The Sanders Sides

40 - Family: Remus and Arya

The grand carriage rolled to a halt before the imposing castle gates, the ornately carved oak doors swinging open with a flourish. Prince Remus, ever the brooding figure, emerged first, his dark cloak billowing dramatically around him. Princess Arya, a whirlwind of color in her crimson traveling dress, followed close behind, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

They were greeted by a warm embrace from King Raymond, his booming laughter echoing across the courtyard. "Remus, Arya! You two are finally back! Did you conquer that dreadful finishing school, or did it conquer you?"

Remus mumbled a gruff greeting, his usual sardonic wit seemingly dulled by the journey. But Arya, ever the life of the party, launched into a flurry of apologies.

"Oh, Your Majesty, forgive us for our tardiness! We had a most... enlightening debate on the merits of abstract expressionism versus social realism in modern art. Dreadfully important, you see, couldn't possibly miss it!"

Queen Anne, her eyes twinkling with amusement, ushered them both inside. "There, there, Arya. No need for apologies. It's good to see you both, grown-up and all."

Remus shot his sister a withering look. "Grown-up? Hardly, Mother. Still the same chaotic mess, I assure you."

Arya stuck her tongue out at him playfully. "Says the one who spent most of the carriage ride brooding over existential angst."

Roman, who had been lounging on a plush armchair near the fireplace, snorted with laughter. He looked every bit the prince charming, his golden hair catching the firelight, a playful smile on his lips.

"Well, well," he drawled, rising to greet his siblings. "Look who finally graced us with their presence. Though, I must say, some of us have been holding down the fort while you two were off... broadening your horizons."

He winked at Arya, who rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Don't be jealous, Ro. You're still undeniably the hottest prince in the kingdom."

Remus scoffed, but a hint of a smile played on his lips. The playful jabs, the familiar banter, it felt good to be home, even if the castle walls sometimes felt a little too... confining.

King Raymond clapped a hand on Remus's shoulder, his voice booming. "Enough chit-chat! Come, let's hear all about your adventures at that finishing school. Did you learn any proper etiquette, Remus? Or are you still a social menace?"

Remus rolled his eyes, a genuine smile finally breaking through his facade. "We'll see, Father. We'll see."

As they settled around the crackling fireplace, the warmth of the flames mirroring the warmth of their reunion, Arya couldn't help but feel a surge of contentment. Sure, finishing school had been a drag, filled with stuffy rules and endless etiquette lessons. But it had been worth it, if only to see the familiar faces, to hear the comforting sound of their family's laughter echoing through the grand halls of the castle. Home, despite its occasional trials, was where the heart, and perhaps a little bit of chaos, truly belonged.

The crisp autumn air sent a shiver down Roman's spine as he entered the grand dining hall, the roaring fireplace casting a warm glow on the richly decorated room. A familiar scene unfolded before him – King Raymond, his father, at the head of the table, Queen Anne, his mother, at the other, and his siblings, Remus and Arya, already seated and bickering playfully.

"Honestly, Arya," Remus grumbled, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he scowled, "Must you insist on speaking with such... exuberance during dinner?"

Arya, a whirlwind of fiery red hair and even brighter clothes, stuck her tongue out at him. "But brother dearest, where's the fun in proper etiquette if you can't break the rules every now and then?"