Hans Borg slightly shifted, avoiding her breath brushing past his ear.
Annabel chuckled, “You’re so shy, Secretary.”
“Your Majesty,” Hans Borg lowered his head.
Annabel glanced at the opposite corridor. “She’s growing fast, isn’t she? Two years ago, she was just a little shorty—clumsy, naive, like a fawn in a lion’s den. But she learns quickly. This is your credit, Lord Hans Borg.”
Hans Borg responded flatly, “Princess William Minna is naturally extraordinary.”
Annabel pressed, “When will you tell her?”
“Tell her what?”
“That you will work for me.”
“I do not remember agreeing to this matter, Your Majesty.”
Annabel laughed, moving closer to him. “We are alike—eager for success and power. Following William Minna, you might become a ducal secretary-general for life. But I can offer you unimaginable things.”
Despite her proximity, Hans Borg remained unmoved. He pulled away, looking directly at her. “Your Majesty, if there is nothing else, I will take my leave.”
Annabel toyed with the tassels on her sash, watching his upright back. “If you truly care for her, you should know what to do.”
Hans Borg replied, “I am junior and mediocre, unable to take on the position Your Majesty offers.”
The smile on Annabel’s face faded, her eyes flashing with coldness. “No one can refuse me repeatedly.”
“I am sorry,” Hans Borg calmly faced her fury.
“It seems nothing can change your mind,” Annabel stood by the window, arms crossed, proud and cold, “A graduate of Til Military Academy, when are you going to take off this awkward suit and put on your military uniform again?”
Hans Borg’s footsteps paused slightly, but he said nothing. He bowed and strode away.
He circled to the end of the corridor, where Schneider and William Minna were still talking. The politician shared amusing stories about her mother’s internship at the TV station, and William listened carefully.
Hans Borg waited until Schneider finished the story before calling out, “Your Highness?”
“Owen!” The girl immediately left Schneider and ran to the secretary.
Hans Borg draped a coat over William Minna and touched her face and hands, “You’ve been out too long. You might catch a cold. Let’s go back.”
The girl obediently agreed.
Hans Borg nodded to Schneider and walked into the house with her.
