At midnight, it started raining again. The couple fell asleep in each other’s arms, listening to the rain.
After a while, Albert’s military instincts awakened him. It was too quiet. The rain had stopped; there was no wind or insect sounds—dead silence.
Wilhelmina still lay in his arms, sleeping sweetly. Albert held her tight, alert to any sounds outside.
Someone ran to the bedroom and knocked on the door.
“Your Majesty, Your Highness!” It was the captain of the guard.
Wilhelmina woke up. “What is it?”
“Sorry to disturb you,” the captain said softly, “but we have some unwelcome guests who have entered the villa.”
The royal couple became alert. With military training, they exchanged a glance without speaking. They quickly got out of bed, changed into casual clothes and sneakers, then holstered their matching guns.
Outside the bedroom, the guards were on high alert.
The captain saluted, “Your Majesty, Your Highness, we recommend you temporarily move to the study. It’s the safest place right now.”
Wilhelmina coldly asked, “How many?”
“Security monitors count forty-two people, with seven in the advance team,” the captain replied.
These seven were mainly responsible for the assassination mission.
“How are they?” Albert inquired.
“Estimated to be retired special forces,” the captain said. “And from their method of breaching the security system, they’re not from our people.”
“You mean they’re from elsewhere?” Wilhelmina’s gaze sharpened.
The captain’s back chilled, “It looks like the typical method of the Earth Cult interstellar exiles.”
The mention of the Earth Cult made Wilhelmina’s face turn ugly. Understanding, Albert hugged her, silently comforting her.
Just as they entered the study, a massive explosion sounded from the east side of the house. Everyone was stunned, and the captain almost dragged Wilhelmina by the hand towards the study.
“Wait!” Albert suddenly shouted.
Wilhelmina abruptly stopped and turned back as he rushed over and threw himself on top of her.
In the explosion, rolling air currents threw everyone to the ground, with debris flying everywhere. Wilhelmina was kept tightly protected underneath her husband, feeling her ears ringing as sand and stones fell on Albert, making her heart tighten.
“Albert!”
Wilhelmina grabbed his clothes. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Albert whispered.
They drew their guns as uninjured guards rushed to shield them.
The study was destroyed and no longer safe.
