The Emperor was critically ill, spending more time unconscious than awake and losing weight, sustained only by nutrition. The New Year’s Eve party was hosted by Crown Princess Anna Bel in his place, leading to speculation that the Emperor might not survive the winter.
Anna Bel, rarely seen at school, still appeared for her final exams, completing her papers quickly before leaving with her guards and secretary.
Wilhelmina’s seat by the window allowed her to see Anna Bel being surrounded and escorted away. The young woman appeared proud and self-satisfied, seemingly unaffected by the capital’s disasters, leading one to imagine how the media would sensationalize her appearance.
With the Emperor ill and Anna Bel handling state affairs, she was effectively the country’s de facto ruler, justifying her pride.
Preparations were underway for the Emperor’s death, with the Palace Province ordering mourning clothes and rehearsing funeral procedures. Luxurious decorations had been removed, and everyone moved and spoke softly.
This atmosphere created a suffocating discomfort for Wilhelmina.
It was as if the Emperor’s death was predetermined, and everyone anticipated the relief it would bring.
The children were unaffected by the political atmosphere and enjoyed their time in the manor. They had snowball fights, rode sleds, soaked in hot springs, and played the latest version of “Big Landlord” by the fireplace.
Princess Catherine and her husband were an enlightened couple who doted on their children without spoiling them. They tolerated the children’s mischief, did not urge them to do homework, and shielded them from the gloomy politics of the capital, making the holiday feel like paradise.
Sometimes, when the children watched TV, they saw reports about the Elder Council. Annabel and the Liberal Party leader stood on the steps in front of the Senate, shaking hands and smiling. That friendly appearance seemed unlike her.
“She’s only seventeen, but looks like a twenty-seven-year-old,” Kerns scoffed. “If I were her, I would wake up from a nightmare in the middle of the night and cry.”
“If you stood in front of the Senate facing reporters, I bet you’d cry from fear,” Angela sneered.
“Darling, he won’t cry from fear; he’ll just pose,” Wilhelmina laughed. “Kerns, is that what those girls call you?”
“It’s a compliment to me, ladies,” Kerns said proudly.
“Give it a rest,” Angela snorted. “You’re only thirteen, and you haven’t even grown all your hair down there.”
Kerns leaned close, “How do you know? Did you peek at me while I was bathing?”
Angela was caught off guard. Her face turned red as she stammered, “Who peeked at you! It’s just that you’re an idiot! It was explained in biology class. In front of the high school boys, you’re just a small fry!”
Kerns huffed, “Don’t be so proud, just wait and see. And Willy, don’t laugh. In five years, I’ll be so sexy that you girls will scream!”
“I’ll be waiting, Mr. Tiger,” Wilhelmina rolled her eyes and went to watch her show.
That day, Wilhelmina was awakened at three in the morning. Hans Borg gently shook her awake and had the nanny help her change clothes.
Wilhelmina, face covered with a hot towel, slowly woke up. “What’s wrong, Owen?”
“We’re going back to Odin, Your Highness.”
Wilhelmina rubbed her eyes and became alert. “What happened to Grandpa?”
“His condition suddenly deteriorated,” Hans said. “A message came from the capital, asking you and Princess Catherine’s family to return to Rose Palace to see him for the last time.”
Wilhelmina bit her lip and took the clothes he handed her.
Hans Borg helped her pull her sleeves. “You must be prepared, Your Highness. Annabel agreed to promote the constitutional amendment to gain the Liberal Party’s support. This is the only way she can make up for her father’s negative impact.”
“But Annabel hates constitutional amendments; she wants to be a dictatorial queen,” the girl replied, her gaze mature. “If the Liberals realize Annabel is just going through the motions, what will they do? Will they turn their target to me?”
“So far, no one from the Liberal Party has approached you. They seem confident.”
“Seems I’m just a backup.”
Wilhelmina anxiously put on her socks. Hans knelt down and helped her with the snow-white cotton socks.
“Before this balance is broken, you are safe.”
“How long do you think that will be?” she asked.
“One year, two years.”
“That’s not enough, Owen. In two years, I’ll only be fourteen. I need to be sixteen to sit in on the Senate.”
“Time will come,” the secretary assured her. “I believe that if Annabel wants to kick the Liberals out in the future, Queen Barbara will persuade her.”
“Or she suddenly becomes a democrat?” Wilhelmina mocked.
Hans laughed, his gaze gentle. “First, be a sad child who has lost her grandfather, Your Highness.”
Wilhelmina was silent for a moment, then gave a bitter smile. “Owen, Grandpa was my last protector. First Mom, then Dad, now Grandpa. Why do they all have to leave me?”
Hans Borg looked back and saw the girl’s lost and helpless eyes, and his hard heart softened. No matter how precocious and intelligent she was, she was still a twelve-year-old child with no one to rely on except him.
“I’ll be okay, won’t I?” Wilhelmina looked up at him, her azure eyes reflecting the warm light, revealing her emerging strength.
Hans Borg felt a dull pain in his chest and couldn’t help but hold the child in his arms. This feeling of heartache was unique to Wilhelmina.
“Annabel may monitor you, restrict your freedom, and isolate you from your friends, but this won’t last long. Once she gets married and has an heir, you will no longer be a threat. I think she will marry early.”
Wilhelmina nestled in his arms, listening intently. “After giving birth to an heir, I will no longer be a threat to her, right?” she said, taking a deep breath. “I will wait.”
The man’s strong arms created a safe haven for her. Wilhelmina buried her face in his warm chest, gaining strength to face the storm in this brief moment of calm. Hans Borg felt her slight trembling in his embrace.
He couldn’t help but hold her tighter.
“Still too young,” he thought. If the emperor could live three more years, they would not have to worry so much. The political struggles of the Osenberg family have never been bloody, but they remained significant.
“We’ll be fine, my dear,” Hans Bo said, kissing Wilhelmina’s forehead. “No matter what happens, I will protect you.”
Chapter 21
Emperor Alexander I was known as a just, strict, and wise monarch. During his thirty-nine-year reign, he achieved much, dedicating his life to promoting constitutional reforms and democratic processes, earning the love of the people.
Now, this great emperor’s days were numbered. He lay in bed, wearing a life support device, struggling to breathe. Many of his organs had failed. His family’s hereditary disease had weakened in his generation, allowing him to live into his seventies, unlike his ancestors who had never lived past sixty.
Wilhelmina felt that he was truly old. The majestic emperor she once knew now resembled a tired, haggard elder. His entire being had collapsed, with drooping eyebrows and a scattered gaze, struggling to muster any energy.
This was a dying man.
His grandchildren ran to the old man’s bedside, looking happy and obedient. Joy flashed in the emperor’s eyes as he swept his gaze across his children and grandchildren, pausing on the youngest, Wilhelmina, then turning to the heir Annabel.
“Remember the ancestral teachings… be upright.”
“Yes, Grandfather,” Annabel said softly.
Amelia began to sob. Everyone’s faces were gray, silent, and grieving.
“No crying!” the old man said sternly, these his final words.
On January 13, 7378 of the Galactic Empire, Emperor Alexander I laid down his royal duties and passed away.
