The students erupted in noise, and the anxious school leadership urged the guards to remove the troublemaker. Meanwhile, Albert noticed a short male student pulling something dark from his pocket.
With military alertness, Albert reacted instantly. He turned and pushed the still-dazed Wilhelmina to the ground.
As they fell, security personnel sprang into action, and piercing whistles erupted along with cries from the crowd.
Wilhelmina was pressed to the ground, her head held tightly against Albert’s chest, unable to see anything amidst the chaos. Military boots sounded as the crowd was driven away, with some shouting “Your Majesty” and others crying out to God.
She realized what was happening but could hardly believe it, immediately thinking about Albert’s condition.
Just as she was about to speak, Albert released her.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
Wilhelmina shook her head. “And you?”
“I’m fine,” Albert revealed with a relieved smile.
Wilhelmina wanted to ask more, but she knew this wasn’t the time. They stood up with Albert embracing her protectively, and she felt his instinctive protectiveness as her heartbeat quickened.
The guard squad surrounded them, isolating them from the chaos outside. They were escorted into a car and left the school.
Through the hover car window, Wilhelmina watched the chaos below and pressed her temple in distress. Albert squeezed her hand silently for comfort. Wilhelmina smiled at him, her face still pale but calm as she issued orders.
“Relay my message, officer. Do not trouble the school and students, and ensure this matter is investigated fairly without causing further disturbance. The country is in a fragile state, and I want to avoid escalation or misunderstandings. Was the assassin captured?”
“Already captured, Your Majesty,” the guard captain responded. “He is under strict custody.”
“Do not let him die,” Wilhelmina instructed firmly. “You won’t disappoint me, will you, officer?”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” The guard captain saluted.
“Your Majesty,” Sir Wolf handed over the reader. “I think you should see this.”
Wilhelmina knew what he wanted her to see.
“It was all live broadcast, Your Majesty,” Sir Wolf said helplessly.
Wilhelmina smiled bitterly, pressing her temple. “Oh God, I really don’t want to see.”
“I’ll watch,” Albert laughed, taking the reader. Soon, the media recording’s sound played.
