This triggered Angela, who burst into tears, “Oh, you’re about to get married…”
Wilhelmina gave Cairns a helpless look. Cairns approached Angela, “You’re already the bridesmaid, why are you crying?”
“What do you know?” Angela glared at him, whispering, “Men will never understand a woman’s feelings when watching her friend get married.”
Cairns scratched his head, feeling awkward.
Cynthia helped Wilhelmina put on long gloves and pin a sash, which featured the highest royal rank.
Sir Wolf knocked and entered, “Your Majesty, the photographer is ready.”
“Thank you,” Wilhelmina adjusted her necklace, “Let’s go, ladies. Today is destined to be busy.”
She led the way out, her dress tracing a beautiful arc.
The morning room of the White Gold Palace had been set up as a photography studio. Sir Laudley, the royal photographer, waited with his assistant to receive the Queen.
“It’s an honor to serve you, Your Highness,” the middle-aged photographer, dressed in gentleman’s attire, bowed and kissed Wilhelmina’s hand. “You are absolutely stunning today. Never in the history of the Galactic Empire has there been such a charming queen.”
“Fortunately, people don’t choose monarchs based on appearance,” Wilhelmina replied wittily.
Wilhelmina sat in a deep blue high-backed chair while the photographer and his assistant worked to position her and her dress perfectly. She looked like a lady in an oil painting.
“Slightly higher head, Your Majesty, please maintain a smile.”
At that moment, Albert entered the morning room, carrying a large bouquet of pink carnations. As the queen’s fiancé and dance partner, he was also dressed formally. His uniform was adorned with family badges and tassels, and he had a cane and short sword at his waist.
The outfit added elegance to the handsome young man, intensifying his usually cool demeanor. Albert looked at Wilhelmina with amazement, reflecting their mutual helplessness about dressing so formally.
This moment was captured by the photographer.
This holographic static image became the most circulated picture of Wilhelmina I, primarily because of her beauty and brilliant smile.
From this batch of photos, one would be selected as the official royal portrait for the official website. Following Wilhelmina’s coronation, the royal family would issue a set of queen stamps, including one of the photos.
After taking dozens of photos in different poses, the queen completed her first task of the day.
Subsequently, the queen, accompanied by her fiancé and attendants, arrived at the venue. Queen Wilhelmina stood at the hall’s entrance, welcoming each guest.
Since the grand election had not concluded, Wilhelmina had not yet formed her official court of ladies-in-waiting. Currently, Cynthia Steiman, whom she had brought back from Rockston, held the position of lady-in-waiting.
Cynthia quickly familiarized herself with the court’s inner workings and the backgrounds of various nobles. Whenever Wilhelmina couldn’t recall a guest’s name or title, Cynthia was able to remind her promptly, often providing useful gossip.
So when the Schneider couple arrived at the venue, Wilhelmina asked joyfully, “I heard that your granddaughter gave birth to a boy the day before yesterday? Congratulations to the distinguished couple on becoming great-grandparents.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Schneider replied happily. “As we grow old, it is inseparable from the joy of new life. We also look forward to hearing good news from you.”
Wilhelmina glanced sideways at Albert, who was talking to Angela, with a slight blush.
“By the way, Mr. Schneider, why don’t I see Lord Hans Borg? I thought he would come with you.”
“Oh, unfortunately, he seems to be held up by an urgent matter,” Schneider explained. “Young people are smart and capable, so I give him a bit more work than I should. The issue is that regarding the disarmament of the Democratic Party, it seems someone has hidden a batch of weapons for personal interests. Hans Borg has gone to handle this. Please don’t worry, Your Majesty, it is a very safe task, and I believe he will be able to come over after finishing.”
“I hope he can arrive before the ball begins,” Wilhelmina forced a smile. “Thank you and your wife. I hope you enjoy today.”
As the Schneider couple left, Wilhelmina’s smile became somewhat dejected.
“Are you alright, Your Majesty?” Cynthia asked in a low voice.
Wilhelmina gave a bitter smile. “You heard everything.”
“I think perhaps Lord Hans Borg has something important to handle.”
“Probably,” she said helplessly.
“What about your first dance?”
“Wait a bit,” she murmured, smoothing her dress. “Just wait a bit more…”
“Your Majesty?”
“It’s nothing.” Wilhelmina gathered herself and smiled enthusiastically at the next guest.
By the time all guests had arrived, she still had not seen the figure she was hoping for. Unable to leave, she kept the master of ceremonies and maids anxious.
Receiving Cynthia’s pleading look, Albert approached Wilhelmina. “Perhaps he is on his way. Let’s go to the dining room and wait for him while eating.”
Realizing her impropriety, Wilhelmina smiled self-deprecatingly and placed her hand on her fiancé’s arm.
In the Carefree Palace dining hall, the crystal chandelier glowed brightly above a seemingly endless table. Court delicacies and fine wine filled the table, while a light orchestra played, and guests chatted happily. Wilhelmina’s relaxed attitude revived the court’s social atmosphere reminiscent of Emperor Alexander’s time.
The new dynasty had just been established, and the court had undergone talent screening. Those who remained and the elevated nobility were busy forming new social connections.
The seat reserved for Hans Borg on Wilhelmina’s left remained vacant. The servants kept his dishes and wine ready, waiting for his arrival. The guests engaged in lively conversation, unfazed by his absence.
Every time Wilhelmina turned her head to see the empty seat, her expression dimmed. Albert noticed her dejection.
“It’s unfortunate that Lord Hans Borg is detained by official duties,” remarked the Countess of Sellerberg.
Chapter 56 The Count of Sellerberg had resigned from his military post. Though his family had long held the title of Count, Wilhelmina promoted him to Duke of Milendwa, allowing them to retain their territory.
The cheerful duchess, holding her wine glass, said to Wilhelmina: “He must be on his way now, perhaps arriving any minute. No one would want to miss Your Majesty’s birthday banquet, right? We all hope he can arrive in time.”
“Yes, Duchess. I appreciate your thoughtfulness,” Wilhelmina replied, her mood lifting slightly. She turned to Albert and whispered, “Your mother is truly kind.”
“She likes you very much,” Albert said.
“I think I like her too,” Wilhelmina replied happily.
Time waits for no one. Wilhelmina stood up with her wine glass, preparing to give a speech. People also stood.
“Thank you,” she gestured for the guests to sit. “Thank you for coming to celebrate my birthday. Today marks a new beginning. I could not have reached this point without your support. Your loyalty and friendship are the most precious gifts to me.”
Guests smiled knowingly.
“Eighteen years ago, my life began today. I am grateful to my parents who gave me life and the family who raised me. I hope that today marks the beginning of a promising future for our empire. Thank you.”
Guests applauded enthusiastically for her touching speech.
They raised their glasses, shouting: “Happy Birthday! Long live the Queen!”
Wilhelmina smiled and raised her glass. In the corner of her eye, she noticed Hans Borg’s empty seat.
By the end of dinner, Hans Borg had not appeared. Wilhelmina had no choice but to leave the restaurant and return to the ballroom with Albert.
