IT wasn’t that Astrid wanted to hide his connection to Wulfric. He simply needed more ti. Ti to build his career properly, ti to make sure his fa stretched across all four galaxies. Once he’d achieved that, once his na carried enough weight on its own, then letting the world know about them wouldn’t matter. At least then, fewer people would dare claim he wasn’t worthy of standing at Wulfric’s side.
So might argue he shouldn’t care what people think. But this wasn’t just about opinions. Astrid refused to beco soone who gave others a reason to criticize Wulfric. Because the fact still remained that in everyone’s eyes, their positions in society were still worlds apart.
Of course, revealing he was Duke Grimaldi’s grandson would instantly change his standing in society. But he didn’t want that to happen, not until the Lancasters were brought down. There were just too many risks in exposing his connection to the Grimaldis right now.
"No. No one can get within ten kiloters of this island without my permission," Wulfric answered firmly.
Astrid breathed out in relief at Wulfric’s words. Good. That ant the island’s shape would stay hidden.
"Should we head down now?"
Instead of answering, Wulfric tightened his hold around Astrid’s waist and dove downward. The wind rushed past them as they descended, Astrid instinctively gripped Wulfric’s shoulders as the island grew larger beneath them. Within monts, their feet touched down on soft grass, the sudden stillness after their rapid fall leaving Astrid slightly breathless.
Wulfric steadied him as he released his hold on Astrid’s waist, though the way he did it so slowly made it clear he didn’t actually want to let go. The obvious reluctance drew a quiet chuckle from Astrid.
As he stood, Astrid looked around. Aside from the tall trees, the first thing he saw was a house entrenched in a humongous tree. It looked as if the tree had grown with the house rather than around it, its thick roots curling through stone and its branches cradling the roof like arms.
The house had round towers with pointed roofs, their windows open to let in the warm afternoon light. Wooden steps twisted up from the ground, leading to small doors, narrow balconies, and tiny landings hidden among vines and flowering plants. A wooden table sat just outside, with two mismatched chairs. Barrels and crates lined the edge of the path, and from the higher branches, wind chis swayed gently in the breeze.
Astrid blinked and stared at the tree house in front of him. It looked so whimsical, so unlike what he’d expect from Wulfric. The contrast made him pause, and a thought flashed in his mind.
He turned to Wulfric. "Did you redesign this house too?"
The slight widening of Wulfric’s eyes told Astrid his guess was right. The prince gave an awkward smile, fingers scratching his cheek.
"Yeah," he admitted. "I just... thought you’d like it."
Astrid glanced between the tree house and Wulfric, his lips quirking in amusent. "You’ve got quite the talent, you know. Maybe you should consider doing this professionally."
Wulfric’s face lit up. "So you like it?"
Astrid made a show of considering his answer, tapping his chin. "Hmm... I’ll need to inspect the interior first before giving my final verdict."
"Then what are we still doing here?"
As soon as the words left Wulfric’s mouth, he pulled Astrid toward the tree house, their fingers lacing together naturally. Astrid glanced down at their joined hands and felt a smile tug at his lips.
Wulfric opened the door and pulled Astrid inside. The tree house looked just as unique on the inside as it did outside. The walls were made of smooth, polished wood with faint glowing lines running through them like natural patterns.
In one corner, a large couch ford from interwoven branches sat against the wall, its surface covered in thick, soft cushions. Clusters of vines with small white flowers draped down from the ceiling near the seating area. A central table grew straight up from the floor, its surface polished smooth, surrounded by stools shaped from twisted roots.
Shelves ford naturally from knotted wood held an assortnt of items. There were glowing pebbles that lit the space, a few well-worn books, and so unique trinkets. Every piece of furniture looked grown rather than built, with slightly uneven edges and organic shapes that sohow fit together perfectly.
The whole place had that sa playful, imaginative feel. Astrid could already tell the upper levels would be just as whimsically designed.
Astrid turned to Wulfric with a grin. "You’ve got real skill, Wulf. I love it."
Wulfric grinned back, but inside he felt relieved. He’d spent an entire day redesigning the whole island, hoping Aster would like it. Now, hearing Astrid say he loved it, Wulfric decided those sleepless hours had been worth every second.
Astrid walked to the couch and sat down, sinking into cushions so soft they seed to wrap around him like a hug. He glanced at Wulfric and patted the empty space next to him, silently inviting the other to sit down.
Wulfric didn’t hesitate, imdiately taking the spot beside him.
Astrid cleared his throat and straightened up. "Actually, there’s a reason I asked to et you today."
Wulfric turned to face him fully. "You an it wasn’t just because you missed ?"
Astrid couldn’t tell whether Wulfric ant it seriously or was just doing his usual accidental flirting. Sothing told him it was the second one, and he found that strangely charming and amusing.
"Although I do miss you, it’s not that," he said. "Do you rember [Blind Justice]?"
Wulfric’s expression darkened at the ntion of the show. Of course, he rembered it. He rembered all too well how jealous he’d been of the guy partnered with Aster. Looking back now, he realized he’d probably already been in love with Aster back then. The thought made him feel foolish for not recognizing his own feelings sooner.
"What about it?" Wulfric asked.
"They’re making a movie to wrap up the story for the three main characters," Astrid said. "I was offered to reprise the role of Noa, and I accepted."
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