“That’s not your crown, Annabel,” Wilhelmina said, maintaining her calm demeanor. “It’s the imperial crown, worn only by those capable. These are the exact words of Emperor Wolrich. I hope you still remember.”
Annabel sneered contemptuously, “Sanctimonious.”
Wilhelmina smiled, “Your inability doesn’t mean others can’t.”
Annabel looked at Albert again. The young officer’s gaze had changed; the previous humility and tolerance were gone. She realized he had never loved her and believed that if she couldn’t have something, no one else should.
Hans Borg’s expression was colder than Albert’s. Responsible for Wilhelmina’s security, he occasionally lowered his head to speak on the communicator, completely ignoring Annabel.
Suddenly, Annabel stood up, and everyone became alert, with Hans Borg watching her warily.
Annabel twisted her mouth into a bitter, mocking smile. “Willy, you naive girl. Did you think by replacing me, you’d get everything?”
Wilhelmina replied without a hint of concern, “This is the difference between you and me, Annabel. I never thought about getting everything.”
Annabel stared at her for a moment, raised her hand, and removed the crown.
“You want this, don’t you?” She weighed the crown. “Then I’ll give it to you.”
The crown was thrown into the air, flying straight towards Wilhelmina.
Hans Borg instinctively tried to pull Wilhelmina back, but Albert was faster, embracing Wilhelmina and protecting her.
The crown fell with a loud bang, making everyone breathe a sigh of relief. It rolled on the ground and stopped, dislodging a few gems but causing no further harm.
Wilhelmina peeked out from Albert’s embrace, a suspicious blush on her face.
Hans Borg and Albert exchanged glances. He then let go of Wilhelmina’s hand and examined the crown.
Albert held Wilhelmina’s shoulders, asking seriously, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Wilhelmina replied, clearing her throat to hide her embarrassment.
Albert realized his overreaction. As her fiancé, he held certain privileges. He took her hand and placed it in his arm, giving her a relaxed smile.
The brief panic subsided as the guards pulled Annabel away, handing her to her ladies-in-waiting. Annabel appeared unusually compliant, her elaborate outfit feeling unbearably heavy without the crown.
Hans Borg confirmed the crown’s safety, picked it up, and placed it back in its box.
“Should we pursue this matter, Your Majesty?” Hans Borg asked.
