“It has changed my life,” Albert replied. “I fulfilled my family obligations at the price of being able to marry the queen. Many people have been looking forward to this.”
“What about your ambitions?” Wilhelmina inquired, looking into his amber eyes. “I know you, Albert. You are talented and ambitious.”
They always called you the future marshal, heir to the war god, and the empire’s future guardian. But now, you will be just the queen’s husband.”
“I made that decision willingly. I’m not resentful.”
“What made you sacrifice so much for your family?” Wilhelmina asked.
Albert gazed at his fiancée, saying softly, “It’s not entirely a sacrifice.”
Wilhelmina smiled slightly, “Thank you, Albert. You and your family have not betrayed my trust. I will do my best to repay you.”
Albert took her hand, kissed it, and held it in his palm. “Your Majesty, we choose our paths and persist. As you said to Annabel, we never expected to have everything.”
They stood close enough to feel each other’s breaths. For the first time, Wilhelmina felt a familial intimacy with Albert, which made her happy.
On the empty tree-lined path, she didn’t hide her emotions. Standing on tiptoe, she quickly kissed Albert’s cheek.
“Now, you are my friend.”
In his momentary daze, Wilhelmina laughed and walked away. The young queen’s back was like a pink butterfly, and by the time he reached out, she had slipped through his fingers.
Chapter 55 Kearns adjusted his slightly too-tight bowtie while walking through the crystal mosaic corridor.
One side of the hallway showcased oil paintings of the four seasons, while the other faced the central garden. Court maidens in pink and white gauze skirts giggled as they passed, often looking back.
Kearns arrived at Wilhelmina’s bedroom door and knocked. A maid opened it, revealing a room filled with laughter and the fragrance of powder and perfume.
Wilhelmina sat at the dressing table, applying makeup in an apricot-yellow silk dress with a wide V-neck that highlighted her neck and shoulders. Her hair was elegantly pinned up, and the puffy, ruffled skirt trailed on the carpet. The dress was beautifully embroidered with pearls and diamonds.
Kearns could barely take his eyes off her. “I brought flowers…”
“Thank you!” Angela snatched the flowers, jumping in front of the mirror to pin them in her hair.
