“About my wedding,” Wilhelmina said. “The Pope has reached an agreement with the Grand Elder. The Grand Elder will crown me, and the Pope will preside over my wedding.”
“That seems to be a good compromise,” Hans agreed.
“There’s another issue, Owen,” Wilhelmina said with difficulty. “Because it’s a Christian wedding, I need a senior family member to walk me to the altar.”
Hans frowned slightly, remembering, “I recall the ministers suggested Prince Heinrich.”
Wilhelmina’s expression suddenly turned dark.
“No!” she firmly refused. “I will not choose him! This is what I wanted to tell you. I absolutely will not choose him and will not compromise.”
“Okay…” Hans was surprised but didn’t ask further. “Have you discussed this with the ministers?”
“Yes, it’s been discussed.”
This is my wedding, and I will decide this matter. I hope my grandfather, Mr. Lehmann, will walk me down the aisle. The day after tomorrow, my grandparents will arrive in Odin for my coronation ceremony. Someone needs to explain my change of plans to Uncle Heinrich.”
“You don’t plan to go yourself.”
Wilhelmina smiled coldly. “I’m too busy.”
Hans Borg sighed at her willfulness. But what could he do? She had been smart since childhood, and he was accustomed to indulging her.
“Let me go, Your Majesty,” he offered. “I think the Prince will understand.”
“Thank you, Owen,” Wilhelmina replied gratefully.
On September 18th, it was a cloudy but bright day, with a cool breeze. People preparing for the coronation ceremony had crowded the streets of Odin’s main city before dawn. Colorful flags flew everywhere, flowers bloomed, and hot air balloons displayed banners reading “Long Live the Queen” and “Long Live the Emperor.” Media occupied strategic corners, with cameras set up high.
In the Little White Palace, the Queen’s entourage was in place. Angela and Cynthia were flower girls, wearing matching cloud-white chiffon dresses and jeweled flower crowns.
This group of attendants would be a focal point of the ceremony.
The Lehmann couple, who had come from Monslanka, had changed into formal attire. The elderly couple was in good health, cheerful, and full of spirit.
Upon arriving in Odin, they met with Albert, who had sent people to protect them during the previous coup. The couple had a special fondness for this young man and blessed the marriage.
