It's really hard to write characters who are emotionally so un-self-aware. But, as Clio pointed out, they are both insecure, in their own ways, and living apart for much of the year. It is a good and stable relationship -- it is simply not an especially open one.

I have in my head a scene for when Edmund arrives at Linch and meets Morgan's father/Herr Director for the first time. I know that sort of personality so well -- Type A, scary smart, aggressive. Edmund comes away saying, 'Well that went pretty well. He accepted our cover story that I'm from Archenland' and Morgan replies, "He knows exactly who you are, Harold. Don't be a fool." I have another one, actually partially written, upon Edmund's departure, in which Herr Director and the Just King finally go at it with the masks and gloves off. It's more testosterone-heavy, type A oriented than I normally do, but it fits the characters.

Thank you so much for responding and sharing your observations. I really appreciate it.