Between the Veil and Crown

Arvek 57

"That is a concerning expression," Rovyna remarked when Arvek returned to their room.

His conversation with Selim was still bouncing around in his head, causing him to miss his wife's comment initially. He looked up, realizing she had spoken to him. "What?"

She gave him an amused smile, but repeated herself, adding, "Does this mean you will not pursue Amelia?"

Amelia. Right. Even though she was brought up in the conversation, that part seemed so long ago. So disconnected in light of Selim's declaration.

"He has shown me no reason to think she did any more harm than stealing him." Arvek sighed. "In more ways than one."

"She has stolen his heart?" Rovyna surmised.

"Yes. Legitimately, it appears. But I wish I could say that was the most worrisome thing."

While they were talking, he crossed the room to the balcony. Despite the chill, he opened the doors and settled himself on a chair outside. Any snow that had fallen had since been melted, leaving only but a cold breeze that swept through his clothes, revitalizing him.

Rovyna remained inside, lounging in one of the lounge chairs. She made no protest to Arvek's actions. He did not expect her to. He had come into the room on several occasions to find her already sleeping with the doors wide open, the fire unable to warm the room.

There was a long pause, Rovyna trusting he would continue when he had his moment.

"He told me he wants to be a Ranger."

Rovyna did not say anything, but Arvek could feel her intense gaze cutting into him.

After the pause went on long enough, she asked, "Is this common? For him to express rebellious desires?"

Arvek pondered that before answering. "He spoke with conviction. His choice is not one of rebellion."

"A choice your father will not support."

Arvek shook his head. "Completely oppose it. I predict he will disown Selim for making the choice. He will never be able to step beyond the Veil while Masitof is king." He ran a hand through his hair. "The reasons he gave were either noble or admitting a passion in learning something- something he had been previously averse to. Pursuing this path has done something those in the capitol have failed to do."

"So you have chosen to support him."

"For those reasons, and more," Arvek admitted. "If Rasinod would make an attempt against him, who is to say there won't be another? And without knowing the reason . . ." He cleared his throat. "It would be better for him."

Rovyna moved from her spot to join him outside. Sitting next to him, she took his hand. Her soft hands provided a comfort he did not realized he needed. They remained like that, listening to the silence of winter.

Arvek eventually, regretfully, broke the silence with a soft tone. "I must speak with my father in hopes of persuading him."

"I shall come with you." It was not a request. It was a statement. When Arvek looked at her, she held his gaze, a firmness in her eyes that declared he could not dissuade her. "This is not something to do alone."

He had expected himself to be opposed. To insist he did this by himself. But her telling him he shouldn't be alone welled up a sense of relief. A burden off his shoulders. "Thank you."