A short spell later and Hadrian arrived back at the estate. The guards greeted him pleasantly by name; he was sure they much preferred his company than the company of a certain pig he knew. Once past the main foyer he saw his favorite attendant, Maria. She caught his eye as she was straightening up the open documents laid out on one of the concession tables. She shot him a warm smile as Hadrian made his way up the marbled staircase to her.<br/><br/>"Maria, good to see you again." He grinned.<br/><br/>"For me as well m'Lord. What can I do fer ye?"<br/><br/>"I was wondering if you might have seen mother around. I was supposed to speak with her upon my return."<br/><br/>"Oh." She started, clearly aware of Hadrian's fallen expression. No one much liked speaking to his mother; sadly not even him. "The lady would be upstairs 'bout now. I think she was fixin' to watch Lord Rowan and 'is archery."<br/><br/>"Uh huh." Hadrian replied simply. Of course he would be making a spectacle of himself. Perfect. "Thank you kindly Maria. A help as always." He spoke, adding a curt bow.<br/><br/>"'Appy to be of service m'Lord." she chirped after him. Moments later he was standing just outside a private courtyard. Rowan was already shooting shafts at a target placed a considerable distance away.  Mother was sipping wine from a goblet at her side, perfectly relaxed in her world. Hadrian sidled up to her, rested one arm easily on her shoulder.<br/><br/>"Mother," he started. "I have returned." His mother turned her head, revealing some of the most heavily pursed lips he had ever seen. They could have been one single line.<br/><br/>"Well. Look who just got back. Rowan!" She shrieked. The heir to the throne turned; a slump in his shoulders told Hadrian that his face must have been colored by a scowl.<br/><br/>"I thought I was to report to you mother?" He wondered aloud, raising one eyebrow as he did so.<br/><br/>"Ha! As if I would listen to that drivel; no, your father and brother are the ones for that."<span style="font-style: italic">Her haughty air can be so taxing sometimes...</span>Hadrian thought viciously. Rowan was near now, his displeasure at being interrupted clearly etched on his features.<br/><br/>"What is it little brother?" He questioned exasperated.<br/><br/>"I've come to tell you that there was no sign of the girl in any of the districts you bade me check. I invited those nobles you asked to the ball as well."<br/><br/>"Very well, then that will be all for now. Know that the girl is out there somewhere. She may be attending the ball in disguise. We must remain vigilant for her." Without another word on the matter he strode off back to the grass. Hadrian remained for a moment, unsure of where he was going to go next. His mother seemed to realize that he was still standing there.<br/><br/>"Well?" She snipped. "If that will be all?" Hadrian spared her a disparaging gaze before he stormed off without comment. He needed some fresh air.<br/><br/>It was perhaps an hour later that Hadrian was rested in a field a good ways away from the castle. The time was well past midday, and they sky was beginning to darken, looking a bit like rain. He stretched out contentedly, spread eagle on the earth and the surrounding grass and flowers. It was always so peaceful here. Always good to get away.