Annabel continued, “I am very sorry for my mother’s actions. But that cannot be changed now.”
I will do my best to make amends and restore our lives to peace. I hope that during this time, my family, you will live quietly and calmly, remain composed, and show sympathy, but do not speak to the media unnecessarily.”
The queen’s tone became severe, “My temper is really bad, especially when someone troubles me. We should unite and stand together. Now is not the time to kick someone when they’re down.”
Everyone responded with silence.
Annabel nodded and said to Wilhelmina, “I heard you had a pleasant time with the Grand Duke of Luxembourg today, and I’m glad. I’ve invited him to stay longer. If your school workload isn’t too heavy, try to spend some time with him.”
“I’m afraid not, Your Majesty,” Wilhelmina replied. “There are only two weeks left until the high school graduation exam, and I hope to graduate with top honors.”
Annabel frowned, “At a time like this, I don’t want to hear anyone say ‘no’ to me, Willy. Now, you may all leave.”
Everyone stood up and exited the audience chamber quietly.
Walking down the corridor, Princess Catherine expressed her contempt, imitating Annabel’s tone, “Don’t think of opposing me, don’t think you have a chance to overthrow me. Now, get out. Isn’t that what she meant?”
“I thought she would be more subtle,” Princess Marianna said.
“She is just as arrogant as her mother,” Princess Catherine said. “Heinrich should never have married Barbara. She is not nobility; her family, though wealthy, has no title. Now she needs Annabel to mobilize royal funds to cover her grandfather’s debts?”
“Not just royal funds,” Princess Marianna interjected. “Look at Lord de Cock’s expression; it’s more complicated.”
“She would never dare to use the national treasury,” Wilhelmina argued.
“Don’t be naive,” Catherine sneered. “She thinks what belongs to the empire belongs to her.”
“How big will this blow-up be?” Wilhelmina asked. “She claims she wants to make amends. How will she do that?”
“Just talk. With royal pardon, can we even pursue her and Barbara? That serial killer boy probably won’t survive, but what of it?” Marianna snorted.
“Willy darling, lay low,” Catherine advised. “Stay at school and don’t come back.”
