“Why worry?” Falk asked. “Use this opportunity to marry and have children. You’re already thirty and should have been married long ago. Once you’re married, no one will connect you with Her Majesty again.”
Hanborg found it absurd. “I won’t handle my marriage carelessly.”
“It’s fine. By the time your marriage fails, you’ll no longer be in office, and no one will care about your divorce.”
“I understand, Anderson,” Hanborg said, smiling bitterly. “But thanks. These rumors are temporary. Tomorrow is Annabel’s trial – that’s the real show. Now I’m going to a meeting with the lawyers.”
“Go to room six,” Falk reminded.
“It was drizzling on the day of Annabel’s trial. The steps in front of the central court were wet. Reporters and victim families filled the small square in front of the court, and traffic was controlled on several nearby streets.
Anna Bell had previously faced multiple hearings and admitted to various charges. Apart from accusing the Selberg family and William Minna of usurping her dynasty, she made no defense. Prince Heinrich had hired a lawyer for her, but the lawyer was helpless against the evidence.
William Minna watched the trial broadcast in the Louvre Palace study with Albert and several staff members. This was her first encounter with Hanborg since the rumors broke out.
William Minna appeared completely composed. She extended her hand to Hanborg and smiled, “You look good, Owen. The reporter was quite kind to you.”
Hanborg also smiled and kissed her hand. “I hope they didn’t harass you too much.”
“Oh, not at all. I’ve been staying in the palace,” William Minna replied. “Let’s get to the point. I heard you plan to deliver the verdict today. Isn’t this a bit rushed?”
“We all feel there’s no benefit in dragging this out, Your Majesty,” Hanborg explained. “Besides, I believe the jury’s result won’t be far from our expectations.”
“I hope so,” William Minna said, turning her gaze to the screen.”
Behind her, Hanborg nodded to Prince Albert.
At three forty-two in the afternoon, the trial verdict arrived. As William Minna had insisted, Anna Bell was spared the death penalty but sentenced to life imprisonment for treason and murder.
