The person next to him stood up, leaning down. “Sir?”
As his vision cleared, he recognized the dark-haired woman. “Miss Steiman.”
“Feeling uncomfortable, Mr. Hans Borg?” Cynthia asked kindly. “Do you need me to call a nurse?”
“No, no need.” Hans Borg attempted to sit up, and Cynthia pressed the bed-head button, raising the bed board.
“Her Majesty…”
“Her Majesty is fine, sir. She asked me to watch over you. She is very concerned.”
“Thank you.” Hans Borg was uncertain if he had heard her clearly.
I’ve taken up your time, Miss Steiman.
This is Her Majesty’s order.
You’re watching me here; what about Her Majesty? Aren’t you the head lady-in-waiting?
Other ladies-in-waiting will temporarily replace my work.
Be careful, young lady. Hans Borg smiled, then frowned due to pain. Don’t let them permanently replace you.
I believe Her Majesty is wise, Cynthia smiled. Thank you for the reminder.
You’re awake, Owen? Fax poked his head in. The doctor said you can be discharged tomorrow, but your ankle’s injured, so you’ll need a wheelchair temporarily. Ready to wave to the media? You’re a hero now… Oh, Miss Steiman, you’re still here. Sorry, I just…
Cynthia stood up, saying, “Since Mr. Hansberg is fine, I’ll go back to report.”
“Let the driver take you,” Hansberg said. “Please convey my regards to the lady.”
Cynthia gracefully curtsied, then left.
“She’s quite a nice girl,” Fax said to Hansberg. “From a respectable background, well-educated, and being a female attendant is quite a noble profession.”
“Professions are not distinguished by nobility, Anderson. This was one of our campaign slogans,” Hansberg reminded him.
Fax shrugged. “Let’s get back to the point. Owen has caused a sensation outside.”
Your supporters are so excited they’re almost out of control. The corridors are filled with flowers. We’ll hold an internal meeting as soon as you’re discharged tomorrow.
“No need to wait until tomorrow,” Hansberg said, sitting up with effort. “Let’s hold the meeting today.”
“Don’t push yourself. Your back injury is severe; it required regenerative gel.”
“It’s just a flesh wound,” he laughed. “Injuries like this were just everyday occurrences when I was in the border drug enforcement team.”
Fax whistled. “Don’t remind me of your heroic stories. My wife compares me to you all the time. Even my little niece says she’ll marry you when she grows up!”
Hansberg paused while getting out of bed. A sweet voice was laughing, growing distant and fading.
The car drove slowly, surrounded by media, camera flashes lighting up as Hansberg sat inside, calm.
He realized that even though he was beside that woman, he felt further from her. He once possessed a beautiful emotion, but she was now laughing in someone else’s arms.
Chapter 76: The Milky Way Empire people had seen on the previous night’s news that the Queen’s Prime Minister’s new cabinet ball was attacked by a suicide bombing.
The next day’s noon news showed the Prime Minister, still in a wheelchair, giving a speech about the recent terrorist attacks and the assassination attempt on the royal couple. He stated they would eradicate the “Earth Mother” organization and restore peace.
Opposition voices for “disarmament” and accusations of “political persecution” were weak. The public deeply despised terrorist organizations, and the resolution gained full support, backed by the Queen.
The Queen soon addressed the nation in a brief television speech at the Louvre, assuring citizens she was fine, expressing support for the resolution, and offering condolences for Mr. Schneider’s illness.
Returning from a military meeting to his office, Hansberg declined his assistant’s help and used a cane to transfer from his wheelchair to his desk chair. Despite good medicine, his wound ached, and he hesitated to take a painkiller before noticing there was no hot water on the desk.
As he was about to call his secretary, he realized there was another person in the room and reached for the gun in the drawer. The person stood up lightly, causing Hansberg to feel a numbness in his ear, and he stopped his hand.
“It’s you.”
Wilhelmina emerged from the dark corner of the study, holding a bouquet of flowers.
“I came quietly. I was worried about your injury but didn’t want to make a fuss.”
Hansberg’s lips moved, but his warm words were suppressed by reason. “You’ve gone to too much trouble… Your Majesty.”
“Does your wound still hurt?” Wilhelmina placed the flowers on the coffee table and approached the desk. “Tiemann said you left the hospital early against the doctors’ advice. Your injury isn’t serious, but your health is important.”
“This injury is nothing, and the doctors prescribed plenty of medication.”
“I think you need rest,” she replied, noting his dark circles.
Hansberg turned his face away. “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.”
Wilhelmina felt discomfort at his coldness and cleared her throat. “I’ll get to the point. For the military operation against the terrorist organization, I was wondering if Prince Albert could participate.”
“Your Highness?” Hansberg was surprised. “Why?”
“Is that not possible? I’m asking privately. The constitution doesn’t prohibit it. I’m concerned there might be reservations, so I wanted to discuss it with you.”
“It’s not impossible,” Hansberg said. “He cannot lead troops, but he can accompany the battle. He’s already a distinguished military man; this is universally acknowledged.”
“But are you sure you want to send your husband to the battlefield?”
Wilhelmina tilted her head, looking at the tree covered in icicles. “You said he’s an excellent soldier and still so young. I don’t want to see him hunting, reading, and playing chess. He should have a more colorful life instead of suppressing his brilliance.”
She turned back, sighing softly. “I hope he can utilize his talents, and this is a perfect opportunity.”
The snow outside reflected in her eyes, enhancing their blue like the sea. Her gaze was tender and understanding – a wife’s gentle gaze.
Hansberg replied, “I will propose this to the military department as my suggestion. Please be assured, Your Majesty. I believe it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Thank you,” Wilhelmina nodded gratefully. “Please keep this a secret. It’s meant to be a surprise.”
After a moment, Hansberg said softly, “Being your husband must be very happy.”
Overjoyed after Hansberg’s confirmation, Wilhelmina rang the bell to call a servant. “Where is the Prince?”
“In the stables, Your Majesty. A mare is giving birth.”
Albert, in riding boots and a cotton shirt, was calming a restless mare. Wilhelmina stood nearby without disturbing them. Finally, the foal’s head emerged.
The veterinarian gently guided the foal, and it fully separated from its mother.
Everyone sighed with relief as the foal began struggling to stand.
“Darling,” Albert said, noticing Wilhelmina’s dirty hands before leaning in to kiss her cheek. “How did you come to be here?”
“Isn’t it miraculous?” Wilhelmina gazed intently at the foal trying to stand. “A new life brings hope.”
“He’s a healthy fellow,” Albert remarked, watching the newborn.
The foal finally stood, its legs unsteady but able to nurse. The mare began eating grass and drinking water.
Albert washed his hands while Wilhelmina wiped the water droplets from his face, a meaningful smile on her lips.
“What’s good news?” Albert asked, grabbing her hand.
Wilhelmina’s smile deepened. “I have something to discuss with you.”
“Discuss?” Albert felt a slight sense of loss.
“Hey, listen to me,” Wilhelmina continued. “You know we want to eliminate the terrorist organization. We want to ask if a battle-experienced officer skilled in negotiations would join the expedition.”
Albert was stunned. “Me?”
Wilhelmina nodded. “It’s you, my darling! Are you willing?”
