“You already knew?” Albert turned back, anger in his gaze.
Wilhelmina took a breath. “Yes, I knew yesterday. But…”
“But you didn’t tell me!”
Wilhelmina sighed. “Albert, this matter has been resolved. Why are you angry?”
Albert moved closer, asking, “I want to know, who came up with this plan with you?”
“Can’t I make this decision myself?” Wilhelmina snapped, “For heaven’s sake, I’m the Queen, not a housewife!”
“I have the ability and right to make a decision about anything!”
“Don’t quibble, Willy.” Albert grabbed his wife’s shoulders, looking directly into her eyes. “For such a big matter, you can’t make a decision alone. I know you; you must have consulted someone. Was it Hans Borg, right?”
Wilhelmina unconsciously pursed her lips. Albert let go of her with disappointment. “You told him, but not me?”
“Albert, please!” she tried to comfort him. “He was going to the Grukots City Hall today. I was just worried about his safety.”
“Yes, you were worried about him.” Albert said with a bitter smile. “With such a big event today, you didn’t even think to tell me. If the arrest operation had failed, if that bomb had exploded, do you know the consequences?”
“Of course I know!” Wilhelmina irritably grabbed her hair. “But Owen’s proposal also seemed reasonable. This was a perfect opportunity!”
“You’re always like this. Hans Borg is your mentor, your best friend… always right…”
“Don’t do this, Albert.” Wilhelmina called out. “You know what he means to me. His election would be very beneficial for me!”
“Don’t confuse the issue, Willy; you know what I want to say.”
Albert looked disappointedly at his wife, “If you can’t see that he’s standing between us, then anything I say is useless.”
“What are you talking about?” Wilhelmina found it unbelievable, “Me, and Hans Borg?”
Albert’s eyes were filled with sadness. “Maybe I shouldn’t have pointed it out.”
He grabbed his coat and strode away, leaving Wilhelmina standing there, her dry eyes closed in pain.
That night, the royal couple slept in separate rooms for the first time since their wedding. The room prepared for Prince Albert was finally used.
The servants in the Palace of Paris were especially cautious. They whispered among themselves.
“No couple doesn’t argue,” a cook remarked. “My husband and I have been married for thirty years and argue almost every day, but we still love each other and have five children. Arguments are just a kind of adjustment in a marriage. Don’t think a little bickering will break their bond. Maybe tomorrow they’ll have breakfast together.”
However, when the order came from above for the Queen and Prince to have breakfast in their respective bedrooms, even the cook couldn’t help but make a strange face.
“Newlyweds always need a running-in period; marriage is like testing a new pair of shoes.”
Wilhelmina planned to send Cynthia to ask Albert if he wanted to have breakfast with her, but Angela, aware of their argument, advised against it.
“This is your first quarrel, dear. I don’t recommend the woman taking the initiative to make up. This moment is crucial for establishing family authority.”
“But I wasn’t entirely wrong. I’m already the authority in this family.”
“Then wait for him to come to you, and sincerely apologize!” Angela replied. “Men, especially those who are idle at home, have a strong desire for family authority. Having lost his career, he can’t afford to lose his status in the family.”
“Is it necessary to analyze it so rationally?” Wilhelmina frowned. “Isn’t marriage maintained by feelings?”
“My aunt is a psychologist and marriage counselor. I’ve learned a lot from her,” Angela said as she poured coffee for Wilhelmina. “You may be a queen, but you’re also a woman. A woman’s nature is willfulness. He is your husband; he should accommodate and protect you, not leave you alone during your newlywed period.”
Wilhelmina stared at the spot where Albert used to sit, a bitter smile on her lips.
Sir Wolf entered, holding a reading screen.
Wilhelmina’s spirits lifted. “Has the vote counting ended?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Sir Wolf replied. “Lord Hansberg has been elected.”
Chapter 73 Hansberg sat in an ordinary black road car, escorted by guard vehicles, slowly driving along Starlight Avenue in Odin’s capital.
Crowds lined the road, supporters waving banners and ribbons, shouting Hansberg’s name. Two giant balloons held a massive banner that read, “Victory Always Belongs to the Democratic Party.”
Many enthusiastic women shouted “Owen,” trying to break through the guard lines.
“Victory is yours, Owen,” said Hansberg’s secretary-general and university friend, Anderson Fax. “The entire capital is obsessed with you. Your popularity has surpassed the Queen’s. Do a good job and get re-elected!”
Hansberg smiled, feeling dazed at the excitement around him. Today, the Hansberg surname would no longer be obscure; his glory would shine. Since holding that little girl’s hand in Monsranka eight years ago, he had longed for this moment.
His ideals and ambitions were now set to unfold step by step.
The road car drove into the Rose Palace and stopped in front of the Louvre Palace. This place, which he had visited many times before, now greeted him with a different etiquette.
After the guards saluted, palace officials came to congratulate Hansberg. Sir Wolf, the Queen’s chief secretary, showed even more respect to him than before.
“Her Majesty is waiting for you in the audience room, Mr. Hansberg. I don’t need to repeat the audience etiquette.”
“Of course.” Hansberg looked at the ceiling of the central hall depicting Odin feasting with his ministers. He remembered when he was a small official who wasn’t qualified to stand beside the Queen.
Sir Wolf opened the audience room door and led Hansberg inside.
Wilhelmina stood by the sofa, smiling at him. She wore a light blue wool dress with a diamond brooch, a pearl necklace, and low-heeled black shoes. Her dignified attire made her look mature, while her post-marriage charm added a subtle seductiveness to her smile.
“Nice to see you, Mr. Hansberg,” Wilhelmina extended her hand. “I congratulate you.”
Hansberg shook her hand. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Your family must be very proud of you. I heard your parents have come to Odin.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. They are very happy.”
“Please sit,” she said, smiling as she took her seat. “As my first Prime Minister, we both still have much to learn.”
A newly established system requires long-term exploration and discussion, filled with challenges. I believe in you, Mr. Hansberg, and together with your team, we will overcome difficulties and create a bright future for our family.”
Though formal, the emotionally charged words made Hansberg nod in agreement, “Yes, Your Majesty. I am dedicated to you and this family, without regret.”
Wilhelmina sighed softly, “We have an important ceremony to conduct.”
They both stood up. Hansberg knelt on one knee before her.
Wilhelmina, with hands together, stated, “Mr. Hansberg, as the monarch of the Galactic Empire, I grant you the position of Prime Minister and empower you to form a cabinet government in my name. You swear to follow the constitutional rights and obligations, to maintain and execute them. You will be loyal to me and the people, fulfilling your responsibilities.”
Hansberg solemnly replied, “Yes, Your Majesty. I swear.”
Wilhelmina extended her hand, and Hansberg kissed the ruby ring symbolizing the monarch’s power.
The ceremony ended, but Hansberg did not rush to stand.
Wilhelmina took a long breath, smiling intimately. “Congratulations, Owen. You are now my first Prime Minister.”
Hansberg stood and shook Wilhelmina’s hand again.
