“I told Heinrich’s family that if anything happens to you after my death, the events from that year will be made public. Whether they change rulers or become a republic is no longer my concern. Annabel is spoiled and lacks control; her throne will not be stable. If you are as I imagine, you will seize this opportunity to replace her. Now, you are finally safe. As an irresponsible father and grandfather, I can give an account to your parents.”
“Grandfather…” Wilhelmina choked up.
“Albert of the Seleberg family is an excellent young man,” the old emperor suddenly changed the subject. “If possible, marry him.”
You need the support of the Seleberg family, but they are unwilling to unite with Annabel.
Wilhelmina and Albert exchanged a glance, both reading awkwardness in each other’s eyes. Albert let go of her hand.
“I have nothing else to tell you,” Emperor Alexander said. “All the evidence is in that box. How to handle it is up to you. I believe you will make a wise choice. I wish you happiness, Wili. Happiness for a queen has a special meaning, but I hope you can find the happiness I never had.”
The image ended, and the screen turned white. The reader automatically ejected the card, but neither of them moved to retrieve it.
Chapter 63 “Wili…” Albert called softly.
Wilhelmina sniffled, looking up at him, clearly trying to control her emotions.
“Are you okay?” Albert asked.
“I don’t know,” Wilhelmina replied, “Finding out that both my parents were murdered doesn’t feel good.”
Albert sighed sympathetically and embraced her.
Wilhelmina tried to keep her eyes wide open, but tears flowed from the corners, quickly absorbed by Albert’s clothing.
“They could have been alive now, Albert. If none of this had happened, I wouldn’t be an orphan, and I wouldn’t have had to…”
“I know, my love, I know,” Albert hugged her tightly, kissing her temple.
A ten-year-old girl is thrust into a cruel court, forced to mature rapidly and navigate her circumstances. If her parents were alive, she wouldn’t face these challenges alone or stain her hands with blood so young.
Perhaps it was the warm embrace and calming tone that comforted Wilhelmina as she pulled away from Albert.
