Between the Veil and Crown

Arvek 58

After he told Selim that their father had agreed to let him go, provided he never returns once crossing the bridge, a heavy sensation of dread settled in Arvek's stomach. More so when Selim acted so blasé with the condition.

"Why would I want to come back?" Selim had scoffed. "Why would that man think that would be a punishment?"

They had been cutting words, and Arvek had nothing to defend himself from their sharpness.

In the time leading up to Selim's departure, Arvek tried to spend more time with him. But he would cut himself short or skip available times. He told himself it was because their mother deserved most of Selim's time. It was partially true, however, the deeper underlying reason was that he felt guilty for not having done it sooner. He had all the time beforehand to be with Selim and make a closer connection, and he did not use it. It only became important to him when it became evident that that time was limited. This was to be their relationship: Destiend to fade away the longer their father was alive. Who knew if it could repaired after that.

The dreaded day arrived. Arvek got through his morning routine purely through muscle memory, disguised by Rovyna's ready tongue to handle anyone with questions or comments. Before he knew, it was standing in the throne room, his parents already present and sitting on their respective thrones. Veran was the first of his brothers to arrive. He looked too serene. Happy, almost. Arvek couldn't fathom why. He was prevented from thinking too much about it by Cor's arrival. Cor, it appeared, understood the weight of this event better than Veran.

Selim entered the throne room much later than the rest of his family. His head was held high and for the first time that Arvek could remember, he actually looked excited to be in the throne room. In his excitement, he missed the sad, worried look of his mother, the longing for her children to be close and safe.

Not that it would change Selim's mind.

People of all stations filed into the throne room, all eager for a chance to glimpse the Rangers from the Veil who saved the prince. Even Rasinod entered, though he ducked into the shadows as though that would hide him from Arvek's gaze. It did not work, as he only provided Arvek an opportunity to vent some emotion with a glare in his direction. Rasinod denied him satisfaction, however, by refusing to acknowledge the glare.

At long last, the highly anticipated guests entered. Seeing Morganne walk through the doors, Arvek could not help but feel a rush of gratitude towards her. This woman had exposed Rasinod, albeit unknowingly, and gave back to their mother her missing son. For that alone, Arvek had nothing but respect for her, regardless of where he stood on his opinion of the Rangers as a whole. As it was, he had no feelings against the others present, for they had set aside their feud to help.

That is, all except Kylin.

He had never resolved things with Kylin after that first night. Though it no longer mattered at this point. He doubted they would ever meet again.

The Ranger barely gave Arvek a glance. He seemed rather preoccupied, his eyes seeing something far off.

They reached the center of the room. Ofjaet stepped forward and addressed Masitof, then gave his thanks to Arvek and Rovyna for hosting them. Arvek's nod of acknowledgement was automatic, Ofjaet's words barely heard as he waited for the main event.

Ofjaet gave a respectful bow in return, then rose to speak the very anticipated words. "Before we take our leave, I would like to mention the notion of Prince Selim's expressed desire to join us as a Ranger himself."