The Archduke's Songbird
***Completed*** Lady Jessamyn brought home a ten-year-old orphan when she was eight. He was handsome ^_~. She provided him with a place to stay and warm meals. As they grew up, she desired to marry him, despite their differing statuses. As war raged, he signed up for the military, promising to ask for her hand when he was worthy. Two years later, he became more than what he promised he would be. He became the Archduke of Ayberia. But he broke her heart by marrying her friend. Years rolled away; life happened. She married a man who loved her and fell madly in love with him. She didn't think of him again. But fate was cruel; she was widowed at the age of twenty-one. She lost everything. Seven years later, she met a mysterious wolf while she was out at work in the Archduke's fief. She had a fall. The next morning, she found herself on the Archduke's bed. Did fate bring them together again? Or something nefarious is at play? Is this a chance for a second love? Will she find out why he abandoned her in the past? Is it possible to rekindle their old love, or is it too late? ----- Join me in this journey. Your comments and votes are appreciated. Gift me to motivate me. Updates will be daily.
Gentle Touch
Bernard and Isadora sat under the shade of the ancient oak tree, the sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting a dappled pattern on the ground. Bernard gently massaged Isadora's slender fingers, his touch tender and reverent.
Isadora leaned into his arms, a serene smile gracing her lips. She marveled at the dichotomy of Bernard's nature—the gentleness that seemed impossible for someone with his past.
"How come you are never scared of me, Isadora?" he asked, his voice a low murmur that blended with the rustling of the leaves.
Since their last meeting with his mother, where his dark past had been laid bare, Isadora had not pressed him for details. Bernard had expected questions, perhaps even fear, but she had offered only silent understanding.
The longing to know of his past that he had seen in her eyes had been replaced by unwavering love and delight, leaving him mystified by her indifference to such a terrifying revelation.