“To be honest?” Hans Boger laughed helplessly. “It was from an emergency training recently. As a prime minister who must dance with the queen, I can’t be clumsy and ridiculed by the media.”
Wilhelmina smiled. “I think you performed excellently.”
The music flowed like a quiet river. Wilhelm Minna enjoyed it, her smile as beautiful as a summer rose. Hans Borg gazed at her face, feeling his heart warm.
He said she was his precious girl, his most cherished treasure, not out of sentimentality. The eighteen-year-old queen displayed a blend of girlish innocence and mature charm. Her fading childish features grew more beautiful, captivating many.
Indeed, he was also captivated by her. Eight years ago, after seeing the wisdom and patience in her eyes, he had fallen for her.
“What are you thinking about, Owen?” Wilhelmina asked.
Hans Borg revealed a deep, affectionate smile, “I was thinking how beautiful you are tonight.”
The dance ended, and the queen was escorted back to Prince Albert’s side. Hans Borg went to invite his next dance partner.
His secretary Fax approached him, “The dance was excellent. I saw everything from the side. Perfect.”
“Thank you,” Hans Borg drained the champagne in his glass. He now needed a cool liquid to calm his boiling brain.
Fax’s next question was jarring, “Owen, do you love her?”
Hans Borg paused, then smiled, “Of course I love her. I’ve almost watched her grow up.”
“You know what I mean!” The old friend’s smile held sarcasm, “I can see it, and others aren’t blind either.”
Hans Borg instinctively looked towards William Minna. She was conversing with several ministers, with Prince Albert by her side. They occasionally exchanged a glance that was incomprehensible to others.
A young secretary hurried over, whispering something to Fax. Fax’s expression changed, “Mr. Schneider has passed away.”
“What?” Hans Borg tried to control his expression. “I visited him in the hospital yesterday; he looked fine.”
“He had a sudden stroke and couldn’t be saved,” the young secretary nervously explained. “Mrs. Schneider asked us to notify you to confirm the funeral arrangements.”
Hans Borg adjusted his emotions and walked towards William Minna.
William Minna saw his signal and stepped out of the crowd. Albert continued his conversation with the parliamentary lady while keeping an eye on her.
