After lunch, Hadrian handed over the letters that had come earlier.
"For me too?" Desmond's eyes lit up as he received the letter. "This is the first time I have received a letter from someone. This letter is from… Duke Ithel Colton."
Hadrian watched Desmond scrutinize the envelope.
"You remember him?" Rheannon asked Desmond. "Duke Colton is my uncle."
Desmond nodded. "Lord Chas's father," he added.
"You sound familiar with Chas."
"Lord Chas used to help Father and me," Desmond said. "May I go? I want to read my letter in my room."
Hadrian had expected that Desmond would not read his letter in front of him. "Yes, you may. Later if you need the wax seal, ask Sir Calore."
As soon as Desmond went to his room, Rheannon gave Hadrian an amused smile. "There's no need to be so worried. Duke Colton wouldn't do anything bad," she said.
"Since your voice came back, you've been making fun of me a lot, haven't you?" Hadrian quipped.
Rheannon laughed again. "My voice hasn't fully returned yet, really. Sometimes my throat still hurts."
"Then please don't push yourself."
"Well, the thing is, there's going to be a party here soon." Rheannon was silent for a long time. "I don't think it would be good if I… kept quiet."
Hadrian automatically offered Rheannon a glass of water which she gladly accepted. "No need to worry about that," he said, watching Rheannon drink. "I will always be by your side."
"Even when the dance music is playing?" Rheannon asked. "Dance lessons are still impossible for me. Besides, your height… Hmm, I won't be able to wear high heels either."
"Sorry if I'm too tall."
Again Rheannon laughed. "No, no. I'm too small here."
Small, Hadrian repeated in his heart.
It's been about three months now. The results of treatment, nutritious food, comfortable rest, and a little exercise began to show on Rheannon's body. Her face and eyes already showed the radiance of life. Her hair was now slightly past her shoulders, shimmering beautifully red. Her body is no longer just bones wrapped in skin. And what Hadrian is most grateful for is that there are no more coughs and fevers.
But I can't be happy just yet. It's not winter yet, Hadrian thought. He was worried that the winter in Paiton wouldn't be able to deal with Rheannon's body.
Then, they haven't done their first night either.
"Hadrian, it's still noon," Rheannon teased.
"That's not what I thought," Hadrian said emphatically. "I'm going back to my study. How about you?"
"I'm going to the library."
"Want me to take you?"
Rheannon smiled. "Yes, of course."
***
[To Marquess Hadrian Melchoir,
How is Your Grace doing now? I hope you are well now when you return to Paiton. I heard the air there is very good for those who are not okay.
Perhaps Your Grace was surprised to receive a letter from me. It's just that I feel the need to keep in touch with you. You used to always look for me in the Royal Palace. I feel lonely now that I'm in Zion and Your Grace is married. It's not that I'm alone here. It's just… maybe this is what is called longing? In the past I was always anxious and afraid that Your Grace would visit my castle. Now I'm looking for you instead.
With the current situation, I wonder when we can meet again. Our last meeting was terrible, but I still remember our last dinner. I bless your red ribbon. I hope Your Grace doesn't forget to ask the nearest priest for another blessing.
Sorry if I just had time to send you a letter. Even though I had already written to Rheannon, to be honest, I also asked how you were through Rheannon. Perhaps out of frustration, Rheannon finally asked me to send you a private letter.
Until here first letter from me. I am waiting for your reply.
Regards,
Axelle Rexton]
Hadrian had been thinking about the contents of the letter from Axelle. It turned out that the letter's contents were really pure because he wanted to ask how he was. Axelle didn't show any particular suspicious behavior.
"You make me nervous, Your Highness," Hadrian muttered, leaning back in his chair with relief.
Axelle didn't indicate any discord or resistance. Maybe Axelle really will stay in Zion and accept his fate like this.
Well, which is possible. Especially with Duke Colton's daughter by his side.
Hadrian moved to get paper and ink, began to write a reply letter to Axelle. He wasn't sure what to write in reply, but he answered all of Axelle's questions in his letter. And, in a way, Hadrian also wrote about Rheannon and Desmond.