“Would you like to enjoy a cigar in the lounge before returning, Your Highness?” Hanborg asked.
“Very much so,” Alte replied.
Once the last staff member left the lounge, Hanborg got straight to the point: “Your Majesty, are you still opposed to executing Duchess de Gali?”
Alte flicked his cigarette ash. “She will change her mind with a little persistence. I’m sure you understand that.”
“You want to persuade me further?” Hanborg inquired.
Alte laughed. “I won’t let this matter damage our marital relationship, Mr. Hanborg. As king, I swore to be loyal and serve the queen, to be her faithful husband and servant.”
“So, Your Highness, you’d rather adhere to your outdated oath and watch Her Majesty make a wrong decision?” Hanborg’s tone was sharp.
Alte, appearing calm, responded, “If you were in my position, Mr. Hanborg, you would likely do the same. My first consideration is the government and the empire, but more importantly, my wife. This may sound selfish, but this is my choice. I love William Mina, so I will do everything to protect her and make her happy.”
Hanborg calmly faced the king’s pressing gaze for a long time, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
“I understand, Your Highness,” he said, playing with the cigar in his hand. “I’ve prepared a better solution to deal with this situation.”
“Are you talking about assassination?” Alte cut to the chase.
Hanborg’s smile deepened. “Not very honorable, but simple and effective.”
Alte frowned. “The queen would be furious.”
“We must succeed. We have prepared a detailed and comprehensive plan,” Hanborg said. “The assassin will be a victim of terrorist activities.”
“It seems you’ve already planned everything,” Alte laughed. “If the queen continues to disagree, will you still implement your plan?”
Hanborg extinguished the cigar. “Everything depends on your choice, Your Highness.”
Alte said nothing and got up to leave.
The next morning, after breakfast, Hanborg left home and got into the driver’s car. Ke was already waiting, reading silently with a strange expression.
“What’s wrong? Did the opposition party say something about me?” Hanborg asked.
“Worse… and awkward.” Ke stammered, looking at Hanborg oddly. “Owen, my friend, I want you to tell me the truth. What do you think of Her Majesty?”
Hanborg frowned. “Agile, intelligent, mature, and rational…”
