Wilhelmina laughed softly, “This is such a beautiful morning. You really shouldn’t start with that line.”
“Then what should I say?”
“‘I love you,’ how about that?”
Albert smiled, “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Wilhelmina propped herself up and gave Albert a gentle kiss.
Albert marveled at this hard-earned love, “Do I only get a reward when I’m injured?”
“I’m rewarding you because you’re injured,” Wilhelmina laughed, “This is the last time. In the future, our home will be like an office, maintaining 365 days of safety to receive a reward.”
“Is this the standardized family management you’re proposing?”
“Yes, do you have any objections, sir?”
“No objections, Your Majesty.” Albert agreed, “Your decisions are always wise.”
Wilhelmina gently caressed his face, then buried her head in his chest.
“I’m sorry for yesterday. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. You’re not just my husband, Albert. You’re a prince of this empire and a decision-maker. I can’t be without you. I only say this in our bedroom.”
Albert laughed: “Even if you don’t say it, I know. My dear wife, without a good husband like me, you would surely be at a loss.”
Wilhelmina bit his shoulder playfully.
“Listen, darling. The doctor said you have a slight heart problem.”
Albert tensed up.
“But it was discovered early and isn’t serious,” Wilhelmina comforted. “A small surgery can resolve it.”
“Is it hereditary?” Albert asked worriedly.
“They estimate it is,” Wilhelmina said regretfully. “It’s okay, darling. Our future children may not inherit it.”
Even if they do, modern medicine can solve it.
Albert suppressed his anxiety, “I really didn’t expect this.”
“I don’t care, truly.” Wilhelmina hugged him tightly, “There are no perfect things in this world. We are happy, and that’s enough.”
Annabel’s assassination diverted media attention from rumors about the Prime Minister and the Queen. The official conclusion was that it was a revenge act by the victim’s family. Speculation about a “political assassination” faded as the deceased had passed, and intense debate gradually weakened over time.
