“No rush, Your Highness,” Schneider smiled. “Let’s appreciate the last bit of winter snow, isn’t that nice?”
Wilhelmina seemed listless. “Please forgive me, I’m not in the mood right now. I think I should go.”
“I am deeply sorry for your loss,” Schneider said.
Wilhelmina paused, “Thank you. May Odin bless you, sir.”
Schneider’s smile deepened, “Please do not be so guarded, Your Highness. I am your friend.”
It’s a pity we did not get to know you earlier. Your grandfather refused our visits, and after you came to the Rose Palace, we had no way to approach you.”
William Minna tilted her head and smiled vaguely. “But we know each other now, don’t we? Although I don’t know you, sir, I appreciate your concern. Now, I want to return to my family. You can have the guards show you the way.”
As she turned towards the door, a voice came from behind: “You are very much like your mother.”
William Minna stopped abruptly, curiosity piqued. She turned around. “Did you know my mother?” she asked, astonished.
“I was Rebecca’s teacher,” Schneider replied. “She studied broadcast media with me for three years and was my most outstanding student.”
William Minna’s artificial innocence faded, and her sea-blue eyes moistened. She whispered, “I don’t have many memories of her.”
“That’s okay, sweetheart,” Schneider said gently. “I knew her and understood her. She loved you very much and you were the only right thing in her wrong marriage.”
I know your name was chosen by her because she greatly admired Empress William Minna. Your mother was a strong, independent, and wise woman, full of vitality. She was free-spirited, but you were the only person she cared about.”
The little girl bit her lip, unable to suppress the redness in her eyes.
“Thank you, sir,” William Minna said, head lowered. “I’m grateful you told me so much.”
“Not at all, Your Highness,” Schneider’s smile deepened. “I hope we have the opportunity to meet again to talk more about your mother.”
“Maybe…” William Minna replied with a perfunctory smile.
Hans Borg stood by the window, observing the hallway.
The middle-aged man had obviously used his skills to win the young girl’s favor, and she was indeed moved, stopping to listen to him.
Sunlight shone on William Minna’s golden hair, reflecting a dazzling radiance and making her eyes appear bluer and more transparent.
“Has Schneider finally spoken to her?” a girl whispered lightly behind him. “Look at him, he’s like a kindergarten principal.”
Hans Borg slightly shifted, avoiding her breath brushing past his ear.
Annabel chuckled, “You’re so shy, Secretary.”
“Your Majesty,” Hans Borg lowered his head.
Annabel glanced at the opposite corridor. “She’s growing fast, isn’t she? Two years ago, she was just a little shorty—clumsy, naive, like a fawn in a lion’s den. But she learns quickly. This is your credit, Lord Hans Borg.”
Hans Borg responded flatly, “Princess William Minna is naturally extraordinary.”
Annabel pressed, “When will you tell her?”
“Tell her what?”
“That you will work for me.”
“I do not remember agreeing to this matter, Your Majesty.”
Annabel laughed, moving closer to him. “We are alike—eager for success and power. Following William Minna, you might become a ducal secretary-general for life. But I can offer you unimaginable things.”
Despite her proximity, Hans Borg remained unmoved. He pulled away, looking directly at her. “Your Majesty, if there is nothing else, I will take my leave.”
Annabel toyed with the tassels on her sash, watching his upright back. “If you truly care for her, you should know what to do.”
Hans Borg replied, “I am junior and mediocre, unable to take on the position Your Majesty offers.”
The smile on Annabel’s face faded, her eyes flashing with coldness. “No one can refuse me repeatedly.”
“I am sorry,” Hans Borg calmly faced her fury.
“It seems nothing can change your mind,” Annabel stood by the window, arms crossed, proud and cold, “A graduate of Til Military Academy, when are you going to take off this awkward suit and put on your military uniform again?”
Hans Borg’s footsteps paused slightly, but he said nothing. He bowed and strode away.
He circled to the end of the corridor, where Schneider and William Minna were still talking. The politician shared amusing stories about her mother’s internship at the TV station, and William listened carefully.
Hans Borg waited until Schneider finished the story before calling out, “Your Highness?”
“Owen!” The girl immediately left Schneider and ran to the secretary.
Hans Borg draped a coat over William Minna and touched her face and hands, “You’ve been out too long. You might catch a cold. Let’s go back.”
The girl obediently agreed.
Hans Borg nodded to Schneider and walked into the house with her.
His companion walked up behind him, “How was it? You didn’t talk for long.” “No need,” Hans said, looking at the rose bushes by the column. He picked a budding flower and played with it in his palm. “I believe she will take care of herself until we meet again.”
Chapter 23
The country entered a three-week national mourning period, with all public entertainment activities prohibited, and nobles forbidden from private gatherings and marriages.
Annabel maintained Rose Palace while moving to the Palace of No Worries for her coronation preparations. The symbols of the previous emperor were replaced by those of the new queen. Painters quickly created a portrait of Annabel, which was hung in the gallery adjacent to Alexander I. The painting depicted the young queen as beautiful and spirited.
Kerns sarcastically remarked to Wilhelmina, “Next, she’ll probably erect a ten-story-high statue of herself in North Star Square.”
After the funeral, Wilhelmina and Kerns returned to school. Life remained similar for them with regular classes and exams. Annabel had received a special graduation certificate and completely left campus, visible only in the news.
The holographic image from the communicator displayed Hans Borg’s particularly handsome face. “Are you adjusting?” he asked.
“My long-range shooting isn’t very good,” said Wilhelmina, a bit troubled. “But Kerns thinks it’s because I lack strength. I applied for a strategy course, and if approved, I’ll be busy from next week.”
“Don’t tire yourself out too much, Your Highness,” Hans replied.
“What’s wrong, Owen?” Wilhelmina asked cheerfully. “Do you have something to tell me?”
Wilhelmina turned off the communicator and rushed out of the dormitory at Angela’s urging. Hans Borg sat facing the black screen, and a servant entered to inform him, “Sir, the Ministry of Internal Affairs requests your presence.”
“Understood, thank you,” Hans Borg replied, standing up and straightening his tie. He looked in the mirror at his elegant suit and wondered how much longer he would wear it.
Upon returning to Little Buckingham Palace, Wilhelmina was surprised not to see Hans Borg. Instead, a familiar-looking middle-aged man awaited her.
“Where’s Owen?” she asked, handing her bag to the butler.
The man, tall and thin with sparse hair, replied methodically, “Your Highness, Hans Borg has been reassigned.”
Wilhelmina felt a ringing in her ears. “What did you say?”
“By order of Her Majesty the Queen, Mr. Hans Borg has been reassigned.”
He will resume military service as a second lieutenant in Air Force Squadron 6743-BR65 to suppress bandits at the border.
Wilhelmina stood dumbfounded in the hall, unsure of where she was.
“Your Highness,” the man continued flatly, “I am Sir Wolf, your new secretary and former servant to your father, Duke Rockston.”
Wilhelmina took a long time to process her words.
“Is this some kind of cruel joke?”
“No, Your Highness,” Sir Wolf answered coldly. “This is the Queen’s command.”
“She’s sending Owen…” Wilhelmina murmured.
