In her place, she introduced furniture in the style of the Anglo-Saxon Regency era, which she loved and which reflected her maternal grandfather’s family. The new pieces were elegant and dignified yet warm, creating a fresh atmosphere in the palace.
During Annabel I’s reign, the trend of luxury and decadence in art was corrected and developed under Wilhelmina I, leading to a peak in literature, art, and technology. Before the arrival of the Cosmic Federation, people enjoyed a prosperous cultural life.
The day Annabel was sent away was the day before Wilhelmina’s eighteenth birthday, and Wilhelmina did not go to see her off. The officer escorting Annabel reported back that she had remained calm, “cold as a corpse.”
“Did the Prince and Princess and two Princesses see her off?” Wilhelmina inquired.
“No,” the officer said. “They only sent some things and made a phone call.”
Wilhelmina sat quietly in the morning room, gazing at the roses blooming outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. The officer grew uneasy with her silence until Albert gently waved him away.
“Let’s go for a walk,” Albert suggested as he joined Wilhelmina’s side. “The weather is so nice. Let’s take a stroll near the Maiden’s Spring.”
Wilhelmina smiled gratefully at her companion, recognizing his effort to cheer her up as they prepared for the upcoming events.
It was mid-August, the hottest time of the year, with temperatures around 32 degrees Celsius. Rose Palace, surrounded by forests, offered a cooler respite. This season brought the beauty of blooming roses, filling the air with an intense fragrance that remained constant despite the passage of time.
The Maiden’s Spring garden was set as the venue for the court ball the next day, amidst the excitement of the Queen’s coronation and the anticipated resumption of court activities. Despite the short notice, Wilhelmina resolved to celebrate her eighteenth birthday coming-of-age ceremony.
“What are your thoughts about becoming an adult?” Albert inquired.
“You are a female monarch, now feeling more empowered,” he added.
“I have long awaited this day,” Wilhelmina replied, “as it signifies my ability to make my own decisions. However, fate is unpredictable. Even before I arrived yesterday, I had the freedom to choose. Yet, with power comes responsibility, and already I feel the weight of official duties.”
“You have many people around you who can help,” someone responded.
