For children, however, the plague’s impact was more severe. Outdoor classes were canceled, and they were taking large amounts of medication without being vaccinated. As an animal, Lucy was isolated.
Social interactions were strictly controlled.
Wilhelmina felt lonely and bored; she missed Annabel’s conversations. Kerns was also confined, and no one could visit anyone.
Hans Borg silently entered the study and placed juice on the table.
Wilhelmina looked out the window, asking, “When will this disaster end?”
“Soon,” Hans Borg replied. “The new vaccine has been deployed, and the situation is under control. It’s estimated that in half a month, airspace restrictions will be lifted.”
“Fortunately, no one is sick in Monslanka,” Wilhelmina noted.
“You don’t need to worry,” Hans Borg reassured her. “Everything is improving. Just focus on preparing for your entrance exam.”
“I really hate art class,” Wilhelmina pouted.
Hans Borg smiled. His communicator rang, and after checking it, he said, “The latest news from the court: His Majesty will lead the royal family to the ‘Temple’ blessing ceremony on the 26th.”
“What do I need to do?”
“I’ll prepare an outfit for you and teach you the ceremony’s etiquette,” Hans Borg replied gently. “Remember, don’t smile at the media this time.”
On the day of the blessing ceremony, Wilhelmina appeared in public in a solemn dark blue dress, her black hair tied back, her expression serious. Annabel, holding her sister’s hand, wore a dark gray dress and looked pale.
The Emperor led his descendants to light the blessing torches.
On Saint Spring Square, hundreds of thousands of people shouted, “Long live the Empire!”
Wilhelmina stood behind her grandfather, looking down at the sea of people from the balcony railing. The deafening cheers shocked her young soul. For the first time, she felt the majesty of the royal family and the intoxicating power.
Kerns raised his eyebrows, “Mom said he can give him any title. That’s why Uncle and Aunt fought.”
Wilhelmina casually tilted her head, “But what does this have to do with me?”
“You’re so boring!” Kerns glared at her.
Wilhelmina walked out of the bathroom, where Hans Borg was waiting, handing her a towel. She wiped her hands, slowing her pace and falling behind the crowd.
As she handed the towel back, she whispered, “Kerns told me that Uncle Heinrich has a son outside.”
