Albert was not wearing a uniform today; his low-key black-gray suit perfectly highlighted his broad shoulders.
“Are you okay?” Albert asked, concerned.
“I’m fine, thank you,” Wilhelmina responded politely. “Did you come with your father?”
“Yes. He’s talking to Her Majesty.”
The “Her Majesty” Albert referred to was Annabel.
“Oh,” Wilhelmina said indifferently. “Thank you for coming.”
“This is what I should do,” he replied. “Is there anything I can help you with?”
Wilhelmina shook her head. “I’m fine.”
Albert bowed slightly. “Please accept my condolences. If you need anything, just call me.”
Wilhelmina had no intention of continuing the conversation. She stood, tugging at her dress. She had grown over the past two years, but her gaze still only reached his chest.
“Please allow me to leave for a moment,” she said, looking up, then turned and walked away.
Refusing Hans Borg’s accompaniment, Wilhelmina went to the bathroom through a side door. After washing her face and fixing her hair, she sighed deeply at her reflection.
Not rushing back to the reception room, she slowly walked along the corridor. The warm corridor contrasted with the winter scene in the gardens on both sides. In the early spring afternoon, the snow had not completely melted, and the roses were still sleeping.
Even the winter roses were sparse due to this year’s severe cold.
Wilhelmina stood for a moment, thoughtfully observing the fountain floating with ice blocks when she heard footsteps approaching.
“Your Highness,” a somewhat familiar middle-aged man bowed near her, “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
Wilhelmina looked at him, confused. She had been well-protected and kept isolated from politicians, but she recognized him. He was Meyloff Schneider, leader of the Liberal Party.
Schneider’s presence was clearly not a coincidence. Wilhelmina looked around warily.
“Don’t be nervous, my lady; there’s no one around,” he comforted her. “I’m just lost. But God favors me and let me meet you.”
This suggested his appearance was premeditated.
Wilhelmina calmed down and resumed a casual posture. “In that case, let me guide you. Where are you going?”
“No rush, Your Highness,” Schneider smiled. “Let’s appreciate the last bit of winter snow, isn’t that nice?”
Wilhelmina seemed listless. “Please forgive me, I’m not in the mood right now. I think I should go.”
