“What influence can a long-deceased mother have on her?” he asked. “Now she lives under the Emperor’s protection. She won’t forget her roots.”
” “She won’t forget her political capital,” the Crown Princess said. “When she realizes the power she can use to influence the political situation, she’ll find it hard to resist. And she doesn’t seem to be a smart child, making her easier to manipulate. By Hans Borg or someone else.”
“Then we’ll manipulate her,” Annabel suddenly spoke up. “She just arrived in a foreign place, lonely and isolated. It’ll be easy to win her friendship.”
“My clever Annie!” her mother said, kissing her daughter excitedly. “You’re such a smart little angel, I’m so proud of you!”
Wilhelmina had a slight fever at midnight, but after an antipyretic injection, her temperature returned to normal by dawn. The first thing she asked upon waking was, “Where is Owen?”
“Mr. Hans Borg is undergoing new staff training at the Internal Affairs Department today due to yesterday’s negligence,” the maid said softly.
Wilhelmina drank her honey milk, feeling dejected. Just then, Annabel entered her bedroom with flowers and a plush toy.
Chapter 9
Hans Borg finished his training and returned to Little Buckingham Palace. The deputy informed him that Princess Wilhelmina and Princess Annabel were having afternoon tea in the conservatory, made of high-purity ice crystals from a distant planet, where lush tropical plants grew under the sunlight. “
Hummingbird-type small garden robots flew in the air, spraying mist. This was Prince Adams’ favorite place before his death, an art enthusiast who collected rare tropical plants.
The girls sat under a Sleeping Beauty flower with exquisite tea sets on a small table, while big cat Lucy crouched by Wilhelmina’s feet, licking milk from a plate.
At Odin Royal Academy, Annabel pointed to her badge, saying to Wilhelmina, “If you pass the test in August, you can enter fourth grade. Kerns was held back; he might even be in the same class as you. He seems to be the little tyrant of the junior academy, but he won’t dare to bully you.”
“Is everyone studying there?” Wilhelmina asked, yearning.
