Between the Veil and Crown

Arvek 19

Arvek hurried back to inside to see if what Rasinod was true. He didn't want to believe Rasinod's words; even in Masitof's coldness towards his son, he wouldn't leave him out of important negotiations, regardless of Arvek's input. But then again, as much as Arvek disliked Rasinod, he couldn't think of a reason the healer would lie about this. Let alone lie about it and get away with it.

He entered the castle's entrance hall, almost running into Cor, who was on his way out.

Cor took one look at his face and said, "You heard?"

Arvek's expression darkened. "Did he really settle it without me?"

Cor nodded. There was a tense pause.

"Do you know what agreements were made?" Arvek demanded to know.

Cor shook his head. "They only announced that they had come to an agreement and that a wedding would be arranged."

"When?"

"A couple of months. Rovyna wished to return to Phrompt first."

"So she was present, and no one was sent for me?" Arvek asked.

Cor hesitated, but it was enough of an answer. Arvek took a few steps back from Cor, looking away and biting his lip in order to keep the flood of thoughts from tumbling out of his mouth.

Cor remained where he was awkwardly, having no words to smooth the situation.

Did Masitof's anger burn against him that fiercely? At least in the first part, he included him, even if it was clear that Arvek had little say in the matter.

He was reminded of Rasinod's suggestion that the king's reluctance in finding Selim was a political statement. If it was a political statement, then Arvek wanting to find Selim was also a pollical statement, one that went against Masitof's own agenda. Wouldn't that explain the whole problem?

He pushed the thought out of his mind. If he went down that path and took it to places it shouldn't go, then he would only make the situation worse. Rasinod was making assumptions. Arvek needed the evidence before he could make such claims.

However, being excluded did mean that he would have to confront Masitof. Rasinod was right about one thing: Arvek would be the one deal with the consequences of some of Masitof's decisions.

"Where is he?" Arvek said. A certain coldness had crept up in his voice.

Cor gestured up the stairs, stepping back as Arvek turned.

Arvek hurried up the stairs as much as dignity allowed. Down the hall. Around the corner. He was barely seeing where he was going. He just knew the path as he had walked it so many times.

After he rounded on corner, he came to an abrupt halt. Princess Rovyna was walking her father down the hall. Tyrovo didn't notice him, but Rovyna did. She dipped into a respectful courtesy, which he returned a polite bow. He heard Tyrovo mutter some comment, but was too distracted by the look Rovyna was giving him. It was very much like the scrutinizing look she gave him earlier, while listening to their fathers debate out the details. He clenched his jaw and did his best to keep his expression blank. She did not need to know what he was thinking or feeling in that moment. It was bad enough that it was evident he was not sent for during the second part of negotiations. Embarrassing, even.

He waited until they passed before continuing on.

He went around one more corner, then stopped in front of an open door. Masitof was sitting comfortably in a chair that was placed in front of the fireplace. An elbow was propped up on an arm of the chair, and the side of his face was leaning in his fingers. For a few seconds, Masitof did not acknowledge Arvek's presence. With a small sigh, that sounded a little irritated, he shifted his head so that he could return the look his son was giving him.