“No rush,” Albert smiled, “I want to listen to this joy a bit longer.”
As the wedding proceeded, promotional efforts followed closely. The queen’s wedding promised lucrative opportunities for the royal family, media, and tourism. The handsome couple was the best gimmick, and the empire hadn’t held a grand royal wedding for a long time.
News about the couple never ceased and escalated, with critics targeting the marriage following the alliance and coup. Queen Annabelle’s supporters, mostly conservative forces and some rebellious youth, directly attacked the marriage as a dirty transaction. Wilhelmina was portrayed as a scheming woman who stole love, while Lord Seleberg was considered a playboy.
Due to Wilhelmina’s media leniency, newspapers and online platforms questioned the authenticity of this marriage promoted as “true love.” Albert’s previous photos with Annabelle were republished, and so-called “insiders” added dramatic descriptions of the competition between the two women.
Wilhelmina treated these gossip stories as jokes, while Albert never cared about external evaluations. Sir Wolf later recorded this episode in his court notes.
In the chief secretary’s eyes, the engaged couple simply didn’t care about political-related rumors. They trusted each other and had a profound perspective, rendering romantic feelings seemingly unimportant.
The queen’s last public event before the wedding was the centennial celebration of the Imperial Art Museum, accompanied by Lord Seleberg. After the celebration, Queen Wilhelmina toured the collections, notably captivated by a twenty-centimeter ivory Venus statue.
A “Pioneer” reporter captured the queen’s focused expression, realizing later that this five-second holographic image was unique.
Young Queen Victoria gazed enthusiastically at a Cupid statue in a glass case while Lord Selborne looked at her tenderly. As she turned her head, they exchanged smiles filled with affection and understanding.
This photo was featured on the front page of the next day’s newspaper, becoming the most famous image of Wilhelmina and Prince Albert.
Doubts and objections were soon overshadowed by admiration after the photo’s release, as it showcased the couple’s deep feelings.
Whether in age, appearance, family background, or knowledge, they were perfectly matched, making the upcoming wedding a “century” event.
William Mina found herself busy due to the preparations. To make time for their honeymoon, she needed to complete some work in advance and often worked late into the night.
Albert always accompanied her and helped with official duties. His wisdom surprised William Mina; he was not only outstanding in military campaigns but also competent in administrative matters. As the heir of the Selborne family, he finally displayed his talents, albeit privately.
The day before the wedding, Albert followed custom and did not come to the palace. William Mina had dinner alone and reviewed documents in her study afterward.
Her grandmother, Lady Lehmann – now Countess Linkberg – entered with ginger tea.
“You should go to bed early, dear,” she said.
“I know, but I can’t sleep,” William Mina sighed.
“I’m not surprised,” the Countess kissed her granddaughter, “Oh, my little Violet, you’re getting married tomorrow.”
“Yes, I’m getting married tomorrow,” William Mina said, taking a deep breath. “I thought I would be calmer about this after my coronation.”
“You may be a queen, but you’re also a bride-to-be.”
No woman is calm at this moment,” the Countess poured William Mina some ginger tea.
William Mina looked at her grandmother and asked, “Was my mother like me before her wedding?”
The Countess smiled gently, “Your mother was a hundred times more nervous and excited. She was marrying a prince.”
“They must have been very much in love.”
“They were always in love,” her grandmother said, stroking her hair. “Don’t think too much, child. Tomorrow is your big day. Drink this ginger tea and then rest. Be a perfect bride.”
After the Countess left, William Mina sat by the window, holding the ginger tea and looking at the moonlight outside.
The communicator rang, and without looking, she knew who was calling.
“I thought not meeting before the wedding was a tradition,” William Mina said with a laugh.
A moment of silence followed before the other person spoke: “William Mina…”
“Owen?” she almost choked. “Oh, it’s you. Sorry.”
Hans Borg chuckled softly. He stood by the window, bathed in moonlight, with a cigarette burning in his hand.
“Am I interrupting?”
“No, I was about to rest. Is there something?”
“Nothing,” he said, shaking off the ash. “I thought tomorrow would be busy, so I called to congratulate you. Congratulations, William Mina…”
I wish you a long and happy marriage.”
William Mina pressed the phone to her ear and smiled softly.
“Do you know, Owen?”
“What?”
“When I was little, my dream was to be your bride when I grew up.”
Hans Borg’s hand trembled, and cigarette ash fell.
“Isn’t it lovely?” William Mina laughed. “You’ve always been the hero in my heart, my father and brother, and my best friend. Getting your blessing means everything to me.”
Hans Borg gazed at the bright full moon in the night sky, silent for a long time.
“Owen, are you there?”
“Yes… always.”
“What are you thinking?”
Hans Borg took a final drag of his cigarette, exhaling white smoke. Then he extinguished it in the ashtray.
“I’m thinking there are no clouds tonight, so tomorrow will surely be a good day.”
And indeed, the next day was clear and cloudless.
The queen, wearing a white wedding dress and escorted by her grandfather, walked on the red carpet. Her veil trailed behind her, held by two children. The stunning bride’s wedding dress caused exclamations from the noble ladies, and the beautiful bridesmaids also received amazed looks.
At the altar, Albert stood handsomely in his formal attire. Marriage can make a man mature instantly, and he now possessed a steadiness he previously lacked, making him even more charming.
Count Linkberg shook hands with the groom and then placed the bride’s hand in his.
Albert led Wilhelmina Mina up to the altar. The Pope smiled at the newlyweds.
“Before God and all witnesses, I swear…”
“I swear!”
“I, William Mina Ossenborg…”
“Albert Selenberg…”
“…truly marry…
…whether in good or bad times, rich or poor…”
“…whether healthy or sick, I will love you, cherish you…”
“…until death separates us!”
“Until death separates us!”
The bells of Saint Michael’s Cathedral rang out, and thousands of white doves flew into the sky. All imperial channels broadcasted the moment the famous newlyweds walked out of the church.
Wilhelmina and Albert held hands tightly on the church steps, waving and smiling at the people. The groom embraced the bride’s waist, and they gently kissed.
Chapter 67 The grand wedding reception lasted all night. After traditional waltzes and group dances, a pop band took the stage, and guests exclaimed with excitement.
The famous rock band “Old Boys,” a group Prince Albert particularly liked, was invited to perform on the Queen’s instructions.
“Is this your surprise for me?” Albert was clearly surprised and touched.
“Do you like it?” Wilhelmina’s eyes sparkled.
“What can I say?” Albert sighed, gazing at his newly wedded wife. He whispered, “I am so lucky to have married you.”
Albert kissed his wife’s forehead and went to shake hands with the band members. He said something, and the band leader laughed, “No problem, Your Highness. Congratulations on your wedding.”
Seeing Albert return with a smile, Wilhelmina asked, “What did you say to them?”
“My dear, that’s my surprise for you,” Albert embraced Wilhelmina, “Now, let’s dance.”
