The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era [BL]

It wasn't as if their family lacked the power to carry out an assassination. Sure, they could lose most of their wealth in the process, and perhaps even become the Empire's most wanted. But what of it? The price would be worth paying. Of course, they wouldn't act unless the prince truly hurt Astrid.

They exchanged glances, their eyes returning to Gage. This son-in-law/brother-in-law, was proving to be more reliable than they had anticipated.

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Meanwhile, the group touring the farm had finished and was now heading back to the house, some of them carrying baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables. Edmund even held a box of eggs. These were gifts from the people they had met while walking around the farm.

It was nearing lunchtime, and Astrid was planning to cook for everyone. The fresh vegetables they had just received would be perfect for the meal. Since it would be awhile before he had the chance to cook for his parents again, he wanted to make the most of this opportunity. With their departure set for the afternoon, he felt it was only right to prepare a meal for his parents before they left.

He hoped the conversation between his mother and the Grimaldis had gone well. He didn't expect his mother to give full forgiveness—he knew the pain ran too deep for that. But more than anything, he hoped for healing. Not just for her, but for the Grimaldis as well. Both sides had been carrying the weight of past wounds for too long.

Even if forgiveness wasn't possible yet, a step toward peace would be enough. It was time for those old scars to start healing, for everyone's sake.

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And then, there's the other conversation.

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Astrid wondered how Wulfric's conversation with his father had gone. Did it go well at all? He hoped that, even if it hadn't, there was no violence—or at least, it was kept to a minimum. Afterward, Astrid wondered if Wulfric had also spoken with his mother.

Knowing her, there was no way she would have missed the chance to talk to him, especially since they were all leaving later that day and might not get another opportunity to talk this soon. Astrid was sure Wulfric would have wanted that conversation as well, no matter how difficult it might have been.

Given Wulfric's straightforward nature, Astrid could only see the conversation going one of two ways. Either it would frustrate his parents to the point of raising their blood pressure, or they would simply give in, agreeing just to get him to stop talking.

Of course, Astrid could be completely wrong, and maybe Wulfric had actually managed to sway his parents. Honestly, he hoped that was the case. It would be a relief not to feel like he was sneaking behind their backs every time he wanted to spend time with Wulfric.

As they approached the house, the sound of voices drifted from the drawing room. It was clear that those who had stayed behind were gathered there.

"Brother Aster, I'm going to tell Dad about our trip!" Nicol said, before dashing excitedly toward the drawing room.

Astrid chuckled when he saw that. Anyone who saw the kid like that would think that they went on a grand adventure.

"Reas, let Mom and Dad know I'll be cooking lunch," he said to his brother. Then he turned to Slade and Edmund. "Captains, could I trouble you to bring the baskets to the kitchen?"

Slade and Edmund, who were carrying the baskets of fresh eggs, vegetables, and fruits, nodded and followed Astrid to the kitchen. Reas headed toward the drawing room to relay the message as instructed. Left on his own, Hildred decided to join Reas, hoping to find Wulf there. He wanted to know how Wulf's conversation with Astrid's father had gone.

Ah, he truly wished he was there when the two talked. How interesting that conversation would have been. He probably would have gotten a lot of laughs from it.

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Astrid scanned the fresh ingredients laid out before him, deciding what to use for the feast. He reached for the cabbage, its leaves crisp and perfect for stir-frying. Next, he picked up a knob of fresh ginger and a few cloves of garlic, setting them aside for chopping. Green onions followed, along with a handful of chili peppers that would add just the right amount of heat.

He sorted through the vegetables, grabbing carrots and bell peppers, their bright colors promising a nice contrast in the dishes. The eggs, still fresh from the farm, were perfect for a light stir-fry. As he pulled out soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar from the pantry, he mentally pieced together the dishes he planned to make.

Moving to the meat, he selected some fresh chicken and a slab of pork belly, imagining how each would pair with the vegetables and sauces. With everything set in front of him, Astrid was ready to begin.

Just as he was about to start, the sound of footsteps caught his attention. Astrid turned to see his mother stepping into the kitchen. An automatic smile appeared on his face seeing her.

"Do you need any help?" his mother asked as she stepped closer.

Astrid smiled and shook his head. "No, it's alright. I'd like to cook myself this time."

His mother didn't leave and sat down on one of the bar stools.

"How did your conversation with Uncle Casey and the others go?" Astrid asked while pulling out the pots and pans he needed.

His mother sighed softly. "About as well as it could, I suppose."

Astrid paused and turned to his mother. Though she had only said a few words, he actually got plenty from her response.