“Everyone is avoiding the recent terrorist attack topic,” Wilhelmina remarked to Hans Boger. “Since the election incident, they’ve been quiet.”
“Yes, I’ve noticed,” Hans Boger replied. “The head of security and I just had a meeting. We have a bold estimate.”
“That they are preparing for a larger-scale attack?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Wilhelmina smiled at the guests nearby, then whispered, “I want to bring this up at tomorrow’s meeting. I’ve always been a pacifist, Owen, but when necessary, we must send troops.”
“I understand, Your Majesty.”
As the band was ready, Wilhelmina smiled at Albert and extended her hand to Hans Boger. He took her hand, and they walked to the center of the ballroom, watched by everyone. The young queen and the elegant prime minister shared an intimate connection, known in upper-class circles. If not for her excellent relationship with the prince, rumors might have spread further.
A beautiful waltz melody began, and Hans Boger wrapped his arm around Wilhelmina’s waist, stepping out with the rhythm.
His dance steps differed from his elegant demeanor, influenced by his military background. Hans Boger’s steps were precise and full of strength, effortlessly spinning Wilhelmina around.
“You really surprise me, Owen,” Wilhelmina said. “When did you learn ballroom dancing so well?”
“To be honest?” Hans Boger laughed helplessly. “It was from an emergency training recently. As a prime minister who must dance with the queen, I can’t be clumsy and ridiculed by the media.”
Wilhelmina smiled. “I think you performed excellently.”
The music flowed like a quiet river. Wilhelm Minna enjoyed it, her smile as beautiful as a summer rose. Hans Borg gazed at her face, feeling his heart warm.
He said she was his precious girl, his most cherished treasure, not out of sentimentality. The eighteen-year-old queen displayed a blend of girlish innocence and mature charm. Her fading childish features grew more beautiful, captivating many.
Indeed, he was also captivated by her. Eight years ago, after seeing the wisdom and patience in her eyes, he had fallen for her.
“What are you thinking about, Owen?” Wilhelmina asked.
Hans Borg revealed a deep, affectionate smile, “I was thinking how beautiful you are tonight.”
The dance ended, and the queen was escorted back to Prince Albert’s side. Hans Borg went to invite his next dance partner.
His secretary Fax approached him, “The dance was excellent. I saw everything from the side. Perfect.”
“Thank you,” Hans Borg drained the champagne in his glass. He now needed a cool liquid to calm his boiling brain.
Fax’s next question was jarring, “Owen, do you love her?”
Hans Borg paused, then smiled, “Of course I love her. I’ve almost watched her grow up.”
“You know what I mean!” The old friend’s smile held sarcasm, “I can see it, and others aren’t blind either.”
Hans Borg instinctively looked towards William Minna. She was conversing with several ministers, with Prince Albert by her side. They occasionally exchanged a glance that was incomprehensible to others.
A young secretary hurried over, whispering something to Fax. Fax’s expression changed, “Mr. Schneider has passed away.”
“What?” Hans Borg tried to control his expression. “I visited him in the hospital yesterday; he looked fine.”
“He had a sudden stroke and couldn’t be saved,” the young secretary nervously explained. “Mrs. Schneider asked us to notify you to confirm the funeral arrangements.”
Hans Borg adjusted his emotions and walked towards William Minna.
William Minna saw his signal and stepped out of the crowd. Albert continued his conversation with the parliamentary lady while keeping an eye on her.
Hans Borg spoke, causing the smile on William Minna’s face to vanish. She stared in shock, instinctively looking towards her husband.
“Excuse me,” Albert said, ending his conversation and intending to approach her.
Before he could move, a servant rushed over. “Your Majesty, would you like some champagne?”
William Minna frowned at the impolite servant. Just as she was about to decline, Hans Borg suddenly pushed her to the ground. An explosion erupted, violently throwing them away.
In pain and disorientation, William Minna felt her vision turn blood red. She realized a suicide attack had occurred. This was the servant’s blood, and…
She felt Hans Borg lying on top of her, protecting her with his body, his warm blood flowing between her fingers.
Meanwhile, Sir Wolf noted that the first media batch probably arrived five minutes ago, and some public attendees remained, hoping for confirmation of safety.
Has the news started broadcasting?
Yes, currently six official TV stations and over twenty private ones are reporting.
The Director of Security entered, and the rest of the personnel quietly withdrew.
Once alone in the study, William Min stood up.
“I hope you can explain why the situation has become so serious,” he said. “You initially assured me this was just a false alarm!”
“I’m very sorry, Your Majesty,” the Director of Security bowed. “We secretly replaced the bomb, but Hans Borg was injured while trying to protect it.”
Alte asked, “How is the situation outside being handled?”
“Everything has been managed,” the Duke Li replied. “Can I send you both back to the palace?”
William Min nodded. “Handle this matter; Li Anbell’s side will likely react soon. You know how to respond.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As the couple’s car left city hall, they were surrounded by reporters, camera flashes flickering and questions penetrating through the car window.
“Is Your Majesty injured? Is the Prime Minister in critical condition? Was this attack carried out by an ex-wife? What measures will the couple take?”
William Min trembled, and Alte held her tighter.
The car sped away, leaving the chaos behind.
Returning to the Paris Palace, the couple went straight to their room without a word.
The bathtub was filled with water when Alte turned on the shower and pulled William Min under the flow.
As the cold body met the warm water, William shivered. Her clothes were stained with blood, not easily noticeable due to their dark color, but now pink bloodwater trickled onto the tiles.
Alte pressed his lips together, helping William remove the blood-stained dress and wash the clots from her hair.
The warm water comforted her, and William gradually recovered from her shock and anger, noticing her husband’s ashen face and the strength of his grip.
“Alte,” she called softly, “I’m fine.”
Alte loosened his hold, helping her rinse the foam from her hair. William tilted her head back, letting the water slide down her face and along her neck.
The water blurred her vision, and she wanted to wipe it away but was held back as Alte captured her lips in a kiss.
The sound of rushing water echoed in the bathroom, and the cold wall contrasted with Alte’s warm body pressed against her, making her consciousness fuzzy. She sensed his anxiety, fear, and jealousy.
Just as she began to kiss back, Alte let her go. William wiped her face and opened her eyes.
Alte was facing away from William Min, wiping his face with a towel. His half-translucent white shirt clung to his body, clearly defining the lines of his strong, lean muscles.
William Min hugged him from behind. “I’m sorry for making you worry. This was a risky adventure, I swear…”
Alte turned to face her, removing her hand. “Do you know how scared I was when I saw that person so close to you? Willy, I was truly terrified.”
“Never again…” William Min softly kissed Alte’s chin, her fingers unbuckling his belt. “Do you want to now, or rest a bit first?”
Alte let out a helpless yet doting sigh, picking up William Min and pressing her against the wall.
Meanwhile, Hans Borg opened his eyes, his vision blurry. He called out, “Willy?”
