Between the Veil and Crown

Arvek 32

Rovyna gave herself a final inspection with a handheld mirror as the castle came into view of the carriage. She gave her hair -half of it pulled back into multiple braids- a couple of pats in various places, nodded in satisfaction, and snapped the mirror closed.

Arvek watched with vague fascination. Most of his thoughts were preoccupied with the impending confrontation with his father and the realization that he felt oddly calm about it. The fact that Rovyna acted rather unconcerned about it herself only added to the oddness of his emotions.

"It's something of a shame that you will be taking off shortly after we arrive," Rovyna commented matter-of-factly. "I quite enjoyed myself, truth be told."

"You insisted," Arvek reminded her.

"I am not saying it isn't necessary. Just that it is a shame." She gave him a side look. "So do make sure that you return in piece."

"I will make no promises I cannot keep," he told her.

It satisfied her enough; her lips hinted at a smile, but she said nothing in response.

The carriage pulled to a stop in front of the steps of the castle. The door on Arvek's side was opened. He stepped out and offered his hand to Rovyna. She daintily accepted the help offered, and gracefully stepped out herself. Once both feet were firmly planted on the ground, she released his hand to slip her arm around the crook of his elbow. She lifted her chin up, the knowing smile returning to her face.

Arvek made to head up the stairs, but stopped when he saw the stable master, Grant.

Oh good. He could make arrangements now, instead after his father learned of his plan. "Grant," he called out, one foot on the stair.

Grant bowed in response, then straightened. "Sir?"

"I will be heading out to the Veil in only a short bit," Arvek said. "Have my horse ready for when I come back out."

"Of course, sir," Grant replied.

Rovyna gave him a deeper smile and friendly wave before the two of them headed up the stairs. On the way up, Arvek saw the captain of the Guard.

"Captain, I would like you arrange for a group to head to the Veil," Arvek informed him.

"To leave shortly?" the captain confirmed, indicating he had heard the orders to Grant.

"Yes," he answered.

"So you have no intention of telling your father beforehand?" the captain asked.

"Oh, I have every intention of doing so," Arvek said with gritted teeth. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the captain give him a dubious look, but he did not address it. He was determined to keep it short with his father. As was agreed between the two of them, anything else his father had to say to him would be said to Rovyna.

The doors of the castle were opened and they stepped inside.

The entrance hall was surprisingly empty. Arvek didn't know if he should be confused, upset, or relieved.

He was saved from having to figure it out as he heard a woman call out his name. He looked up to the stairs to see his mother sweep out of the hallway, face beaming as she saw the newlyweds. She hurriedly descended the stairs, Veran appearing out of the hallway behind her. Veran did not share her excitement and instead leaned against the railing to stare down at them, an unreadable expression on his face.