“Oh, please, I know what tricks your husband played,” Princess Catherine waved her fan. “But I think he did the right thing. Royal power cannot accommodate a young girl’s naive love.”
“Isn’t it good that she has come to her senses?” Madame Schneider admired the couple. “By choosing the most suitable husband, she will not be lost in unrealistic fantasies.”
“I thought your husband was quite fond of that person.”
“Of course he was fond of him!” Madame Schneider replied. “But we would not let an insignificant private affair hinder his future. What she can offer him—a political future—is far more valuable than a little attachment.”
“Politicians…” Princess Catherine snorted.
As the first section of the music ended, guests began leaving the dance floor hand in hand.
As a lady-in-waiting, Cynthia could not dance freely. Feeling thirsty, she stopped a waiter and took a glass of champagne. In that moment, she saw Hans Borg, dressed in evening attire, standing in the shadow of a pillar in the ballroom, watching Wilhelm Minna on the dance floor.
Wilhelm was laughing with Albert, clearly amused. Their eyes never left each other, as if in their own world. The young queen was radiant, and she and Albert were the most dazzling couple on the dance floor.
“Sir…” Cynthia approached Hans Borg. “You’ve finally arrived?”
“Miss Steiman,” he nodded. “I apologize for being late.”
“It’s okay,” Cynthia said, wanting to offer comfort at the sight of his hidden forbearance.
“I hope I haven’t caused you any trouble,” he replied.
“No, not at all,” she laughed awkwardly.
She took a few steps back, then turned to him: “She waited for you until the very last moment.”
Hans Borg was stunned, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
Cynthia curtsied and took her leave.
Chapter 57 Author’s note: If you want to hear the dance song that Wili and Cairns danced to, you can click below. This song is quite rural, but its joyful rhythm is suitable for group dancing.
After one dance, Wilhelm Minna and Albert chatted as they walked back to the royal seat. Albert helped Wilhelm Minna sit back on the throne, then took two glasses of champagne from a servant and handed one to her.
