Wilhelmina’s face turned pale, her eyes burning like two blue flames. “That’s between him and me; it has nothing to do with you! If you’re jealous, tame your own loyal dog, and don’t touch mine!”
Annabel, caught off guard by the fierce counterattack, let out a cold snort. “Enough, Willy. I am the Queen, and the entire empire is mine. You can only obey, not question!”
“You can control the stupid and greedy, but you can’t control the hearts of the wise!”
Wilhelmina shouted, “Owen is the most important thing I have. Yet, for your inexplicable jealousy and irresponsibility, you’ve taken him away from me. If this is how you consolidate your power, you’re in big trouble, Annabel!”
Annabel’s expression grew ugly. “How I rule my empire is none of your concern. Just finish high school and go back to Roxton.”
“I will!” Wilhelmina said firmly. “Staying here makes me sick. May you live forever here, Your Majesty!”
Wilhelmina turned to leave.
Annabel’s face flushed with anger. “Stop right there, Wilhelmina! How dare you disrespect me!”
Wilhelmina ignored her. As Annabel moved to confront her, Albert held her back.
“Please calm down, Your Majesty,” he said coldly. “We cannot let outsiders see you like this.”
Annabel angrily grabbed his collar. “Did you see that? She spoke to me in that tone. This is the obedient Roxton Duchess you all praise. She’s like a wild cat with poisonous claws.”
“Your Majesty…” Albert said, barely containing himself. “Please be careful with your words…”
“I don’t need your lectures,” Annabel pushed him away. “I am the Queen of the Empire. Those who disrespect me will pay the price!”
“She’s just a twelve-year-old child,” Albert said. “You transferred away her trusted secretary; of course, she would be angry.”
“I did what I had to!” Annabel said rigidly. “If Hans Borg can’t be of use to me, then no one can have him.”
The Queen angrily left the study.
Albert did not follow her. He stood gazing thoughtfully at the evening glow outside the window.
Wilhelmina was escorted back to the Little Buckingham Palace by her guards. She hung her head, climbing the stairs like a defeated little lion.
Unexpectedly, she was embraced in a warm hug.
Wilhelmina trembled and looked up, tears sliding down her cheeks.
“Owen…”
