The engagement tour continued, transitioning from feeling at home in the West to entering the military heart of the South. Their next destination was House Durnhall, Barron's family home, situated high in the rugged mountains. The House was steeped in martial tradition, having supplied the Empire with Chief Generals for generations and now they're part of the inner circle.
The journey to Durnhall was somber. It felt profoundly strange going to Barron's home without him there. Barron, as Riven's friend should have been riding proudly alongside them. However, due to the high stakes of Riven's public introduction, Barron had been ordered back to the imperial Palace to assist sir Eryndor with managing Vaelorian's official duties and maintaining a reliable information conduit during the Prince's absence.
"It feels wrong," Riven admitted as they navigated the winding mountain roads. "He should be here. Showing off like he loves to, introducing us to his family and making bad jokes."
Vaelorian reached across the carriage to cover Riven's hand. "I know, my love. But Barron is assisting Eryndor right now. You said you would be more comfortable with him keeping an eye on things while we're away. He's serving us best where he is."
"I know," Riven sighed. "But Durnhall is his domain. And I know his parents. They are nice but a bit rigid, being new to this Court stuff and all. I'm afraid things are going to be awkward."
The journey felt incomplete without Barron there, but Riven's nervousness quickly dissolved the moment they arrived.
Duke Randal Durnhall and his wife, Duchess
Marisa Durnhall greeted them not with stiff postures, but with genuine warmth.
Duchess Durnhall immediately embraced Riven. "Riven, my dear boy! Welcome home! It feels strange not having Barron here to make all the introductions, but you know your way around!"
Duke Durnhall, though still imposing, clapped Riven on the shoulder with a hearty laugh. "Lord Riven! You finally brought the Crown Prince to us! You know this place is like a second home to you. We've missed your sharp wit in the mess hall! Welcome home, my boy."
Riven smiled, feeling the friendliness and familiarity settle over him. "It's wonderful to be back, Your Grace. This is a beautiful place to start the Southern leg of our tour."
The atmosphere was nothing like the anxious scrutiny of House Lotus or the cold walls of House Veridian. Here, Riven was family. The Durnhalls had welcomed Riven into their home many times since he and Barron became friends, appreciating his sharp mind and steady influence on their often-impetuous son. However, the genuine warmth couldn't entirely mask the quiet unease caused by Barron's absence. Though they all missed Barron, the Duke felt it most keenly, though he tried to hide it with booming laughter and talk of military strategies.
During dinner, Riven noticed the Duke's eyes kept straying to the empty seat usually occupied by his son.
"Your Grace," Vaelorian spoke, his voice respectful, "Barron has been invaluable to me lately. His efficiency is truly unmatched."
Duke Durnhall nodded, a shadow crossing his face. "He learned discipline here, Your Highness. He serves where he is commanded." The tone was professional, but Riven knew better, the military side of him was worried about his son being so far away for so long.
Riven gently steered the conversation. "He certainly inherited his organizational talent from you, Your Grace. He told me once in camp that the greatest strategic lesson he'd ever learned wasn't from a textbook, but from watching you manage a garrison that relied on personal respect, not just ranks."
The Duke rigid shoulders relaxed slightly, touched by the genuine compliment. "He remembers that?"
"Of course," Riven confirmed. "That's why he excels. He misses the mountains, though. He sends his sincere regards to you and Her Grace."
Duchess Durnhall squeezed Riven's hand under the table, recognizing the quiet effort Riven was making to bridge the gap left by Barron's absence.
The General raised his glass, his expression serious. "Lord Riven, we have always valued your strength and your loyalty to Barron. Now, even as we see your loyalty to the Prince and to the Empire. We welcome you both fully into the family. House Durnhall is proud to be among your strongest supporters."
"Thank you, Your Grace. Your support means the world to us." Riven replied raising his own glass, as everyone on the table did.
Just like that, Riven had secured the respect and loyalty of the Southern military heartlands not through duels or politics, but through the honest, deep-seated relationship he already shared with the House.