Between the Veil and Crown

Arvek 22

Arvek walked Rovyna over to the university next, unable to not feel a surge of pride upon seeing it. This was where he had studied only a few years past, and it certainly was a jewel in Harlofelp's crown. Only the best of the best were selected to teach here, and only the best of students were allowed in, and to stay. While its buildings were not as tall as the cathedral, they still towered over the buildings around it, its campus well groomed to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible. Intricately carved statues dotted the lawns, each striking a pose meant to entice the viewer into deep thought about its meaning. Students were gathered in small bunches on the lawns, with a few in the distance practicing their sword fighting.

Both he and Cor had graduated from the university, and Veran was to enter soon. Selim would have graduated, had he not spent his first year skipping classes, running off with locals, and only showing up for combat classes. Not even the status of prince protected him from expulsion.

Arvek clenched his jaw, focusing on the now. The issue with Selim was not important now. What was important was showing Rovyna around.

"Impressive," she said in a mild tone, nodding slightly. "Though I hope Harlofelp did not build this all for show, only to have two areas in which they focus their study."

"I assure you that is not the case. But that is a rather specific example."

"Only an example," she said smoothly. "But I have heard of kingdoms building useless buildings in order to seem grander than they actually are."

"We are not that way," Arvek said firmly. But as confident as he was about that statement, he was reminded of the state of the western part of the kingdom. That didn't mean they were just building things to show off, he told himself sternly. It was a sorry state, yes, but what was in the capitol was genuine.

As they admired the university, a few of the students took notice of them standing there and came over to greet them.

Arvek watched as Rovyna's demeanor went from aloof to warm and welcoming in a matter of seconds as the students approached. After the students properly greet Arvek as crown prince, they turned their attention to Rovyna.

The tallest of the crew, who seemed to be something of their leader, asked, with his jaw stuck out slightly as he surveyed Rovyna, "And is this Princess Rovyna, of Phrompt?"

"I am," she said.

The students gave her polite, if not stiff, bow of respect.

"It is an honor to meet you," the tallest said, his voice cautious. "We were not sure if we would have a chance to see you before the wedding."

Arvek shifted, stiffening his shoulders. The last thing they needed was a political debate. This outing was for Rovyna's sake, to give her a chance to see Harlofelp before being expected to become part of the royal family, not a chance for citizens to take their shots at her.

Rovyna, however, did not seem fazed by the student's boldness of statement. "It certainly was questionable whether or not I would be afforded the chance," she said, with a smile. It wasn't the smile that she would give Arvek or his brothers -the smile where she knew more than she was saying. Instead, it was a genuine smile. "Fortunately, it was found that I had some time to be out and about before returning to Phrompt one last time." The student opened his mouth, seemingly with every intention to push for a debate. Rovyna swiftly headed him off, however. "I understand that you're studying here? What degree are you pursuing?"