He was a tall, slightly plump young man with fluffy curly hair, whose appearance was quite proper. Although she saw admiration in his eyes, Wilhelmina felt no stirring and sensed Annabel’s intent, leading to a wave of disgust.
Annabel maintained her insincere smile, saying, “The Grand Duke rarely appears at court, which is regrettable. I hope you like Odin and stay for a while. The imperial city is most beautiful in this season. Perhaps Wilhelmina can take you on a picnic in the New Loire Valley. Isn’t that right, Willy?”
Wilhelmina forced a stiff smile, “I would be delighted, Your Highness.”
The Grand Duke, hearing this, smiled joyfully, “I am most grateful, Your Highness. I believe with your companionship, my trip to Odin will be pleasant.”
“You can go horseback riding,” Annabel said. “Wilhelmina is an excellent horsewoman. And you, Your Highness, I remember your father was also an outstanding rider. May he rest in peace.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. My late father loved horseback riding, and we children were influenced by him.”
“How wonderful,” Annabel laughed and turned to Albert, “If I weren’t so busy, I would love to join you with Albert, wouldn’t I?”
Albert lowered his eyes, smiled slightly, and said, “Yes, Your Majesty. Most unfortunate.”
Annabel greeted a key member of the Progressive Party as if she had just noticed him.
The Grand Duke of Luxembourg extended his arm to Wilhelmina. After a brief hesitation, she placed her hand on it, and they took their leave.
“How many times have you been to Odin, Your Highness?” Wilhelmina asked.
“I have not been to Odin many times,” the Grand Duke replied. “My father would come to Odin alone to pay his respects.”
“I have never been to the Luxembourg Star Domain. Is it far from Odin?”
“Yes, Your Highness. It is much farther than the Roxston Star Domain. It takes nearly half a month to get here,” the young man explained, beginning to introduce the Luxembourg Star Domain to Wilhelmina.
The Luxembourg ducal family’s bloodline originates from the former Olbach Dynasty. After the Ossenberg Dynasty replaced it, the Luxembourg clan submitted. Although the Luxembourg Star Domain is not small and is rich in minerals, they have always remained low-key.
