He loved her, he knew—and he had always thought it was like a child’s love. He never expected this child to grow into a beautiful, charming woman who could tempt him to the brink of losing his reason, all while smiling like the child from back then.
Albert returned to Odin two weeks after the counterterrorism peacekeeping force’s operation was nearing completion. Public affairs had accumulated, so he returned to the palace early to assist the Queen.
Seeing the royal couple in public, people felt relieved. The Prince’s return signified a smooth and stable front-line situation.
The royal couple attended various opening ceremonies, cocktail parties, and meetings, drawing public attention primarily to the Queen’s attire and jewelry, while interest in Anne waned.
William, reading the news on his device while drinking coffee, remarked, “At yesterday’s cocktail party, Duchess Li wore the same dress as me. Today, all the newspapers report that, yet there’s no coverage on the new medical structural reform measures.”
Albert responded with a laugh, “People are already tired from work, so they likely prefer not to engage with politics in their spare time. By the way, I chatted with Hans at the cocktail party yesterday.”
“Oh?” William looked warily at his husband. “You didn’t discuss front-line matters, did you?”
“No, my dear,” Albert said seriously after adjusting his posture. “He asked for my opinion on Anne.”
William put down his device and waved to Cynthia to dismiss the servants. “What did he say?”
“He said you don’t agree with executing Anne.”
William nodded. “That’s right. He mentioned that the ministers all wish for Anne’s execution and that I could best comply with their wishes. This is likely the essence of constitutional monarchy—where the Queen listens to ministers, ministers heed public opinion, and public sentiment is influenced by the Queen and government views.”
In this family, no one makes decisions or takes responsibility. What are your thoughts?”
Albert crossed his arms. “I agree with the Prime Minister.”
William looked up. “You agree to execute Anne?”
“Definitely,” Albert said. “Keeping her alive is a source of trouble.”
“I know this,” William stood up, dropping the ham. “But we can keep her imprisoned.”
“As long as she’s alive, opposing forces will have leverage to create incidents in her name. Conservative opponents and terrorists among her followers are detrimental to the family’s stability.”
“I know this too,” William sighed. “But I never thought about killing her.”
“Then you need to consider it now,” Albert said. “Now is not the time for compassion.”
“This isn’t about compassion,” William replied. “I’m making this decision from a monarch’s perspective. She was once a monarch, even if she’s abdicated. The royal family shouldn’t harm each other during my reign.”
“Why can’t you treat her as a criminal?”
“Of course! I think lifelong imprisonment is enough. It could be more torturous than killing her. For those who hate her, it might be more satisfying.”
“What about the conservative forces?”
“Every dynasty has conservative forces. Killing Anne won’t pacify them.”
Regarding terrorist forces, every family and government is troubled by them. “Killing Anne isn’t the solution.”
“But it would serve as a strong warning,” replied Albert.
William, annoyed, said, “Why does everyone want her dead?”
“Why won’t you execute her?” Albert challenged.
“I don’t need to explain my decisions, Albert. I am the Queen!” William retorted, throwing down her napkin and storming out of the room, with the dogs following her. Only Albert remained.
The young prince sighed and drank the now-cold coffee in one gulp.
Kahn hesitated, saying, “I can understand you, Willy. I know you’re hesitating. If she could commit suicide, that would be the best choice.”
“Please, William,” Kahn continued. “Mina would hold her breath waiting to see me make a fool of myself. She would persist until after my death before taking her last breath. She is just that competitive.”
“So you still plan to stick to your opinion, even if it means going against the entire council?”
“I have already gone against the cabinet and parliament, William.” Mina shrugged, laughing casually. “Forget about me; how’s your college life lately?”
“Freedom,” Kahn replied with a smile. “Pretty girls, basketball team parties, even sexy female teachers.”
“Sounds like a vacation,” William said, enviously. “If I were queen, I would probably just be a freshman girl.”
Love destined you to be different.
What about Angela? I haven’t seen her for a while.
Kahn became nervous and stammered, “Why are you asking me? How would I know? I’m in the same college as her but not close…”
Kahn, William Mina hit him, “Relax. I just asked casually.”
“Oh, okay.” Kahn tugged at his collar. “I think she’s probably on a date with some handsome guy or dissecting a corpse. If you want to ask about Anna Bell, I’d rather not.”
William Mina laughed suspiciously. “You two must have had another argument.”
“We’re just kids!” Kahn said angrily.
On the eve of Anna Bell’s trial, the counter-terrorism peacekeeping force completed their sweep mission and returned to base. Queen William Mina and King Alte attended the military port welcome ceremony. Despite rumors of a disagreement over Anna Bell’s fate, the couple appeared reconciled and in sync.
Following their victory, the news office launched a propaganda campaign, releasing counter-terrorism battle records to the media, creating stamps and commemorative postcards, and holding a martyrs’ memorial event.
Due to a sudden cold, William Mina was unable to attend the memorial, which was attended by King Alte. The queen sat in the middle, with Alte and Prime Minister Hanborg together for the first time.
The atmosphere between the two men was subdued, understandable given that it was a memorial event for the deceased and they were paying respects.
After the ceremony, Hanborg stood and shook hands with King Alte.
“Would you like to enjoy a cigar in the lounge before returning, Your Highness?” Hanborg asked.
“Very much so,” Alte replied.
Once the last staff member left the lounge, Hanborg got straight to the point: “Your Majesty, are you still opposed to executing Duchess de Gali?”
Alte flicked his cigarette ash. “She will change her mind with a little persistence. I’m sure you understand that.”
“You want to persuade me further?” Hanborg inquired.
Alte laughed. “I won’t let this matter damage our marital relationship, Mr. Hanborg. As king, I swore to be loyal and serve the queen, to be her faithful husband and servant.”
“So, Your Highness, you’d rather adhere to your outdated oath and watch Her Majesty make a wrong decision?” Hanborg’s tone was sharp.
Alte, appearing calm, responded, “If you were in my position, Mr. Hanborg, you would likely do the same. My first consideration is the government and the empire, but more importantly, my wife. This may sound selfish, but this is my choice. I love William Mina, so I will do everything to protect her and make her happy.”
Hanborg calmly faced the king’s pressing gaze for a long time, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
“I understand, Your Highness,” he said, playing with the cigar in his hand. “I’ve prepared a better solution to deal with this situation.”
“Are you talking about assassination?” Alte cut to the chase.
Hanborg’s smile deepened. “Not very honorable, but simple and effective.”
Alte frowned. “The queen would be furious.”
“We must succeed. We have prepared a detailed and comprehensive plan,” Hanborg said. “The assassin will be a victim of terrorist activities.”
“It seems you’ve already planned everything,” Alte laughed. “If the queen continues to disagree, will you still implement your plan?”
