The identity of the contract binder remained unknown until the end. So their heads were buried before Hadrian left their campsites.
To be honest, Hadrian suspected that Rheannon knew something – she could read minds – but it seemed she was waiting for the right time to say it. So, for now all Hadrian could do was be on guard.
That doesn't mean Hadrian doesn't have his own suspicions.
The people or group who most wanted his wife's head was the Melchoir family or the Palace.
A sad, sad allegation.
"And it's Father's favorite horse," Desmond murmured as he watched the burial of the unburned remains of the bones. It took them all night to burn the bodies.
"Yes, it's a pity," replied Hadrian. His hand stroked the top of Desmond's head. His son didn't know that there were human remains there too. "But there's no need to be sad. We still have a lot of good horses at home."
Desmond nodded in understanding. "How about Father's trip?" he asked. During this trip, Hadrian did ride a horse, accompanying his knights.
"I—Father—will ride the carriage with you," Hadrian replied. He hastily added upon seeing the gleam of joy in Desmond's eyes. "Sit in the front with the charioteer."
Desmond's eyes dimmed for a moment.
"Tonight we will arrive," said Hadrian, amused. "So cheer up."
"Yes." Desmond glanced the other way hesitantly. "But I'd be happier if I could sit next to… you."
When was the last time Desmond said his wish in earnest? Hadrian doesn't remember. Hadrian also does not remember when Desmond expressed his feelings and desires this boldly. Desmond often kept things to himself.
Because of Rheannon's existence? thought Hadrian.
Don't get wrong, Hadrian doesn't complain about Desmond's changes on this one. It's actually good like this, Desmond is now more open.
"Okay," said Hadrian. "Later, I will ask your guard knights to switch positions."
The twinkle in Desmond's eyes shone again. "Okay!"
That's how it is in the end. Hadrian, Desmond, and Rheannon were in one compartment of the carriage. The three of them were alone inside because Yana, the maid who helped Rheannon, had also moved in at Ichabod's persuasion.
Sitting the three of them close together seemed like a first for them.
[It's good, isn't t it? This way, you will know that the roof of your carriage is too low for yourself.]
She's right. Hadrian's head hit the roof of the carriage.
From here on, the road is a bit uneven. One of the many cross-country roads not owned by any landlord, so no one may repair it. But the trip was short. At noon, Hadrian's group entered the flat road adjacent to the vast savanna where the farm animals were playing and grazing.
"Wow!" Desmond squeaked in awe as he looked out the window.
This is the Whitley land it used to be.
Hadrian noticed Rheannon's expression. The woman looked just as amazed as Desmond, but… there was no longing in her gaze.
Her gaze looked as if it was the first time she had seen this sight, thought Hadrian.
[Back then, maybe I'd seen it. But it's been a long time since I last saw it.]
Well, it was almost ten years ago. But it's impossible if she doesn't remember it at all.
[I indeed barely remember anything from my past. The faces of my parents and caregivers are only vaguely visible in my mind. I only remember the color of their hair and their silhouettes. The rest I don't. There was indeed something wrong with my memory since being locked up in the Palace. Even though I didn't do anything in confinement, my past was strangely filled with emptiness.]
Should Hadrian give Rheannon any consolation? Say sorry and feel sorry?
Because right now, Hadrian felt very guilty.
***
Since being abandoned by their landlord, the Whitley land has been managed by two families.
The ranch section is managed by Earl Gray, who also happens to be a neighbor of the Whitley land. Earl Gray's territory stretched over a vast savanna, where his herds were always in good health. For this reason, he was entrusted with managing part of the Whitley land.
Meanwhile, the farm and plantation sections are managed by the Melchoir family. One of Paiton's main commodities is plantations. Besides that Paiton is very close to the Whitley agricultural area. Therefore, the management of the Whitley area was entrusted to them.
That's what Whitley is like today. Although it has no landlords or natives and is only inhabited semi-permanently by workers, the Whitley land is still well-maintained, fertile, and remains a major supplier of food for the people of Rexton.
"His Majesty the King could not have squandered the fertility of Whitley's land and let the people starve," Hadrian explained to Rheannon and Desmond during their short lesson.
"The money?" Rheannon asked.
"The money goes to land. Paying workers, management, maintenance, taxes, and so on. The net result is seven to three for the management and the kingdom."
This was the first time Hadrian had seen Rheannon roll her eyes in disgust.
"Why does the kingdom also get a share?" asked Desmond. "Isn't there already a tax?"
"Because the kingdom contributes land security personnel," replied Hadrian. "Melchoir and Gray can't afford to have security in Whitley either, especially those of us bordering Pyrs."
"Beasts, huh?" Rheannon asked.
"Yes." Hadrian stared at the wheat fields which were still not ready for harvest. "Especially in winter. Since there was almost nothing in Pyrs, wolves and all the other coyotes descended on Paiton. Apart from being a danger to the Paiton people, they could kill our deer and the hares. Paiton has his own pack of wolves that need to eat, it would be bad if the animals were fighting for food."
"When they fight, it's very loud," Desmond added.
Hadrian patted Desmond on the head, but his gaze was fixed on Rheannon. "I hope you are comfortable in Paiton. The weather is a little cooler, but the howling of the wolves is quite disturbing."
Rheannon smiled. "I know. We're neighbors."
Hadrian's group continued on their way, this time deciding not to stop for a lunch break because they were close after all. Instead, Rheannon and Desmond had lunch in the carriage. Hadrian fed Rheannon awkwardly.
Shortly after, Desmond fell asleep leaning against Hadrian.
"You can sleep too. I'll wake you up when it's close," Hadrian said to Rheannon.
"No." Rheannon stared out the window. "I want to… see the house."
"There's nothing to see but rubble," Hadrian told honestly.
"It's not like that," Rheannon said slowly. [I already said that I was trying to rebuild my memory, right?]
Did she really forget? Hadrian thought.
[Anyone will forget being imprisoned for ten years alone.]
"Sorry," Hadrian muttered. "I shouldn't have—"
But Rheannon stopped Hadrian's sentence by raising her hand. Her eyes were focused now, and that was where the Whitley residence was.
It is true what Hadrian said, the building is now just rubble. The entire roof collapsed, there was even one part of the building that was completely unmarked except for the blackish charred frame. The tower that used to be a guard tower was already tilted, ready to collapse. Here and there you can see the marks of burning and destruction, tendrils of weeds creeping over whatever remains, as well as dry moss that clings to it.
"Do you… remember something?"
"I don't."
Rheannon's eyes remained fixed on her former residence.