Wilhelmina appeared to return to her childhood, finding support in Hans Borg during moments of uncertainty. He wiped her tears and drew her into his embrace.
Wilhelmina sighed, “Owen, you haven’t called me by my name in quite a while.”
Her tone sent an electric current through the Prime Minister. Cells that had been dormant began to revive, his frozen chest thawing under her body heat. He was overwhelmed, understanding what his long-standing anxiety had been for. He held her tighter, closing his moist eyes.
“I’m sorry, Willy, I’m sorry…”
“It’s not your fault,” Wilhelmina replied. “I was just too proud. Annabelle’s death was indeed better. You did nothing wrong.”
“No… not that…” Hans Borg sighed, his face pressed against her soft hair. “Many things are too late now…”
“You have nothing to apologize for, Owen. You’re the Prime Minister now; we can’t be indiscriminate anymore. I should apologize for my pride and arrogance. Forgive me for my youth and lack of experience.”
Wilhelmina pulled away and stood up. “I can’t let them see me like this. If something happens to Albert, a fragile and out-of-control Queen will only make people more uneasy.”
Hans Borg looked at her sympathetically. “You don’t need to force yourself.”
Wilhelmina smiled. “I am a leader, Owen, and only then a woman.”
She took a deep breath, wiped her face, and walked towards the door. Just as she reached it, someone behind her suddenly grabbed her and turned her around.
Wilhelmina looked at Hans Borg questioningly, then was drawn into his embrace.
“I love you,” he said.
Wilhelmina smiled, “I know.”
Hans smiled, releasing her. He cupped her face one last time, straightened her hair, and kissed her forehead. A hurried knock interrupted them.
Wilhelmina opened the door, “Found him?”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Cynthia exclaimed, “The Prince is slightly injured but fine. They’re on their way back!”
Wilhelmina rushed towards the door. Cynthia noticed Hans Borg gazing at the Queen’s hurried back with a misty smile, looking somewhat sad.
“Are you alright, sir?”
“I’m fine, Miss Steiman,” he replied, “Let’s follow her.”
Wilhelmina waited at the door for a few minutes before seeing the lights of a hover car. Guards carried Prince Albert down on a stretcher.
Without looking for Wilhelmina, she rushed to the stretcher, embracing his rain-soaked and cold body.
