The guitarist strummed, and after a few notes, the lead singer began the old love song “Back At One.” The heartfelt lyrics touched everyone present.
The newlyweds embraced and danced gracefully, their foreheads touching and sweet smiles on their faces.
“I believe this will be a happy and long-lasting marriage,” Angela said, watching the couple dance with Kearns. “What surprises me about Albert is his tolerance. He’s willing to stay in the background for Willy, humble and low-key. That’s quite a sacrifice for a man.”
“Why do you always sound like a marriage counselor?” Kearns mocked. “So, seeing Willy married, you have no thoughts?”
“Me? Married? No, no, no!” Angela laughed. “I want to graduate from medical school, then do my postgraduate studies, my doctorate, and then open my own private clinic.”
“Willy hoped you would become the court physician. You refused?”
“You know my temper. How could I have the patience to serve those nobles?”
But I’m happy to join the Royal Medical Research Institute. Willy said she would write me a recommendation letter. A letter of recommendation from the Queen!”
“Yes, yes, Dr. Gelsiya,” Kearns replied.
The wedding night ceremony followed tradition. In the main bedroom of the Paris Palace, the bed was scattered with rose petals. After changing into nightclothes, the newlyweds bowed to each other, surrounded by elders, the Pope, attendants, and loyal servants, before climbing into bed under the Pope’s blessing.
The awkward ceremony finally ended, and people withdrew, closing the door.
The two young people looked at each other and burst into laughter.
“Oh my God!” Wilhelmina fell onto the bed, sighing deeply. “It’s finally over! I’ve already ordered that for at least six months after the wedding, there will be no large social dances in the court! I’m so tired of it!”
“At least we have no regrets, right?” Albert lay sideways, propping his head with his hand. “So what was your ideal wedding?”
“Ideal?” Wilhelmina thought for a moment. “A simple ceremony with only family and friends, then dancing on the lawn. My mother used to dance with me on the lawn; I saw it in family videos.”
Albert gazed at her gently. “I really hope to have the chance to see Monsland.”
“We will,” Wilhelmina hugged a small cushion, smiling sweetly at him. “We’ll go together.”
I’ll take you to see the hill where I used to play war games with my friends. Our children can play on the swing under that oak tree.”
“That’s quite a long-term plan,” Albert said, leaning over, pulling the cushion from Wilhelmina’s arms and tossing it behind him.
“Now, my wife, let’s start implementing it step by step.”
Wilhelmina blinked, looking at her newlywed husband, her cheeks flushed. The usually dignified queen was now just an intoxicated bride, soft and hazy, gazing at the young, handsome man above her. She reached out to caress Albert’s cheek.
The thin blanket was lifted, completely covering them. Outside was quiet and peaceful, while inside was dim and heated. Wilhelmina felt itchy and gently bit Albert’s shoulder. They held each other tighter.
After completing all wedding duties, Angela, holding a cocktail, pulled Kearns along the outer corridor of the ballroom.
“Let’s go drink, heartbroken boy,” she said, disregarding Kains’ helpless expression. “As a bridesmaid, if I don’t get drunk, that would be against tradition!”
“What kind of ridiculous tradition is this?” Kains complained but allowed himself to be pulled along.
“I’m trying to comfort you!”
“Angela declared, “If I were you, I’d get thoroughly drunk and then find a girl to spend the night with, ending my virgin status!”
“Who said I was a virgin?” Kains jumped.
“Oh, sorry,” Angela looked him up and down skeptically. “Anyway, today should be a night of revelry. Don’t waste this beautiful tuxedo, right?”
Angela finished speaking and dragged the dejected Kains towards the bar before suddenly stopping. Kains accidentally stepped on her dress and received a fierce glare.
“Mr. Hansberg?”
Hansberg turned around. He had hoped these two wouldn’t notice him.
“Good evening, Miss Garcia.”
Angela saw the cigarette in his hand. “Oh, I thought you didn’t smoke.”
“Not much,” Hansberg smiled, extinguishing the cigarette.
The hall lights cast over Hansberg’s face, highlighting his distinct and handsome features. Such a melancholic man—how many hearts must he have broken? Yet tonight, he still looked lost, as if he had unintentionally lost something important.
Angela sighed, “Would you like to join us for a drink?”
Hansberg smiled gratefully, “No, thank you. I should be going. I have some official business to handle.”
“Alright then,” Angela said. “Have a good evening.”
Watching Hansberg walk away, Kains asked, “What was he thinking?”
“How should I put it?”
“Angela thought, ‘Probably just meeting the wrong person at the wrong time.'”
Kains sighed, “No matter what, it’ll pass, right?”
“Yes, it will pass.”
No matter how sad, the planet still rotates, and dawn arrives. Last night’s nightingale is gone, leaving only a lingering melody in dreams.
Servants prepared breakfast while maids cleaned the palace, tidying the remnants of the ball. Withered flowers were replaced with fresh bouquets.
Sunlight spread across the exquisite carpet, a cool breeze bringing morning flower fragrance from outside.
Albert awoke to birdsong, took a deep breath, turned, and kissed Wilhelm’s bare shoulder.
Meanwhile, in a bedroom of the small Louvre, Angela and Kains sat wrapped in blankets, awkwardly staring at each other.
Chapter 68
Compared to the queen and her husband’s warmth, this pair was more awkward. After sobering up, last night’s madness felt like a dream, but the messy bed proved otherwise.
To cover his awkwardness, Kains whistled involuntarily.
“Shut up, Kains!” Angela said fiercely.
Kains obediently fell silent.
“Now,” Angela commanded, “Close your eyes and turn around so I can get dressed.”
Kains wanted to protest but complied, grumbling internally. They’d done everything last night, and now he couldn’t even look.
Angela dressed quickly and tidied her hair.
“Okay,” she ordered, “I’m leaving now. You should wait half an hour before leaving to avoid being seen. Last night was just… just one night. We’ll act like nothing happened and never speak of it again. Understood?”
Kains, looking incredulous, asked, “That’s it?”
“What did you expect?” Angela replied, raising her chin, “Should I reward you with candy for your performance last night?”
Kains was irritated. “I understand. You don’t care, so I don’t care either.”
“Perfect,” Angela said as she grabbed her bag and ran off, leaving Kains sitting on the bed, frustrated.
The newlyweds set off for their honeymoon at the Froiding Mountain Villa, a famous hot spring resort in the Froiding mountain area known for its beautiful scenery and rustic architecture, resembling a fairytale world.
In autumn, the mountain maple leaves blazed red, looking like they were burning. Mountain streams pooled blue as gemstones, with fish swimming among the rocks.
Wilhelm and his wife enjoyed their time in this isolated paradise, free from palace intrigues, political troubles, and urban noise. They fell in love with this utopia, walking hand-in-hand on a flower-strewn country path.
Three short-legged hunting dogs followed closely, occasionally playing with each other.
The valley below was a large, flat meadow where the young couple rode horses in the afternoon. The grass was thick, almost reaching the horses’ knees. They galloped through, startling small birds feeding in the grass.
