Wilhelmina was momentarily stunned. Hans Borg was the first to address her as “Your Majesty.” She was now the Queen, having replaced Annabel after the crown was removed.
During her struggles, she had never imagined this title. Wilhelmina craved freedom more than royal power and was not obsessed with titles. However, being addressed as “Your Majesty” made her realize that she secretly desired it.
From now on, she no longer had to bow to anyone or live on tenterhooks. She could openly protect those she cared about.
“Your Majesty?” Hans Borg prompted.
“Oh, I understand,” Wilhelmina said, coming to her senses, “Never mind. It’s not a big deal. Have the craftsmen repair the crown.”
Hans Borg bowed and retreated, commanding his subordinates to escort Annabel away.
Wilhelmina took a deep breath, adjusting her emotions to adapt to her new title.
“It’s all over,” Albert said softly, “For her.”
Wilhelmina and he silently watched Annabel’s departing back. Annabel would be sent to Andisborg on Loki, where her status would be that of Countess de Garis. She would be well-provided for but permanently confined and under surveillance.
She would be tried for treason, stripped of political rights and royal succession, and her descendants would also lose these privileges.
Through negotiations, Prince Heinrich and his wife, as well as Princesses Amelia and Georgiana, could remain in Odin or return to their fiefs if they renounced their inheritance rights. However, they would need royal approval to visit Annabel.
After Wilhelmina returned to Rose Palace, Annabel was placed under soft house arrest in a royal villa. Wilhelmina became the mistress of this palace and the fifth monarch of the Osenberg family.
Unlike Annabel, who eagerly moved into the Carefree Palace, Wilhelmina was low-key. She declined the palace administration’s suggestion to prepare a bedroom in the Carefree Palace, choosing to continue living in Little Buckingham Palace, where she had resided for eight years.
She began to address the issues Annabel had left behind. Previous Osenberg monarchs, influenced by Emperor Wolrich, valued simplicity. However, Annabel had spent excessive amounts replacing palace furniture with elaborate Baroque-style pieces.
Wilhelmina’s second order was to auction off these luxurious furnishings and decorations, along with some of Annabel’s crowns and jewelry, using the proceeds to address the treasury’s deficit.
