Even though it's been 35 years, Hadrian has never been in a relationship with a woman before, whether it's serious or just playing. Although there are many rumors about him with Luciell, Hadrian doubts his relationship with the kingdom princess. They never even met in private.
Once Hadrian had a relationship with a woman, that person immediately became his wife. So it's only natural if Hadrian doesn't know what to do and how.
"If it's you, what will you do?" Hadrian asked the portrait of his brother's painting in Hadrian's old room.
Did Hadrian really have to act like Desmond, by giving gifts and kissing Rheannon?
"A gift…" Hadrian muttered as he swept his gaze around the room.
His room now transformed into a mini museum containing valuable objects left by his family. Their portraits, some of their favorite wall and table decorations, the stationery that his father and brother often use, and some of his mother's jewelry. Hadrian frequently stayed in this room to remember those who had passed away.
But as soon as his marriage to Rheannon was established, Hadrian sent a letter to the butler to prepare a shared room. Apart from allowing Hadrian to keep an eye on Rheannon directly, Hadrian felt it might be time to move forward and leave the past behind.
Hadrian's hand opened one of his mother's jewelry drawers. Most of her mother's jewelry was a gift from her father, some from his brother, and some of which was a gift from Hadrian. One of Hadrian's gifts was a hair clip in amber that gleamed goldenly.
Hadrian took the hairpin.
***
"You haven't slept yet?"
Rheannon shook her head, then closed the book she was reading. Rheannon often spends her time reading. Being imprisoned for almost 10 years without receiving an education or even just hearing anything brought her knowledge to nearly zero. And Rheannon was outspoken if she didn't want to be called stupid.
Hadrian actually wanted to call a tutor for Rheannon. But with the current situation, it seems that it will be difficult to study seriously.
Her body is no longer stiff and has started to move more freely. Hadrian thought that her body is still thin and weak as he rubbed Rheannon's hand.
"The ring from Prince Axelle," Hadrian mumbled subconsciously as his fingers found the ring on Rheannon's thin finger.
"Right." Rheannon raised her hand and looked at the ring. "Until now… the blessing is still there."
"How do you know?" asked Hadrian.
"Desmond," Rheannon replied. Her hand then grabbed Hadrian's hair and slung it forward. "Desmond also said… the blessing on your red ribbon… is still there,"
"Was the painting that Prince Axelle gave still has the blessing?"
Rheannon turned in the direction where she had placed the painting. "It seems like."
Hadrian was hesitant to give Rheannon a gift. The gifts from Axelle were definitely irreplaceable and unrivaled. Not to mention the possible gifts from Duke Colton and Chas, who might be on their way to his estate.
"I didn't… expect a gift… from you," Rheannon said. "Being treated well… just like this… is enough."
But Hadrian felt something was wrong if he didn't give anything to his wife on her birthday.
So Hadrian gave Rheannon her gift, an amber hair clip.
Rheannon took a brief look at the hairpin before her eyes returned to Hadrian's figure.
"There's a prayer my family always says on someone's birthday," Hadrian said slowly. His hand took the hairpin, then tried putting it on Rheannon. "Thank you for being born into this world. May this world be more beautiful with your presence. May you always be happy in the world you are in right now."
As soon as he finished attaching the clamps, Hadrian realized that they were too close. Very close. Hadrian could feel Rheannon's prolonged breath. He could also clearly see the golden glow in his eyes.
"We were… too close," Rheannon whispered.
Hadrian kisses his wife, Rheannon.
***
[To
Rheannon Melchoir,
I'm unsure and confused about how to call you now, but happy 20th day. Thank you for being born into this world. I hope the world where you stand will be more beautiful with your presence.
Personally, I also want to thank you for sticking around until now. I probably would never have gotten to this point if it weren't for you. Rheannon, you have given me hope in this life.
How are you doing in Paiton? I hope the long journey from the Ozera Capital doesn't make you sick. You still couldn't move and talk much the last time we were together. But from what I know, Paiton has clean and healthy air, so I hope you're feeling better now. I hope you have or will soon be able to laugh and stroll through Paiton's flower fields.
I have arrived at the Holy City of Zion (perhaps you already know it from Marquess Hadrian). The people here are very nice, they treat me like family. Although the terrain is difficult, Zion is beyond expectations a beautiful place. The plains were steep and the air colder than anywhere else in Rexton, but the greenery and trees thrived here. I almost just have to pick whatever is in my backyard to eat.
Zion gave me a lot more comfort and lessons than I thought. I can't wait to share this experience with many people, including you. I hope we can meet soon.
So here is my letter. Please convey my regards to Marquess Hadrian and Desmond. May you be healthy and happy always.
Regards,
Axelle Rexton]
Rheannon glanced at Hadrian, who was still sound asleep in his sleep.
Rheannon was trying to go over the contents of Axelle's letter one more time.
Axelle's wish for Rheannon was the same as Hadrian's wish for her. Rheannon could conclude that while watching the Outcast Prince, Hadrian always said that prayer for Axelle. Hadrian must have had special feelings for Axelle.
"Well, that's not surprising," Rheannon muttered. If Hadrian didn't have any feelings for Axelle, the prince would have died long ago.
Then, it seemed Axelle had realized that he was being watched, even by the time he got to Zion. Some of Hadrian's people must be there, periodically reporting on Axelle's activity. Rheannon would not have been surprised if Hadrian had known the contents of this letter in advance. But Rheannon was a little disappointed that Hadrian never shared the news about Axelle.
Besides, it's likely that Axelle has already met Marioline. Chas's sister has lived in Zion for a long time. as the only noble family living in Zion, it must be Marioline who helps Axelle with all his needs at Duke Colton's request. Rheannon thought Axelle would be good friends with Marioline.
The point is, now Axelle is doing well in Zion. He is healthy and happy.
"If I write… my reply, you won't… read it, will you?" Rheannon whispered to Hadrian.
The man moved slightly in place, nudging his head closer to Rheannon.
Trying to hold back his laughter, Rheannon stroked Hadrian's head gently.
From the tiny gap in the curtain in her room, Rheannon knew it was clear tonight, which meant it would be just as clear tomorrow. Tomorrow will still be an ordinary summer in Paiton. Then autumn will come, and all will still be well here. Even in winter, this place would be just as peaceful.
This is all… this seemingly peaceful atmosphere, and the atmosphere is the same as it was 10 years ago. When everything was going normally, until the coup finally happened.