“Do you like it?” Wilhelmina’s eyes sparkled.
“What can I say?” Albert sighed, gazing at his newly wedded wife. He whispered, “I am so lucky to have married you.”
Albert kissed his wife’s forehead and went to shake hands with the band members. He said something, and the band leader laughed, “No problem, Your Highness. Congratulations on your wedding.”
Seeing Albert return with a smile, Wilhelmina asked, “What did you say to them?”
“My dear, that’s my surprise for you,” Albert embraced Wilhelmina, “Now, let’s dance.”
The guitarist strummed, and after a few notes, the lead singer began the old love song “Back At One.” The heartfelt lyrics touched everyone present.
The newlyweds embraced and danced gracefully, their foreheads touching and sweet smiles on their faces.
“I believe this will be a happy and long-lasting marriage,” Angela said, watching the couple dance with Kearns. “What surprises me about Albert is his tolerance. He’s willing to stay in the background for Willy, humble and low-key. That’s quite a sacrifice for a man.”
“Why do you always sound like a marriage counselor?” Kearns mocked. “So, seeing Willy married, you have no thoughts?”
“Me? Married? No, no, no!” Angela laughed. “I want to graduate from medical school, then do my postgraduate studies, my doctorate, and then open my own private clinic.”
“Willy hoped you would become the court physician. You refused?”
“You know my temper. How could I have the patience to serve those nobles?”
But I’m happy to join the Royal Medical Research Institute. Willy said she would write me a recommendation letter. A letter of recommendation from the Queen!”
“Yes, yes, Dr. Gelsiya,” Kearns replied.
The wedding night ceremony followed tradition. In the main bedroom of the Paris Palace, the bed was scattered with rose petals. After changing into nightclothes, the newlyweds bowed to each other, surrounded by elders, the Pope, attendants, and loyal servants, before climbing into bed under the Pope’s blessing.
The awkward ceremony finally ended, and people withdrew, closing the door.
The two young people looked at each other and burst into laughter.
“Oh my God!” Wilhelmina fell onto the bed, sighing deeply. “It’s finally over! I’ve already ordered that for at least six months after the wedding, there will be no large social dances in the court! I’m so tired of it!”
