Between the Veil and Crown

Arvek 25

One late afternoon after Lir's arrest found Arvek in the farthest and darkest corner of the library, a book he was not fully comprehending hiding his face. Veran was at a table only a few feet away, testing different chess strategies with himself. There was a silent agreement between the brothers that Veran would not be chastised for doing nothing in the library all day, doing anything productive, as long as he warned Arvek of anyone incoming.

Arvek's excuse was that he just wanted a moment of peace and quiet. The wedding drawing ever nearer, it did not seem to occur to anyone that he did not want to constantly be in someone's company. As much as he hated how much it made him seem irresponsible, he found that hiding was the only option to get what he wanted.

If anything, it was just so that he could think. It was as though he could solve all the problems before him if he was just allowed to think for a moment.

However, the upcoming marriage and Masitof's orders kept mixing together, resulting in his mind kept mashing the two together as though they were one and the same. The solutions it came up with were as equally wild and as helpful as a fiddle without strings.

He blamed the wedding. He would be able to think straight if only the fear of being found and questioned over minute little details he didn't care about was gone.

As if to validate his blame, footsteps could be heard entering the library, and all of his focus turned towards the person approaching. He held his breath, as though that would help him remain hidden. There was a pause every once in a while, indicating the person was definitely stopping and looking. It was hope against hope, but perhaps they were just looking for a book . . .

Such a vain hope. The person drew near to the alcove Veran and Arvek were in and came to a full stop. Arvek heard Cor's voice ask Veran, "Have you seen the eldest?"

"Who's asking?" Veran responded, not looking up from his game.

"Well, me," came the reply.

"Anyone else?"

"Just me."

Veran jerked his head in the direction of Arvek's chair, and he lowered the book a sigh of relief.

"I feel like there are better hiding spots," Cor remarked, stepping into view and crossing his arms.

"Oh hush," Arvek shot back. "I felt this had more dignity than under the bed."

"They would have found you sooner under the bed," Cor said. "I have to go the west side of the city to settle some issues, and I thought this would be a great excuse for you to escape."

"Have you forgotten the horde of wedding organizers waiting for me?"

"Have them distracted for a while, at the very least," Cor said simply. "I asked Mother to take care of those details. I felt it would be a great distraction for her, all things considering."

Arvek grimaced as Veran looked up from his game at last.

"Does she know about the interception?" Arvek asked, guiltily reflecting on the fact that he had not seen her since the discovery.

"Unfortunately," Cor answered. "I think she's even pleaded with Father to try and send another letter, but he still hasn't done anything."

"Well, he really only has himself to blame about the letter being intercepted," Veran said simply. "If he had acted quicker, maybe people wouldn't have felt the need to act like they did. He brought this on himself."