I am still reading PS (V Part). But from what I infer of AV as a prince, he is a better politician than KK. This is evident at very many places the way he handles things and more so, when he says he wants to become the king. This subtlety in his character, Kalki has portrayed pretty well. These evidences you give looks like, almost probable.
I am yet to finish the book. May be sometime this week I should finish PS. May be then I will have a clear picture.