On The Way Home (3)

[Whoa, whoa. That one side can only be called a marquess.]

Through the small gap in the carriage window, Rheannon peered out. The battle some time ago seemed as if it had never happened. The crime scene is clean and people are acting normal. The only difference is that the supervision is getting tighter.

Hadrian himself was out of Rheannon's line of sight. But she knew where and what he was doing.

I guess I should be grateful that Hadrian didn't have the chance to interrogate me that way, Rheannon thought.

"Hmmm–the blue one," Desmond mused in his sleep.

Rheannon's hand reflexively stroked Desmond's head, sending him back to sleep in a sweet dream without the terror of the robbers.

The Pyrenees seeking demon controller is nothing new. It was just that Rheannon didn't think she was their target. It was only natural considering that Rheannon was the only one left in Rexton.

The problem is, is that really true? Or…

A soft knock on the carriage door broke Rheannon's thoughts. It was Hadrian who appeared clean of the remains of a ruthless massacre.

"You... reeking of blood," Rheannon commented, wrinkling her nose.

"Really?" Hadrian sniffed himself. "I only had time to change outer clothes. How are you and Desmond?"

"Good. Desmond is sleeping," Rheannon replied. Her finger traced Desmond's nose once.

"Yeah, because of you, right? Just like you did to Sir Ichabod before."

Rheannon chuckled. "Worry not. It won't… have any side effects."

Hadrian approached. His hand reached out to stroke Desmond's head, but then he stopped. Maybe because he remembered that he reeked of blood like Rheannon had said earlier. Hadrian didn't seem to want to disturb Desmond's sleep.

"Actually, I have something to tell you," Hadrian said quietly. "But it can wait tomorrow. Desmond is still sleeping too."

"Desmond... shouldn't know?"

"What I say alone will definitely burden you. Especially for Desmond."

"You have… two sides that… contrast." Rheannon tucked Hadrian's hair over his broad shoulders. "One gentle… the other cruel."

"What do you mean?"

Rheannon stared into Hadrian's dark eyes. She took him for a short walk to the time when Hadrian picked up his late mother from a tea party with the late Lady Whitley. In the next second, Hadrian beheaded the woman and her husband in the courtyard of the Palace.

Hadrian's breathing sounded painful, but Rheannon had no intention of apologizing.

[Actually, which one is the real Hadrian Melchoir?]

Hadrian glared at Rheannon. "Stop it!" he hissed as he tugged at Rheannon's collar.

Rheannon glanced at Desmond who was still fast asleep. Hadrian restrained himself from something.

[I didn't mean to remind you of those memories, Your Grace. I understand that even then, you lost your family too–because of me, as people say.] Rheannon looked at him calmly. [Back then, you were forced to do it too because you suddenly replaced the old Marquess Melchoir.]

Hadrian slowly released his grip from Rheannon's collar. "You don't know anything. Don't know how I feel even if you can read my mind," he whispered sharply.

"I really… don't know," Rheannon said. She adjusted her collar. "Human feelings are… a mystery. Even having… a certain power to… guess." She smiled crookedly. "I just… wanted to know… the real you,"

"This is the real me," said Hadrian. "I'm just trying to do my job well."

[It seems that your true self is a figure loyal to His Majesty the King.]

"For the kingdom," Hadrian corrected. "Get some rest, Rheannon. I'm not here to fight."

"Of course," Rheannon said. "Good night, my husband."

Hadrian closed the carriage door, leaving behind his wife and son.

Rheannon watched Hadrian leave with a satisfied look.

***

"People look a little tense. Did something happen?" Desmond asked Hadrian as he looked around.

Hadrian glanced at his son. "Last night, we had an attack," he answered simply.

"What?" Desmond sounded surprised. "I didn't hear anything."

Now Hadrian turned to glance at Rheannon. "You slept very well last night, your mother said."

Both Hadrian and Desmond looked embarrassed. Only Rheannon grinned amusedly.

Finally Hadrian used the term as Rheannon's nickname. Incredibly awkward.

"Nothing to worry about," Rheannon said calmly. "Yesterday's trip may have… made you tired."

Desmond nodded in understanding. He ate his breakfast, then asked again, "So who was the assailant? Was it caught?"

Hadrian had predicted that Desmond would ask this. He had even prepared a safe answer for him. After all, Hadrian couldn't bear to lie to Desmond.

"Yes, they were caught because they were only a small group," Hadrian answered. How could he tell Desmond that the ones who attacked last night were the Pyrenees claiming to be after his family?

Even though he said that Hadrian asked Desmond not to go or get out of the carriage carelessly after breakfast. He tells Desmond to always ask for company wherever he wants.

"Okay, I understand," Desmond said obediently.

"Good. Now get into the carriage. I want to talk to your mother for a moment," said Hadrian. He then called someone to escort Desmond to the carriage. His attention turned to Rheannon. "I know you already know the truth," he said.

Rheannon nodded. "The Pyrenees… are after us."

Hadrian sighed. "I can't guarantee that there won't be another attack from them after this."

"Even… when we got to Paiton?"

"Especially in Paiton," said Hadrian. "I hope you remember that Paiton is directly adjacent to Pyrs."

"Yes. Of course… I remember."

"Usually only migrating animals enter our territory, which is quite dangerous for Paiton civil society. Now we've been missed like this… I don't know what dangers will come."

"You are worried about… me?"

"Rheannon, I have promised Duke Colton and Lord Chas to look after you. After all, you are my wife."

[Honestly, I thought you scared me to death, considering I was Rexton's precious asset.]

Hadrian was stunned. He just remembered what kind of woman he had just married.

"My husband is… a good person," Rheannon teased.

"Looks like it's useless for me to worry about you. You look calm."

"I'm pretty good at… taking care of myself," Rheannon said confidently. "Yes, my husband. Even with… a weak body."

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop reading my mind?" Hadrian sighed. Rheannon just smiled in response. "Essentially, I want you to be more careful in how you act and appear. I also ask for your understanding if… you'll be stuck in my house more often–it's safe at least. Even though you will be left alive, but…"

Kidnapped again. Forcibly separated from the family again. Imprisoned again. It's not all good.

"You are… really kind, huh?"

"And you love to joke around." Hadrian paused, then added, "And too relaxed. Are you aware that we are currently discussing your fate and the lives of my people?"

"Oh." Rheannon covered his mouth. "Sorry. That last one… was unthinkable."

"The important thing is that you are awake now," said Hadrian. "For now, that's all. I will tighten your guard. It might make you a little uncomfortable."

"No problem."

"Then… please keep this a secret from Desmond."

"I know."