Isadora had toward Bernard was infatuation—something every girl would have for someone when they are sixteen. When Isadora was sixteen, she was focused on supporting her and avoided men. Maybe, this was her reliving her sweet sixteen. Nothing more.

"Pen doesn't win battles, Isadora. Swords do. And you're right. Swords don't write poetry. But mighty is the hand that knows when to pick a sword and when to pick a pen," Jessamyn said.

Joar had beautiful penmanship. She couldn't forgive his mother for destroying the letters he wrote to her. 

Isadora smiled. "Does such a man exist, Milady?" Isadora asked.

"Rarely, dear Isadora… But surely there are some."

 "Oh, how beautiful those hands will be…"

"Indeed…"

Jessamyn did not approve of Bernard as Isadora's potential life partner. Bernard was too old for Isadora and there was a gloom and darkness around him. She could sense people like her. Isadora didn't need darkness in her life.

Isadora had spent most of her life taking care of the darkness in her. Jessamyn wanted Isadora's future to be filled with brightness and cheer. For that, Isadora needed to choose someone as bright as herself.

After Isadora helped Jessamyn get dressed, Jessamyn did an elaborate bun for Isadora. That girl wouldn't dress properly for the life of her. She chose one of her dresses for Isadora to wear. She didn't want others to think that Isadora was her maid. She was not her maid.

Isadora was not comfortable wearing the fine silk dress and the embroidered shoes. She paced across the room with a pout.

"I cannot walk. We'll need a carriage," Isadora said and stomped out. She will ask the bear cub to ready a carriage for them.

She banged open the door and just as she expected, Bernard stood by the door with his back straight and sword to his waist. He was not even affected by the banging sound and had his eye forward.

"I want-uh~"

Hearing her, Bernard turned rather swiftly, as if he was shocked by her presence there.

Who else did he think I was? Isadora thought.

His blue eyes twinkled as he took a glance at her, it can't be a glance for he observed her from top to bottom. But it was quick, so it was just a glance?

Wait…Why should I care if he is glancing at me or observing me?

Isadora patted her racing chest and fixed her pretty uncomfortable silk skirt as she was aware of his look.

"Milady wants a…she wants a…a…" She stuttered.