The weekend family dinner felt gloomy, marked by the Crown Prince’s suddenly half-white hair and the additional wrinkles on the Crown Princess’s face. Wilhelmina had been warned by Hans Borg that this meal would not be peaceful, so she was extra cautious.
“My days are numbered,” the Emperor suddenly proclaimed, prompting everyone to listen intently. “But I cannot retire peacefully. At my age, an old man should enjoy a relaxed retirement. Instead, I still have to fight for my descendants’ welfare, especially those selfish and foolish individuals who have disappointed me. His dissolute lifestyle has brought unprecedented damage to the royal family and the empire, shaming his wife and daughter, causing me lifelong regret…”
“Father, please…” Princess Catherine interjected, trying to dissuade him.
The Emperor, angrily pushing away his chair, stood up and waved off Brück, who sought to support him. “If you could anger me to death, that would be the last good thing you do! Then I wouldn’t have to watch you continue to be foolish!”
To Wilhelmina’s surprise, Annabel began to cry silently. Amelia had long been in tears, and Georgiana’s face was flushed with excitement. “Father, our brother has already repented. Let this matter pass,” Princess Marianna implored.
The Crown Princess sniffled, wiping her eyes with a handkerchief. The Crown Prince sat quietly, his face ashen.
“For the sake of your deceased mother, this is the last time I forgive you, Heinrich. But you must be punished!” The Emperor declared and strode away.
A deadly silence enveloped the table. Princess Catherine stood up and beckoned Cairns and Wilhelmina to leave. As Wilhelmina exited, she glanced back to see Annabel’s tear-streaked face, her gaze toward her father a mix of contempt and sympathy. The Crown Princess raised her head, a pleased smile at the corner of her mouth, then glanced at Annabel.
Three days later, the royal family, cosigned by the Senate, removed Heinrich’s status as Crown Prince and appointed the eldest princess Annabel as the heir. The succession ceremony was solemn, attended by the royal family and notable nobles.
Wilhelmina wore a royal blue dress adorned with jewelry and a sash, appearing before the media like a porcelain doll. The media’s sympathy for her blossomed due to her tender demeanor. Wilhelmina learned to harness this, always presenting herself as obedient and gentle in front of the camera.
