“It’s okay.” A large hand supported Wilhelmina, pulling her away from the broken porcelain. Hans Borg brushed cake crumbs from her dress, then ordered servants to clean up before silently returning to his position. Annabelle raised her eyebrows, observing him.
“Have a good sleep and don’t miss tonight’s dinner.” Annabelle put down her silk napkin and stood up, “Let me take Wilhelmina to her palace, Grandfather. I will take good care of her.”
“Good child,” the Emperor nodded, pleased. “I am happy to see you two so affectionate.”
Annabelle held Wilhelmina’s hand and led her to a small open-top vehicle. Hans Borg and the court deputy steward Brück followed in another vehicle with guards close behind. They drove through the imperial palace’s rose garden, the fragrance almost overwhelming.
“Do you like roses?” Annabelle asked.
“It’s okay,” Wilhelmina replied.
The young girl smiled meaningfully, avoiding her cousin’s question.
“I hope you can get used to court life,” Annabel said. “Brück will arrange an etiquette teacher for you. Once you can keep up with your lessons, you can attend school with us.”
“But my studies have always been good.”
“Oh, my dear sister, that’s not what I mean,” Annabel smiled gently. “I know you are excellent. However, we are not ordinary people. The knowledge we must master is just a little more than others. Do you understand?”
Wilhelmina nodded, half-understanding.
Annabel stroked her hair. “Such beautiful blonde hair. Grandfather will surely love it. Our great-grandmother, Empress Wilhelmina, also had beautiful blonde hair. Everyone says I look like her. Grandfather greatly respects her.”
Wilhelmina blinked.
The car passed through the forest and climbed a slope. Annabel took a deep breath, her snow-white arm resting on the car door, brushing her hair in the wind. She was fourteen, well-developed, beautiful like a rose about to bloom.
Wilhelmina looked back and saw Hans Borg smiling and chatting with Brück in the car behind.
“He is truly a lucky person,” Annabel said. “No one could so easily obtain the position of internal secretary. Grandfather truly dotes on you, or perhaps to make up for something.”
“I don’t understand,” Wilhelmina said.
