“All bedrooms in the Worry-Free Palace have had dead people lying in them,” she complained privately, rejecting the suggestion of moving to Worry-Free Palace. Those who knew her understood that she disliked the dark-toned decor and ornate decorations.
“What do you think of Paris Palace?” Albert suggested. “It’s not large, perfect for home life, and it’s connected to the Long Gallery and the New Louvre Palace. The Louvre Palace should be large enough as an office and banquet venue. This way, living and working spaces are separate.”
This suggestion was immediately approved by Wilhelmina. Thus, the soon-to-be-married couple settled on Paris Palace as their new residence. This small three-story palace with twenty-one rooms, previously an inconspicuous place in Rose Palace, would now become the center of the entire empire.
Another significant event was the four-hundredth anniversary of the Royal High Art Academy. This institution, which had continued from the old dynasty, stood firm through changing times.
Annabelle’s first public appearance as queen was cutting the ribbon for the new royal racecourse, while Wilhelmina’s was to give a speech at the academy’s anniversary. This was also the second time Wilhelmina appeared in public with Albert since her television speech.
On a crisp autumn morning, Queen Wilhelmina and her fiancé, Viscount Albert Milendwa, arrived at the Royal High Art Academy. The queen wore a light blue suit, with a kind smile and graceful demeanor. Viscount Albert was in a navy blue tailored suit, tall and handsome.
After the ceremony, the engaged couple watched a cultural performance and toured the newly built multi-purpose hall and the art exhibition. They enthusiastically met and took photos with student representatives.
An unexpected incident occurred as they were leaving the hall. Wilhelmina and her group were surrounded as they walked down the stairs. A red-haired female student suddenly broke through the guards, shouting, “Your Majesty, I have a question.”
Wilhelmina was stunned. Albert held her arm, silently urging her on.
So, Wilhelmina smiled and nodded at the girl as she continued walking.
“Your Majesty!” The female student shouted while struggling with the guards. “Did you steal Annabelle’s man to ascend to the throne?”
This shocking question stunned everyone present, including Wilhelmina and Albert, who stopped in his tracks.
