Although he had anticipated it, seeing Wilhelmina’s pale and haggard yet still pretending to be strong appearance made his heart ache. This was a familiar sight; whenever she faced pain, she looked like this, covering her inner fear and pain with a thin layer of ice, creating an illusion of resilience. This expression reminded him of her father’s funeral and when she learned he was about to be transferred. Now, it was because of her missing husband.
Restraining the urge to embrace and comfort her, Hans Borg bowed, “Your Majesty.”
“You’re all here,” Wilhelmina nodded calmly. Her complexion was poor, her lips bluish, suggesting illness.
“The officials from the Imperial Household Ministry suggested I call you here, but I prefer to believe this is just a lost incident. The search and rescue team will find the Prince. He clearly did not go to his usual place today, and the Royal Gardens are indeed quite large…”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” the Head of Security concurred, “According to my subordinates, we have not discovered any actions detrimental to the Royal Family.”
“Thank you,” Wilhelmina forced a slight smile, “I feel more reassured. Mr. Hans Borg, you can go discuss cooperation with the Guard Corps?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I have something to discuss with you.”
Once the others had withdrawn, Wilhelmina could no longer maintain her façade.
She sank into the sofa, her head resting weakly against the backrest, her eyes blankly staring at the ceiling.
“I don’t know what to do, Owen. I’m truly afraid.”
Hans Borg felt his heart ache. He knelt before her and took her hand.
“Be strong, Willy. The Prince will be fine.”
“But I was furious with him this afternoon,” she said with a bitter smile. “I shouted at him and hurt his heart…”
“He is a man. He knows you were angry and won’t hold a grudge.”
“But what if something really happens to him?” Wilhelmina’s sorrowful look caused him unbearable pain.
“It’s raining hard outside, and it’s cold. Just thinking that he might be injured, unconscious somewhere, with no one knowing… If I can never apologize to him again…”
“No, Willy!” Hans Borg cupped her face, staring into her eyes to convey strength. “Look at me. The Prince will be fine; you’ll all be fine. Today’s events will pass. Do you believe me?”
