He knew he had hurt her, and this was beyond repair. Just as he had once protected and supported her, he believed what he was doing now was also for her good. While there was still time, he would maintain a safe distance between them.
She would always be his sweetheart, his precious girl. He could take a bullet for her; this would be the best way for them to interact.
“You should return to the ball, Your Majesty,” Hans Berg said softly, “Today you are the main character and cannot be away for too long.”
“Of course,” Wilhelmina replied, “I have a dance scheduled for every song, fully booked until midnight.”
Hans Berg added, “You’re about to be crowned. The ball will end, but your reign is just beginning.”
“I miss your lectures,” Wilhelmina playfully winked, “Owen, I hope you can return to the court soon.”
As she turned to walk back, Hans Berg suddenly called out to her.
Looking back, Wilhelmina noticed the handsome man in a crisp tuxedo. She felt lucky to have his loyalty and service, even if she couldn’t have him entirely.
Hans Berg carefully examined the elegantly dressed young girl in the hall’s light, feeling she was almost surrounded by a glow.
He sincerely exclaimed, “You look beautiful today.”
A warm smile spread across her lips as Wilhelmina nodded and turned to leave. Albert, waiting at the doorway, extended his arm as she approached, his smile indulgent and doting.
Wilhelmina placed her hand on his arm, glancing at him sideways. “Aren’t you bothered by your fiancée meeting another man?”
Albert chuckled, “It wasn’t a meeting; you just exchanged a few words at the ball. Of course I mind, because you missed the opening waltz.”
Wilhelmina was silent for a moment. “Did I say something wrong?” Albert looked down at her uneasily.
“No!” she replied, “I just feel I’m a lucky person.”
The scene of the queen and her fiancé holding hands and gazing at each other on the dance floor caught the attention of most guests. “Only love and cough cannot be hidden,” Schneider smiled to nearby ladies, who expressed admiration.
