Servants hurried out the moment the carriages stopped at the castle gates. They looked happy and relieved as they saw them stepping out of the carriage safely.
Harrington ran towards Austin and, to everyone's surprise, pulled him into a bone crushing hug. Austin was startled. Harrington had never been a man who expressed his emotions so openly.
Then realizing that he went a little overboard, he quickly stepped away. His expression turned serious again.
"Glad you're both back safe, Your Grace," he said. "The castle has been too quiet without you two causing troubles," he added, unable to stop himself.
Austin laughed and patted his shoulder.
"It's good to be home too."
Alina smiled and glanced around. She noticed some of the servants now bowed to her with genuine respect. Word of what had happened in Arcasedia had already begun spreading through the castle. She felt uncomfortable with the attention and moved closer to Austin.
