Chapter 17
I leveled my gaze at Hannah and Brian, my patience wearing thin. “You know, I don’t care what you think about my life before,” I said, my voice steady and cold. “But I’ll be damned if I let you say anything bad about my wife.”

The room fell into a tense silence. Brian shifted uneasily under my glare, and Hannah’s fake smile finally cracked.

“You don’t know what we’ve been through to be together. You don’t understand what I’ve been through personally.” My hands clenched into fists at my sides, my nails digging into my palms. “If you didn’t want to be around me, all you had to do was be honest. Instead, you chose to lie, to gaslight our family—pretending, manipulating, twisting things to serve your own interests.” I shook my head and exhaled sharply. “Pathetic.”

Hannah flinched, her lips pressing into a thin line. Brian looked away, avoiding my gaze. Cowards.

“I’m not even going to be here for long,” I continued. “Eventually, I have to go back to my Empire. I didn’t come here to mess up your lives, and yet you treat my presence like some personal attack. The hostility you have toward me? That’s your ignorance—not my problem.”

I stepped forward, my presence bearing down on them, forcing them to really see me—not as the person they used to know, but as the ruler I had become.

“I don’t need your approval,” I said coolly. “I’m not one of those leaders who demands that everyone likes me. Your opinions are insignificant in the grand scheme of things.”

I saw the flicker of anger in Hannah’s eyes, the frustration in Brian’s tense posture. They hated that they had no power over me.

“But make no mistake,” I added, my voice darkening, “what I do have are plans for this galaxy. And they are my own.” I let the words settle before delivering the final blow.

“I’m giving this planet a chance—a chance to advance beyond what it is.

To offer you a future where you can survive against the species out there with technology that far surpasses your own. But if your pride and ignorance make you blind to that?” I tilted my head, my smirk is razor-sharp. “Then you’ll be the ones left behind when the rest of the universe moves forward without you.”

The gravity of my words hung heavily in the air, a palpable tension that settled between us like a thick fog. Hannah’s expression twisted into a mask of barely concealed fury, her eyes flashing with unspoken resentment, while Brian appeared even paler than before, as if the very life had been drained from his features. They had spent so long clinging to the illusion of who they wanted me to be, never realizing they were facing someone they could no longer control.

And now, it was far too late for them to change that.

Dad looked at me, his gaze piercing through the charged atmosphere, filled with a warmth I hadn’t recognized in far too long—pride. He placed a firm yet gentle hand on my shoulder, grounding me amidst the storm of emotions swirling around us.

“Kara,” he said, his voice steady like an anchor amidst the chaos, “you can’t change people who don’t want to change. Their bitterness will only serve to drag them down.” He sighed deeply, a flicker of distant sadness clouding his eyes. “I had to learn that the hard way.” His grip tightened briefly in reassurance, a silent promise that I was not alone. “But I’m truly happy you came home. I love you, and I missed you.”

At his words, I felt my throat tighten, a tide of emotion swelling in my chest that nearly took my breath away. Without a moment’s hesitation, I threw my arms around him, enveloping him in a tight embrace. “I missed you too, Dad,” I murmured, cherishing the moment and relishing the warmth that I had once thought was lost to me forever, like sunlight breaking through a bleak winter sky.

Just then, the sensors in my suit surged to life, alerting me to an approaching presence—the unmistakable sound of footsteps drawing nearer to the house.

I pulled back slightly, instincts flaring to life as I scanned our surroundings with a heightened sense of awareness. “Is anyone expecting a guest?”

My eyes darted around, searching for any sign of who might be coming.

Stacy perked up, her face lighting up with acknowledgment. “Oh! That’s probably my girlfriend. I invited her over.”

Relief washed over me, and I immediately pressed my fingers to my comms. “No threat detected. That is an invited guest.”

The guards acknowledged my command, resuming their positions.

There was a brief pause, a tension that hung in the air like the calm before a storm, before Mom turned to Stacy. Her expression shifted from mild curiosity to astonished disbelief. “What did you just say?” she asked, her eyes wide and blinking as if trying to process the words. “Your girlfriend?”

Stacy fidgeted slightly, her fingers twisting nervously around the edge of her sleeve, but she held her ground, determination shining in her eyes. “Yeah… I didn’t mention that part?”

Mom’s initial shock melted away, replaced by a playful smirk that danced across her lips. “Oh, don’t look so surprised. You’re nowhere near as good at hiding things as your sister,” she teased, folding her arms with a confident air. “Now, I definitely want to meet the girl who managed to steal your heart.”

Stacy’s face transformed as a brilliant, genuine smile broke out, illuminating her features—a smile that spoke volumes, radiating relief, joy, and an undeniable warmth.

And then, of course, Hannah had to disrupt the moment with her typical sarcasm.

From somewhere behind me, I heard her mutter under her breath, “Is there anyone normal in this family?” Her voice dripped with playful annoyance.

Suddenly, a loud, sharp smack echoed through the room, snapping everyone’s attention toward the source of the sound, curiosity mixed with surprise etched on each face.

Hannah stood frozen, her hand pressed against the side of her face, her mouth hanging open in pure shock. Brian had already stepped back, his face twisted in fear.

And standing in front of Hannah, calm yet utterly terrifying, was Minsha.

Her expression was sharp, lips curled just enough to reveal the glint of her sharp teeth. Her golden eyes burned with unspoken fury.

“Enough, Harlet,” Minsha said, her voice dangerously smooth. “Be nice, or leave.”

The sheer authority in her words sent a visible shiver down Hannah’s spine.

I stepped forward, placing a hand on Minsha’s arm, grounding her. “Thank you,” I murmured, my voice filled with warmth. “For sticking up for my family.”

She turned to me then, the fierce fire in her expression softening. Her lips curved into a wide, genuine smile as she squeezed my hand.

Mom stepped forward next, her face set in firm disappointment. “I think Minsha is right. If this is how you’re going to treat your family, then it’s time for you to leave.” She turned her sharp gaze toward Brian. “And you, Brian—I am deeply disappointed in you.”

Brian flinched under the weight of her words, the sharpness cutting through the room like a knife, but he didn’t argue. He knew better; he had learned that lesson long ago.

Mom then turned her gaze back to Stacy, a sudden warmth washing over her voice. “Stacy, invite your girlfriend inside. I want to meet her.”

In an instant, the atmosphere shifted. Everyone around them collectively turned their backs on Hannah and Brian, as if they were merely afterthoughts in a suddenly vibrant scene.

Hannah’s mouth opened, ready to voice her thoughts, but she hesitated, the words faltering in her throat. It dawned on her that no one here stood by her side anymore, that her support had withered away like autumn leaves.

Brian clenched his jaw, a storm brewing beneath the surface, yet he remained silent. Instead, he turned to Hannah, gently but firmly grabbing her by the arm. Without another word, they walked away, leaving behind the murmurs and laughter, no protests, no sarcastic remarks.

For the first time, they understood the reality of their defeat.

And strangely, it felt liberating.

Stacy’s girlfriend appeared before us, and she was not what I had anticipated.

Considering how much of a girly girl Stacy had become—much like myself—I had envisioned her being drawn to someone with a similar vibe. Perhaps a lipstick lesbian, someone who reveled in soft pastels and delicate floral patterns.

But Gwen was the complete opposite. Her style was bold and striking, with a flair that shattered the stereotypes I had clung to.

The woman who stepped inside with her had an undeniable presence. A full-sleeve tattoo covered her left arm, intricate designs winding up to her shoulder, while her right arm bore several smaller tattoos. Her septum was pierced, along with multiple rings and studs adorning her ears. She wore a tight tank top that hugged her toned body and a pair of form-fitting jeans that showcased her luscious curves. Her black-and-white checkered Vans completed the rebellious look, a stark contrast to Stacy’s usual polished appearance.

The moment she laid eyes on Minsha and me, a spark of fascination ignited across her face, lighting up her features with a mixture of surprise and intrigue.

Stacy let out a small, infectious giggle, nudging Gwen playfully. “Yeah, so… this is Empress Kara, my sister. And this is her lovely wife, Minsha.”

Gwen blinked rapidly, her brows knitting together in confusion. “Wait—you never told me you had a sister.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle, anticipating the disbelief that was about to unfold. “That’s a long story,” I admitted, my voice light yet sincere. “The short version? I was her brother, Kevin—who, according to everyone, had died. Turns out I was abducted by a cantankerous AI spaceship and whisked away to another galaxy.” A playful smirk danced on my lips.

“Somewhere along the way, I transformed into the woman you see before you—the woman I had always dreamt of becoming. And now, as Empress of the Caravelle Empire, I find myself back on Earth for a while.”

Gwen's expression was a captivating display of shock—her mouth opened and closed as if searching for the right words, her eyes wide with disbelief. Finally, she managed a breathless, “Okay.”

Mom, ever the warm and gracious hostess, came to the rescue, her voice soothing and inviting. “Gwen, why don’t you come into the living room and sit with us?” she suggested, her smile radiating comfort. “Would you like something to drink?”

Still visibly processing the whirlwind of revelations, Gwen nodded slowly, her mind racing. “Uh… just water, please.”

With determination, I pushed myself up from the inviting embrace of the couch. “Dad, would you like a beer?” I called out, turning my gaze towards the kitchen, eager to lighten the atmosphere with a familiar gesture.

He nodded, giving me a small, approving smile.

I followed Mom into the kitchen, shaking my head in amusement. “I hope we didn’t break her.”

Mom just chuckled as I grabbed three bottles from the fridge. I handed one to Dad and the other to Minsha. Without hesitation, Minsha flicked her claw out and popped the caps off effortlessly before taking a sip and leaning back against the couch, utterly relaxed.

Her golden eyes settled on Gwen. “Gwen,” she said smoothly, “I am interested in those markings on your arms. What do they mean?”

Gwen blinked in confusion. “Markings?”

Stacy leaned over, whispering, “She means your tattoos.”

Understanding dawned on Gwen’s face, and she let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “Oh! My tattoos. Sorry, my brain was still rebooting for a second there.” She smiled, glancing down at her arms. “These are my art. They represent different things I love, memories I want to keep with me.” She pointed to an intricate design of an eagle wrapped around a heart. “I got this one when Stacy agreed to be my girlfriend.”

Minsha leaned in slightly, studying the ink with deep curiosity. “I do not understand,” she admitted, “why you paint your skin like this.”

I gently took her hand in mine, squeezing it lightly. “It’s like she’s telling her story on her body,” I explained. “A lot of humans do this as a way to express themselves.”

Minsha tilted her head thoughtfully, her dark eyes sparkling with interest, before offering Gwen a rare, approving smile that lit up her face. “Then they are very pretty,” she said, her voice soft yet confident.

Gwen's grin widened, reflecting the warmth of the moment. “Thank you,” she replied, her cheeks slightly flushed with delight.

Dad, who had been quietly savoring his frosty beer with a contented expression, chuckled heartily. With a playful flick of his wrist, he rolled up his sleeve, showcasing a faded tattoo etched onto his upper arm—a testament to youthful rebellion and cherished memories. “See, Minsha? I have one too,” he said, pride lacing his voice.

Minsha examined the intricate swirls and lines with mild curiosity, her brow slightly furrowed as she tried to decipher its meaning. With a burst of innocent inquiry, she turned back to me, her head tilted slightly. “You do not have one of these… tattoos? Why?” Her genuine curiosity elicited soft laughter from everyone around, the warmth of camaraderie enveloping us.

I shrugged nonchalantly, my expression thoughtful. “I just never wanted one,” I replied, aiming for simplicity amid the laughter. Then, with a soft smile and a touch of affection, I held up my left hand, where my wedding ring gleamed brightly under the warm, golden light. “These rings are the only thing I need to show my love for you.” The words hung in the air, filled with a deep sense of connection, as if weaving our hearts together.

Minsha’s expression softened, her golden eyes filled with warmth. She reached for my hand, brushing her fingers over the band. “Yes,” she murmured, “I remember you said this was a very important custom for you.”

I gave her hand another gentle squeeze, my heart swelling with a warmth that surprised even me.

In the midst of the day’s relentless chaos—a whirlwind of responsibilities and expectations—this serene, unexpected moment of connection felt like a precious oasis. It was exactly what I had needed to ground myself.

After weaving through light-hearted chatter for a while, I decided it was time to break the ice with a more daring question.

“So,” I said, leaning forward with a playful smirk that danced across my lips, “who wants an up-close and personal tour of the solar system?”

The room came to an almost cinematic halt—a heartbeat of silence where anticipation hung thick in the air—before excitement exploded like fireworks. Eyes widened in astonishment, and whispers of disbelief and thrill swirled around us like a whirlwind. I couldn't help but notice as Stacy’s jaw nearly unhinged in shock.

With a flourish, I activated my comms. “Admiral Stook, please dispatch a corvette for me and my family. We’re heading out for an adventure among the stars.” I paused momentarily, allowing the weight of my words to settle before adding, “And make sure the human governments are notified about our journey. We wouldn’t want them to panic.”

A heartbeat later, the unmistakable crackle of the Admiral’s voice echoed back to me. “Yes, Your Majesty. The Arcville is en route to your location. Notifications to the governments are underway.”

Stacy let out a dramatic sigh, shaking her head with a mix of envy and awe. “Must be nice to make a call and have the universe bend to your will like that.”

Minsha and I exchanged knowing glances, our amusement bubbling just below the surface as I leaned back into my chair, stretching lazily like a cat basking in the sun. “Oh, you think it’s nice,” I teased, a twinkle in my eye, “but let me tell you—there’s one craving that even I can’t seem to satisfy.”

She raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of curiosity and disbelief. “What could you possibly not have access to?”

“Ice cream,” I declared with a cheeky grin, the weight of the statement hanging between us like a heavy curtain.

A beat of silence followed, stretching the moment into something almost palpable. Then, Stacy blinked at me, utterly scandalized, as if I had just revealed a dark secret. “Wait. No ice cream?! How do you survive?” Her voice held a blend of horror and empathy that made me stifle a laugh.

I smirked, enjoying the drama. “Oh, it gets worse.” I dropped my next bombshell with a flourish. “There’s no chocolate either.”

Stacy gasped, clutching her chest as if I had just delivered a fatal blow. “The horror!” she wailed dramatically, her eyes wide with exaggerated panic. “I take it back, Sis. I don’t envy you anymore.”

I chuckled, shaking my head at the theatrical display, fully aware that although we were deprived of chocolate and ice cream, the Caravelle Empire offered some of the most exquisite desserts imaginable, crafted by the finest artisans in the galaxy.

“Well,” I said, a playful grin spreading across my face, “since we’re all about firsts today, I’ll make it up to you. How about a royal feast on the Arcville’s observation deck? You haven’t truly lived until you’ve dined while gazing out over the cosmos, surrounded by a sea of stars and the vastness of the universe.”

Mom beamed warmly, her eyes sparkling with joy, while Dad leaned forward, a look of curiosity etched across his face. Stacy, still grappling with the staggering revelation of a chocolate-free empire, momentarily regained her spark at the mention of an exclusive royal meal, her interest piqued. Gwen, perched on the edge of her seat, muttered, “Still trying to process all of this,” but the glimmer of anticipation in her eyes betrayed her feigned nonchalance.

Minsha, her vibrant golden eyes glinting with mischief, leaned in conspiratorially. “And will I finally get to witness your family’s reaction to the legendary crystal fruit mousse?” Her excitement was palpable, igniting a wave of enthusiasm in the room.

I couldn’t help but smirk, a sense of pride swelling within me. “Oh, absolutely,” I replied, unable to contain my amusement.

As the air crackled with excitement and the sweet scent of possibility lingered around us, I settled back, taking in the sight of my family, united and engaged in a way I had never thought possible.

The day had begun on a rocky note, filled with uncertainty, but now?

Now, it was unfurling into something truly magical.

The Arcville glided down gracefully, its sleek, polished hull gleaming under the brilliant midday sun, casting reflections that danced on the grass below. It didn’t take long for the ship to draw gasps of wonder and curious glances from everyone nearby, like a dazzling jewel set against the backdrop of nature.

As we approached the sleek vessel, my guards formed a protective barrier around us, their vigilance palpable as they ensured our boarding went off without a hitch. Even though this wasn’t an official mission, the security protocols were meticulously observed—especially now that my identity had become public knowledge, casting a spotlight on our every move.

Stepping aboard, we were immediately enveloped by the ship’s warm ambiance, greeted by the ever-enthusiastic Captain Multen, whose vibrant energy was infectious.

Mom leaned in closer, her voice a whisper laced with curiosity. “What is he? That’s a he, right?”

I stifled a chuckle, amused by her innocent confusion. “Yes, Mom, he’s definitely a he.”

Captain Multen, unfazed by the comment and radiating professionalism, gave a respectful bow, his movements fluid and graceful. “Your Majesty, welcome aboard the Arcville.” His gaze shifted to my family, a warm smile spreading across his face. “It is truly an honor to have you all here.”

He guided us through the ship, the corridor lined with sleek panels that gleamed under soft, ambient lighting, toward the observation deck. As soon as we arrived, I turned to him, a sense of purpose in my voice. “You know what I want, Captain. I’ll leave the rest to you.”

With a curt nod, he sprang into action, the practiced efficiency of a seasoned officer evident in his swift movements.

Turning back to my family, I finally addressed Mom’s question, the intrigue twinkling in her eyes. “For your information, Captain Multen is a Pinari, and yes, he is a male of his species.”

Mom nodded thoughtfully, her curiosity piqued, while Stacy’s lips silently formed the word Pinari, signaling that she was already cataloging questions for later.

I clapped my hands together with excitement. “Alright! Before we take off, let’s open these shutters. We’ll be in space before you know it.”

True to my words, in mere moments, the Arcville lifted seamlessly off the ground, the vibrations a subtle hum beneath our feet. The Earth’s atmosphere blurred into an ethereal swirl of colors, fading into the deep, infinite blackness of space that stretched before us like a vast, uncharted canvas.

Dad blinked in astonishment, his expression a mixture of disbelief and wonder. “I… didn’t even feel us move.”

“You won’t,” I replied with a smirk, savoring the thrill of the moment. “At the speeds we travel, if you could feel it, it would be rather fatal.”

That sobering thought lingered in the air, wrapping us in a thoughtful silence as we journeyed toward the brilliant expanse of the Sun. The ship glided gracefully, its curves seeming to dance through the cosmos as we swung around to reveal the awe-inspiring visage of Mercury, a rugged landscape cloaked in metallic hues. With an effortless maneuver, we pivoted back toward Venus, its thick atmosphere shimmering with a palette of rich oranges and swirling whites. The view of those celestial bodies—raw, untamed, and monumental—held an almost sacred allure that left us momentarily breathless.

As we surrendered to the beauty surrounding us, the crew presented an opulent banquet, an array of dishes artfully arranged, releasing tantalizing aromas that filled the cabin.

I leaned back in my chair, an amused warning escaping my lips. “I can’t name every dish laid out before us, but trust me, they are all exceptional. My chefs have mastered the art of preparing meat to my precise standards—just know that what you’re tasting is neither cow nor pig.”

Dad, ever the adventurous spirit, took a bold first bite. The moment those flavors exploded across his palate, his eyes widened in astonishment, reflecting the deep spectrum of surprise.

Stacy, her instincts sharp as always, suddenly set her utensils down, her expression tightening with concern. “Dad? Are you okay? Is there something wrong with the meat?”

I leaned back, a mischievous grin spreading across my face, reveling in the suspense.

Finally finding his voice after a moment of stunned silence, Dad exhaled, a look of rapture gracing his features. “This is… without a doubt, some of the best meat I’ve ever tasted.”

A chuckle bubbled from my lips as I nodded in affirmation. “I told you so.” I gestured toward Minsha, whose golden eyes sparkled with mischief. “This was actually the very first meat I ever tried when I arrived at the palace. It’s a traditional dish from Minsha’s homeworld.”

Minsha turned toward me, a playful glimmer in her eyes. “Ah, yes! And if memory serves me right, it was on that day when you accidentally proposed to me.”

I erupted into laughter, shaking my head at the memory. “Oh, that was a chaotic day indeed.”

Gwen, caught between disbelief and fascination, finally broke the charged atmosphere. “Wait. You got engaged just by grabbing her hand?”

Minsha's eyes sparkled as she recalled the event, a wide grin spreading across her face. “Yes, it certainly stirred up quite the ruckus in the bustling Tagnor district.” She gestured vividly, her hands painting the scene. “With my father holding the esteemed position of Ambassador for my people, there was simply no way for Kara to salvage her dignity by claiming it had all been a mere accident.”

Mom’s jaw dropped in disbelief, her eyes widening. “Wait—so you had to marry her?”

“Oh, no,” Minsha reassured her with a soft chuckle. “Fortunately, before Kara had to endure the daunting Wedding Hunt, we found ourselves deeply in love. So, when she triumphed in that ordeal, we were overjoyed.”

Yet, Mom’s expression remained skeptical, lines of concern etched across her brow. “A Wedding Hunt? What precisely were you hunting?”

I leaned closer, my grin growing even wider as I dove into the memory. “A colossal beast—imagine a woolly mammoth, but one with jagged, serrated tusks and an indescribably foul stench that seemed to cling to the air.” I waved my hands theatrically, caught up in the moment. “And to heighten the challenge, I was armed with nothing but a simple spear!”

Mom’s face paled, while Dad’s brows shot up. “That sounds dangerous. What if you had gotten hurt?”

I sighed, knowing I had to tread carefully with this part. “I was hurt. I ended up with four broken ribs and several deep lacerations from a cat-like predator that tried to steal my kill.”

Mom gasped, visibly horrified. “And no one helped you?!”

I shook my head. “According to Tagnor law, no one could interfere until the mammoth was dead.”

Mom clutched her chest. “What if you had died?”

I took a slow breath, my voice serious. “Then I wouldn’t have been strong enough to be Minsha’s mate. That’s their law. You must survive and kill the beast, or the marriage cannot happen. There are no do-overs.”

A heavy silence draped over the room like a thick, suffocating blanket. I could feel the weight of my family’s disbelief pressing down on us, each of them grappling with the reality of how dramatically my life had shifted.

Finally, unable to suppress the urge to lighten the mood, I flashed a cheeky grin and said, “And I can only imagine the chuckles echoing through the Empire as I took a tumble into that thing’s skat!”

Minsha’s face contorted in sheer revulsion as if she could still smell the foulness that clung to me that day. “Please, do not remind me. You reeked after the hunt! I absolutely refused to approach you until you were thoroughly scrubbed clean.”

Laughter erupted around the table, the sound a balm that soothed the tension lingering in the air.

Yet Gwen remained frozen in shock, her wide eyes reflecting disbelief. She cast a glance at Stacy, seeking validation, before turning back to me with a mixture of horror and fascination. “That has to be the most insane wedding tradition I have ever heard of.”

I shrugged, a playful smirk tugging at my lips. “That wasn’t even the actual wedding,” I explained, leaning back in my chair as the memories danced vividly in my mind. “The hunt was merely a formality, a rite to secure the approval of the Tagnor people.” I glanced around, my excitement palpable. “The ceremony itself took place an hour later—after I’d been cleaned up and healed. It was truly beautiful.”

Gwen still wore a skeptical expression, her brow slightly furrowed in thought. But Stacy, ever the light-hearted one, elbowed her playfully, a grin spreading across her face. “Well,” she mused with a teasing tilt of her head, “at least now I know exactly what not to do for a proposal.”

Laughter erupted around us, a symphony of joy that filled the room. As the mirth settled gently into a comfortable silence, the viewport shutters began to open slowly, unveiling the breathtaking panorama of Mars in all its fiery, red-hued glory.

An awed hush enveloped us as we gazed, mesmerized, at the distant planet. Clouds of dust danced and swirled in the atmosphere, casting a mesmerizing spell against the vastness of infinite space. The sight was both humbling and exhilarating.

I exhaled deeply, a contented smile spreading across my face as I soaked in the view.

In that fleeting moment—surrounded by my family, my wife, and the infinite expanse of stars—everything felt perfectly aligned, as though all the chaos of the past few days had melted away into the serene beauty before us.

As the crew placed the crystal berry mousse in front of everyone, Minsha and I exchanged excited glances. This was the moment we had been waiting for.

“This,” Minsha said with a fond smile, “has been my favorite dessert since I was a small pup. Stacy, you must tell me what you think.”

Stacy, always the fearless foodie, grabbed her spoon and took the first bite.

The moment the mousse hit her tongue, she let out a deep moan of pleasure. Eyes wide, she immediately took another spoonful, her expression one of pure bliss.

“Oh. My. God.” Stacy practically melted into her chair. “Are you kidding me? This flavor is insane!” She pointed her spoon at me, dramatic as ever.

“I take everything back, Kara. I want to live in space with you. This is ridiculously good.” She turned to the others, waving her spoon. “What are you all waiting for? Try it!”

Minsha and I giggled as the rest of my family dug into their desserts.

Then, a wonderful silence fell over the room.

No one spoke. No one could speak.

They were too busy savoring the velvety-smooth texture, the rich, tart sweetness of the crystal berries, and the light, airy finish that left a lingering floral taste on their tongues.

I leaned back in satisfaction, watching as my family experienced one of the finest delicacies the Caravelle Empire had to offer.

Outside, the Arcville glided gracefully through the asteroid belt, a cosmic tapestry woven with scattered celestial rocks that drifted by like ancient sentinels watching over the void. The view, paired with the sumptuous dessert, cast a spell over the moment, making it feel profoundly surreal, as if we were trespassing in a dreamscape.

After we relished every decadent bite of our rich mousse, we filled our glasses with Trinal Berry Wine—a deep violet elixir that shimmered like a jewel, embodying a flavor profile that danced tantalizingly between sweet and fiery. The warmth of the wine enveloped us, mingling with the cool serenity of space, creating an exquisite pairing that kindled both comfort and exhilaration.

By the time we reached Pluto, the gentle hum of the ship, harmonizing with the intoxicating medley of exquisite food, delightful wine, and the hypnotic views, had lulled us all into a peaceful slumber, our souls adrift in tranquility.

Since the Arcville wasn’t racing at light speed, the entire tour unfolded over ten leisurely hours. A nine-hour journey lay ahead of us for our return to Earth, a journey we would savor just as much.

I stirred as the ship made a subtle shift in movement, signaling our re-entry into the inner solar system. Groggily, I blinked my eyes open, my head nestled against Minsha’s shoulder, the warmth of her presence comforting as I adjusted to the awakening world around me.

As I stretched languidly, I realized we were already gliding past Mars again, the crimson sphere looming in the vastness—radiating its rusty-red brilliance like a beacon of fiery promise.

I cast a glance around the observation deck. Everyone remained blissfully ensconced in various states of half-sleep, their bodies comfortably sprawled across the luxuriously cushioned seats. Stacy was curled up peacefully against Gwen, a serene smile gracing her face; Mom and Dad leaned gently against each other, embodying love and contentment; even my ever-alert guards appeared uncharacteristically relaxed in their vigil.

With a smile curling my lips, I turned my gaze back to the awe-inspiring window before us, where Mars basked in its vibrant glow, and I soaked in the quiet serenity of the moment—the warmth of my wife beside me and the knowledge that this journey was indelibly etched in our memories, a tapestry of shared experiences that none of us would ever forget.