The wind carried the scent of winter's end, a crispness in the air that spoke of spring's slow but sure arrival. As the gates of the keep loomed larger, Aya felt the weight of home settle back around her shoulders.
The gates creaked open as Aya walked through them, the familiar sight of her home both comforting and suffocating. Snow still clung to the roofs, but there was a hint of warmth in the air, a promise of spring just beginning to stir. Her horse's hooves echoed on the stone beside her as she made her way through the courtyard, where soldiers bustled about, their routine unaffected by her return. A stable boy ambled forward, gave her a smile and a hurried bow before taking her horse's reins from her.
"Good day, Lady Aya," he said.
Aya smiled warmly and nodded at him.
"Aya," Lord Elex's voice rang through the courtyard, his deep voice carrying its usual calm authority. "We need to talk."
Aya smirked, stepping into the sunlight that streamed into the courtyard. She spotted her older brother, tall and broad-shouldered, standing with a posture that could only be described as commanding—yet his face was warm with the familiar mix of concern and amusement.
"I hope you're not about to lecture me about my disappearance," Aya said, rolling her stormy-gray eyes, though her smile tugged at her lips. "I only left for a little while."
Elex, dark-haired like her with a matching sharp jawline and high cheekbones, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. His gaze, as intense as always, softened just a little at the sight of her.
"You disappear without a word for days, sneak out of your responsibilities, and you think I won't notice?" he asked, his voice teasing but firm.
Aya tilted her head, one hand resting on her hip. "You could have always come with me, Elex. You know, have a little fun for once."
Asta, standing nearby with his usual quiet calm, let out a quiet chuckle. His build was more muscular than Elex's, but he was still lean, with broad shoulders that gave him a solid presence. His hair was dark, his expression almost unreadable, though his eyes softened when they met Aya's.
"You never listen to advice, do you?" Asta said, his voice deep and rich. He walked forward, resting a large hand on her shoulder. "You're lucky we managed without you."
Aya gave him a playful nudge, her gaze flicking between both men. "I trust you two could handle it. It's not as if I left the kingdom to fall apart. I'm capable of managing both my duties and my… leisure time."
"You'll need to start taking those duties more seriously," Elex reminded her, his tone shifting back to one of responsibility. "Missives are piling up. The North's stability depends on responses—answers you've yet to give."
Aya groaned, feeling the pressure settle over her. "I can't let you both worry about me too much. You know I'll get to it." She shrugged nonchalantly. "Eventually."
Asta's lips curled into a small smile, the warmth of the gesture barely noticeable on his serious face. "Your word is as good as the ink you sign it with, cousin."
Aya's eyes twinkled as she shot him a teasing grin. "I'll do it when I'm ready, Asta. There's no harm in taking my time."
Elex, ever the responsible one, turned toward her and crossed his arms. "It's not about 'taking your time,' Aya. It's about making sure that the North remains as stable as it's been. Our House rules the North, and you, it's Queen and ruler. You have to act like it."
"I'm trying, Brother," Aya said, rolling her eyes again but with a genuine smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I know. Just don't expect me to be at court every day. I'm not built for that kind of life."
Asta gave her a knowing look. "A bit more restraint would do you good."
"Restraint's overrated," she replied with a smirk, causing Elex and Asta to exchange glances.
"Just remember, Aya," Elex said, his voice more serious now. "The North needs you. The people need you. You can't run from your duty forever."
"I won't run," Aya said softly, her gaze briefly turning inward, the weight of her role never too far from her mind. "But I will always need a bit of freedom. It's what keeps me grounded."
Elex sighed but offered her a smile, his expression softening. "Just don't forget, we're here for you."
Asta nodded in agreement, his hand still resting on her shoulder. "Always."
Aya's smile softened as she met both their gazes, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. Despite her teasing and her love for freedom, she knew they were right.
"I'll keep that in mind," she said quietly, her tone a mix of sincerity and playfulness. "Now, shall we see what other trouble I can get into today?"
Elex shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "If only you would take things seriously for once."
Asta chuckled under his breath. "No one could change her now, Elex."
"Juno! I'm back," Aya called out, rushing past her brother and cousin, the sound carrying through the courtyard. The responsibilities of the North might weigh heavily on her, but for now, she was home—and with the two men and her family who had always been by her side.