Albert always accompanied her and helped with official duties. His wisdom surprised William Mina; he was not only outstanding in military campaigns but also competent in administrative matters. As the heir of the Selborne family, he finally displayed his talents, albeit privately.
The day before the wedding, Albert followed custom and did not come to the palace. William Mina had dinner alone and reviewed documents in her study afterward.
Her grandmother, Lady Lehmann – now Countess Linkberg – entered with ginger tea.
“You should go to bed early, dear,” she said.
“I know, but I can’t sleep,” William Mina sighed.
“I’m not surprised,” the Countess kissed her granddaughter, “Oh, my little Violet, you’re getting married tomorrow.”
“Yes, I’m getting married tomorrow,” William Mina said, taking a deep breath. “I thought I would be calmer about this after my coronation.”
“You may be a queen, but you’re also a bride-to-be.”
No woman is calm at this moment,” the Countess poured William Mina some ginger tea.
William Mina looked at her grandmother and asked, “Was my mother like me before her wedding?”
The Countess smiled gently, “Your mother was a hundred times more nervous and excited. She was marrying a prince.”
“They must have been very much in love.”
“They were always in love,” her grandmother said, stroking her hair. “Don’t think too much, child. Tomorrow is your big day. Drink this ginger tea and then rest. Be a perfect bride.”
After the Countess left, William Mina sat by the window, holding the ginger tea and looking at the moonlight outside.
The communicator rang, and without looking, she knew who was calling.
“I thought not meeting before the wedding was a tradition,” William Mina said with a laugh.
A moment of silence followed before the other person spoke: “William Mina…”
“Owen?” she almost choked. “Oh, it’s you. Sorry.”
Hans Borg chuckled softly. He stood by the window, bathed in moonlight, with a cigarette burning in his hand.
“Am I interrupting?”
“No, I was about to rest. Is there something?”
“Nothing,” he said, shaking off the ash. “I thought tomorrow would be busy, so I called to congratulate you. Congratulations, William Mina…”
I wish you a long and happy marriage.”
William Mina pressed the phone to her ear and smiled softly.
“Do you know, Owen?”
“What?”
