Continued from here:
Every time Elwin left on expeditions with contingents of the ducal army, he was reminded just why Rodney was his second-in-command, and why he and the Shields held his utmost trust. Rosalith, and Rosaria as a whole, was always in good hands when left in their care.
But more than that, Lord Commander Murdoch was a dear friend, as was Lady Hannah -- with their relationships spanning all the way back to their youthful days. Those summers spent with their families in Eastpool may have been gone, but the feeling of warmth that came with knowing that the couple would always welcome him home would remain forever. (Especially given that, in contrast, Duchess Anabella's "joy" upon seeing him return home was usually performative at best.)
Much the same way that he could let his guard down in private around his children, similar could be said of his private moments with the Murdochs, where he was able to lay both weapon and head down to rest in their company without fear or judgment. To them, he was now Archduke Elwin Rosfield, yes -- but he was also still the same Elwin Rosfield that had oft accompanied them on escapades(along with Byron, of course) around the countryside, much to the exasperation of their parents.
Elwin laughed in return, a surprisingly robust sound, and reached out to slap the other man's upper back playfully. "Tell Hannah that I should be more than glad to dine with you two tonight. I doubt Her Grace will mourn my absence for one more evening."
@lnvxctus
