Embers of the Throne

Henfordshire, Cromwell Castle Grounds, a Sunny Early Spring Morning

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the sprawling countryside, illuminating the dewy grass and the majestic palace in the distance. Crown Prince William Cromwell, astride his favorite horse, Imperial, galloped along the winding trails that crisscrossed the estate. The rhythmic thud of hooves against the earth was a comforting sound, a reminder of the freedom he cherished in these moments away from royal duties.

Imperial, affectionately nicknamed “Perri,” was a magnificent white Cromweller stallion. The Cromweller breed had been meticulously developed by the Cromwell family through generations of careful crossbreeding Andalusians, Thoroughbreds, and Arabians. This selective breeding resulted in horses that were mostly, yet not exclusively, the rare true white. Even those that were gray-based, patterned, or other colors still fetched impressive prices. The Cromweller was one of the most coveted breeds, a status symbol akin to exotic cars for those who had everything and could afford more. Imperial’s powerful build and regal presence made him a symbol of the family’s legacy. His fleabitten bright white coat made him look even more stunning, and his intelligent eyes reflected the deep bond he shared with Crown Prince William. His sire, and King Maximilian’s personal favorite horse, Bold Pleasure, was an all-white stallion, adding to Imperial’s impressive lineage.

As William reached the crest of the hill, his thoughts wandered to Princess Wilhelmina von Ahrensberg. Their engagement, sparked by a scandalous photo, was the talk of the kingdom and beyond. Initially, he and Mina agreed to make the best of it, wait till they were 18, and then break the engagement. But clearly, they had each developed real feelings, and as far as William was concerned, he was in no hurry to cut her loose again.

He pondered whether feelings alone would be enough to make them a happy couple. He had plenty of opportunities to find out when he was with Grace. Their feelings for each other were genuine, and they both were passionate about books. However, his life would never make her happy, and the same was true for her life and William. Grace had just as much to say about the royal court formalities and the scrutiny of the public eye as he secretly bemoaned the constant scent of attic and her secondhand clothing all the time. Although he had known Wilhelmina since childhood, he felt as if he hardly knew her at all, their interactions had been limited to royal visits and official events. He had never spent significant time alone with her.

Would Mina share his love for the Henfordian countryside, or would she find it dull compared to the grandeur of Windenburgian court life? Her home palace was just minutes outside town, comfortably distanced from the hustle and bustle of Windenburg’s city life, yet still within walking distance. In contrast, Cromwell Palace was nestled deep in the countryside, surrounded by rolling hills for miles, necessitating a vehicle or horse for anyone without exceptional fitness. He wondered if she would appreciate the simple pleasures of a quiet life in the countryside or if she would miss the constant buzz of courtly activities.

As he descended the hill, he resolved to find out. He would invite Mina to spend the day with him in the countryside, away from the prying eyes of the court. They could ride horses, explore the woods, and perhaps even have a picnic by the lake. It would be a chance to see if their budding feelings could blossom into something more, something real and lasting.

It was crucial to him that any future bride of his would love horses. Grace had not; she was afraid of the impressive size of the royal Cromwellers and hated riding, which made William uncomfortable, as it was his favorite pastime other than reading. He knew Mina loved horses; the von Ahrensbergs owned several exquisite ones, renowned for their Rhinelanders, and also boasted a selection of Westphalians, showcasing their appreciation for the finest equine breeds. They had often spoken about their favorite horses, so he knew Mina’s favorite was Freya, a chestnut Rhinelander mare with a distinctive white blaze on her face, and white socks on her lower legs. This shared passion could be a cornerstone of their relationship, a way to bond over something he cherished deeply.

His musings were interrupted by the sight of a sleek motorcade making its way up the long country road towards the palace. The royal limousine his family had dispatched to the airport, easily recognizable by the Cromwell flag on the hood, was preceded and followed by unmarked armored black cars from Barrett Security, and followed by six mounted royal guards. The royal family of Windenburg had arrived. Without a second thought, William urged Imperial into a gallop, racing towards the approaching vehicle.

As the limousine drew closer, William matched its pace, riding alongside it as if in a friendly race. Princess Wilhelmina, peering out of the window, spotted him and couldn’t help but laugh. She quickly rolled down the window, waving at William, who smiled and waved back.

“Stop the car, please!” she called out to the driver, her voice filled with excitement.

The limousine came to a halt, and Wilhelmina stepped out, her eyes sparkling with delight at the sight of the Crown Prince on horseback. With a mischievous grin, William gently pulled on the reins, bringing Imperial to a graceful stop. The stallion snorted and pawed the ground, sensing the excitement in the air, as William now extended his hand to Wilhelmina.

“Care for a ride, Princess?” he grinned, winking, his voice filled with playful challenge. Then, remembering his manners, he bent down to look into the limousine and properly greeted the king, queen, and Crown Prince.

Wilhelmina hesitated for only a moment before slipping off her shoes, tossing them into the car, and taking William’s hand. “Sure, Prince. We haven’t done anything scandalous in weeks,” she replied with a twinkle in her eye.

With a graceful leap, she was seated behind him, her arms wrapping around his waist. The King and Queen of Windenburg, watching from the car, exchanged shocked glances, their expressions a mix of disapproval and astonishment.

William grinned and patted his horse’s neck. “Heya, Perri. Let’s show her what we’ve got! Impress Mina, let’s go boy,” he said, his voice filled with excitement. With a gentle nudge, he urged Imperial into a swift gallop, the powerful stallion responding eagerly.

As they sped away, Wilhelmina laughed, the wind whipping through her hair. The countryside blurred around them, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world. The thrill of the ride and the closeness of William made her heart race with exhilaration.

“Wilhelmina!” the Queen exclaimed, her voice a blend of surprise and mild reprimand. “This is highly improper! Oh, that girl!”

The King, though initially taken aback, couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “Let them be, my dear. They’re young, and all things considered, this isn’t a bad sign. At least they get along swimmingly. Besides, it’s good to see her so happy. Not to mention engaged…” With that, he shot a pointed glance at their son, Crown Prince Alexander, who was sitting in the car, watching the scene unfold with a bemused expression.

Alexander leaned forward slightly, raising an eyebrow at his father’s words. Running a hand through his hair, a hint of a smile played on his lips. “Alright, alright, I can take a hint, father,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I’ll talk to her tonight. Lucky for you, she’s flying in to join me for the ball as my ‘plus one.’”

“Apologies, Your Highness,” the driver interjected politely, “the palace radioed earlier that Miss Kristin Banks has already been picked up and is eagerly awaiting your arrival at the palace.” Crown Prince Alexander confirmed this with a nod to his parents.

The Queen sighed, shaking her head slightly. “Just make sure it’s soon, Alex. It’s time to make things official. You should be engaged by now, you know the rules, not to mention you have a daughter to think of who will one day be our next Queen. That requires a lot of education, as you well know. Not to mention, your father and I are not getting any younger. It’s about time we get to spend more time with our grandchild!”

Henfordshire, Cromwell Palace, Engagement Ball Venue, a Grand Evening

Later that evening, the palace was transformed into a scene of opulence for the engagement ball. The grand ballroom glittered with chandeliers, and the air was filled with the sound of a live orchestra. Guests in their finest attire mingled and danced, celebrating the union of the two royal families.

Kristin, feeling out of place amidst the grandeur of Cromwell Palace, clutched her glass of champagne nervously. She wore an elegant gown by an upscale designer, perfect for the crème de la crème white tie events of the old guard. The dress, a stunning creation in deep sapphire blue with a subtle shimmer, made her look every bit the part of a high-society guest—back in Brindleton Bay. However, amidst the indescribable splendor of royal evening wear, she felt almost naked, as if she might as well be wearing a potato sack.

Kristin was slender, but more voluptuous than most of the royal ladies around her age, making her feel unshapely. Her light skin had a suntan from summers spent outside, riding her family’s Haflinger horses or lounging by the pool at their home. Her normally straight blonde hair cascaded in soft waves down her back, contrasting beautifully with her stunning deep ocean blue eyes. These eyes, a striking feature she shared with her father and younger brother, stood out against her normally light skin and hair. Her mother had warm blonde hair and brown eyes, while her daughter Julia, like Kristin, had the same striking blue eyes and blonde hair.

She glanced around, searching for a familiar face, but even Alexander seemed distant, unapproachable, caught up in conversations with dignitaries and nobles. Alexander, noticing her discomfort, excused himself from the group and made his way to her.

“Kristin, are you alright, love?” he asked, his voice soft with concern.

Kristin shook her head slightly, her eyes filled with uncertainty. “I feel so out of place here, Alex. Everyone is staring at me, judging me. I don’t belong in this world. I feel like a meme. I am the ugly duckling, here to highlight how stunning everyone else is.”

Alexander took her hand gently, his touch reassuring. “You are beautiful. But alright, then let’s make you feel you belong here,” he said with a determined smile.

He led her out of the ballroom and into the palace gardens, where the cool night air and the scent of blooming flowers provided a welcome respite from the overwhelming atmosphere inside. They walked in silence for a few moments, the gravel crunching softly under their feet.

“Kristin, I need to tell you something,” Alexander began, his voice trembling slightly. “I’ve been a fool. I’ve treated you terribly, and I’m so sorry for all the pain I’ve caused you. I love you, Kristin. I want to make things right.”

Kristin’s eyes filled with tears as she listened to his heartfelt words. “Alex, I…”

He continued, his voice growing more earnest. “I want to marry you, Kristin. I want us to be a family, to raise our child together. Will you marry me?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, opening it to reveal a stunning ring. The ring featured a large, flawless diamond set in a band of platinum, surrounded by smaller sapphires, the royal colors of House von Ahrensberg, symbolizing both his royal heritage and his deep affection for her.

Kristin took a deep breath, her voice shaking. “Alex, you have no idea how much I wanted to hear you say what you just said. I would forgive you for all the women, the heartbreak, for stringing me along, everything. I’m so ready to start with a clean slate, but there’s something you need to know before I can accept your proposal.” She glanced at the ring, her eyes widening, but made no move to take it.

Alexander’s face showed a flicker of confusion. “What do you mean?”

Kristin broke down, her sobs shaking her slender frame. Alexander, thinking she was moved by his proposal, reached out to comfort her. But her next words shattered his hopes.

“Alex, the DNA test… it came back negative. You’re not Julia’s father.”

Alexander’s face turned pale, his expression shifting from confusion to rage. “What? That’s impossible!” he shouted, his voice echoing through the garden. He took a step back, as if physically distancing himself from the devastating news.

Kristin nodded, her tears flowing freely. “I’m so sorry, Alex. My attorney insisted on the test for the child support case since you kept being absent and Julia deserves more. I didn’t want to believe it either. We were all so sure Julia was yours. Everyone is in shock. I didn’t know until just before the ball when my mom called with the results. I was going to wait till tomorrow to tell you, not at your sister’s engagement ball, but it doesn’t seem right to wait now.”

Alexander’s hands clenched into fists, his anger boiling over. He held the ring up to her face, his voice dripping with contempt. “This ring has been passed down through generations of my family. It belonged to my great-grandmother, a symbol of our legacy. And you—you’re not worth it, you deceitful wretch!” He snapped the box shut and shoved it back into his pocket, then spat at her feet, his eyes blazing with fury. “You lied to me! You made me believe she was mine! How many men have there been? Go after them, then! This one will no longer be part of that undoubtedly extensive list, not now or ever again. I never want to see your lying, cheating face again!” he roared, his face contorted with rage. He turned and stormed off, leaving Kristin alone in the garden, unable to respond to point out the hypocrisy, her heart breaking for the second time that night as she sobbed heart-wrenchingly.

Princess Victoria, dressed in her royal ballgown, was standing near the exit of the grand hall, talking to Jack Kershaw, a rugged cowboy in his worn jeans, shirt, coat, and dark cowboy hat. Jack, who had taught survival skills to the royal children and was a trusted friend of the Cromwell family, despite the raised eyebrows, especially since one of the Cromwell children, the second youngest Princess Vivienne, was his biological child from a short-lived relationship with the queen during her brief divorce from King Maximilian—a truth very few outside the immediate royal family knew. And if anyone in the tight circle had a say in it, that would never change. Despite the strange circumstances had Victoria always taken a special shine to him, often confiding in him in matters she didn’t want to share with her parents or siblings. Now, they stood and watched the commotion unfold from a distance.

As Alexander stormed past them back into the ballroom, clearly fuming, Kristin collapsed in tears in the royal palace gardens. Victoria immediately rushed over to her, comforting her, while Jack, still irked by all things royal, stayed behind, following them with concerned glances as they now disappeared into the palace.

William and Wilhelmina had seen Victoria rush away and caught her leading a distraught Kristin inside. They joined Jack, and William inquired about the commotion.

Jack shrugged and, in his typical drawl, said, “Dunno, kid. Was talkin’ to yer sister and paid lil mind until it got obvious somethin’ wasn’t right. All I saw was that blonde royal and Bri’s cousin from Brindleton Bay went for a walk, all lovey-dovey. Looked like he was tryin’ to propose. Next thing I know, he’s yellin’ at that poor girl. For a sec there, I thought I was gonna have to remind that guy how to be a gentleman, but he ran off, hotter than a bull caught in a barbwire fence. Y’all saw the rest,” he said, his voice tinged with concern.

“Excuse me!? How dare you speak of the Crown Prince of Windenburg in such a manner?! You are obnoxiously rude, well, from what little I was able to understand.” Wilhelmina was taken aback and mildly offended.

“Mina, it’s fine, he’s all right, this is Jack Kershaw, the man who taught me the lighter trick that saved us when we capsized,” William said, a hint of admiration in his voice. “Jack, this is my future bride, Wilhelmina von Ahrensberg, Princess of Windenburg,” he added.

Wilhelmina smiled politely, offering her hand to him, though the noticeable difference between the highborns and the commoners was palpable. “Oh, I see! I am so sorry, Mr. Kershaw. I didn’t realize you were a friend of William’s. Forgive me, but that ‘blonde royal’ you referred to is my brother, you see. Either way, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Your … umm … rugged teachings certainly saved us, and you would be pleased to know William barely needed more than one attempt,” she said, her tone warm but formal.

Jack nodded, his eyes twinkling with a mix of respect and amusement. “Yeah, happy to hear that cowboy stuff came in handy for y’all. Didn’t even know the boy retained any of it, does a man proud. Good kid, Will. We’ll make a man outta ya yet. And the pleasure’s mine, Yer Highness. I’ve heard a lot about ya. From Will, and from Vic. And AG and Max too.” Jack offered his hand, which Wilhelmina took after a brief hesitation. She immediately regretted it as his callused grip, firm and unyielding, made her wince slightly, feeling as though her delicate fingers were being crushed.

“I am sorry, from whom? Oh, you mean the royal Cromwells … Oh boy.” she mumbled, stepping back slightly, as if trying to get out of Jack’s reach, shocked by the fact that this unkempt looking individual would speak about the Cromwells in such a casual manner to another royal. Unfathomable in their circles, yet William didn’t seem concerned by it at all, so she relaxed, when he now smiled at her.

“He has heard nothing but praises about you, everyone can’t help but adore you. Even Jack already adores you, don’t you? Jack always told me that Grace and I would never work out, after she gave him a lecture about how he keeps his animals, calling his pasture and chicken coop ‘prime examples of animal cruelty in the name of personal gain’, which did not go over well as you can imagine, especially when his wife Izzy heard it. Izzy is rather fiery when upset. When I mentioned how you and I ended up engaged and how I felt about it, both told me it sounded meant to be, and I concur,” William smiled at her, until Jack patted his back just a little too hard, before saying,

“Yeah, unlike that unbathed hypocrite William was runnin’ around with for a New York minute, you Princess, ya sure is a purdy one, ya smell nice, ya know how to dress and act and how things go around here, and ya got spunk. Sounds juuus’ right for this young’un here, cos he ya sure done gone and got his loins ablazin’ and that old heart thumping good fer ya, Yer Highness,” Jack grinned.

Wilhelmina looked puzzled, not quite understanding Jack’s colloquial speech, but William, used to Jack’s mannerisms, turned a deeper shade of red and cleared his throat awkwardly. “Thank you, Jack. Always a pleasure,” he coughed awkwardly.

Winking and smirking, Jack tipped his hat slightly, then turned to leave. As he stepped out past the completely unbothered guards, he traded casual greetings with them as if they were old friends. Wilhelmina watched in astonishment as Jack untied his horse, mounted it with a swift move, and tipped his head at William and Wilhelmina before galloping off.

“He ties some mutt of a horse to the palace gates and everyone is fine with that?!” Wilhelmina exclaimed, horrified.

William chuckled, waving it off. “Yes, that’s just Jack for you and Trapper, his favorite horse. That stallion is older than me, I think, yet he rides him everywhere, even downtown to buy supplies for their farm. He lives near the stables with his wife and youngest son. His other son now owns the family horse ranch in Chestnut Ridge and lives there with one of Mum’s cousins, Briar Rose. I believe you’ve met her before. They’re about your brother’s age, I think.” William carefully omitted the fact that Jack had another child, a daughter, who just happened to be William’s sister Vivienne. This connection was why Jack was so widely tolerated at the palace and among the family, despite his quirks and unroyal manners. And because the current King and Queen genuinely liked him.

“Cowboys at Cromwell Palace. Now I’ve seen it all,” Mina mused.

The weeks following the engagement party were tumultuous.
After the dramatic fallout with Kristin, Alexander cut her and Julia out of his life immediately, ignoring all her attempts to reconcile. He called his parents and sister together once to explain why, then refused to ever speak of Kristin and Julia again.

Heartbroken but resolute, Kristin had left for the airport that very night of her fight with Alexander at the ball, flying back to her home in Brindleton Bay. Once back, Kristin confided in Sterling Covington, an old guard heir and hedge fund magnate who had been in love with her for a long time, but because she was in love with Alexander, to her their relationship had only ever been casual. Sterling, thrilled to finally have a chance to be with her and to be a father to Julia, their daughter as another test confirmed, he eagerly stepped up.

Disillusioned by Alexander’s infidelities and his harsh reaction to the DNA test, hypocritical at best in her eyes, Kristin found herself falling out of love with him and more in love with Sterling. They began making plans for a future together, with Sterling gradually getting Julia used to him. Sterling’s patience and genuine affection for Julia won her over, and soon, the three of them started to feel like a real family.
Kristin found solace and happiness in Sterling’s unwavering support, and together, they looked forward to building a new life.

Burg Falkenstein, some months later

In the months that followed, significant milestones marked the lives of William Cromwell and Wilhelmina von Ahrensberg. William, Crown Prince of Henfordshire, celebrated his 18th birthday with great fanfare, a momentous occasion for the kingdom. Shortly after, he graduated from his preparatory studies, a ceremony steeped in tradition and prepared to start his first semester at the prestigious University of Britchester that autumn. Wilhelmina, Princess Royale of Windenburg, also turned 18, her birthday celebrated with equal grandeur. She graduated with her Abitur and enrolled at the same university as William. The two attended each other’s events, their bond growing stronger. Instead of breaking off the engagement upon turning 18, they decided to take their graduation and 18th birthday trips together to deepen their connection and see if they could stand to be around each other for extended periods without all the palace hustle and bustle.

However, even the best-laid plans sometimes go awry. King Ludwig von Ahrensberg suffered a severe heart attack, throwing the Windenburg royals into turmoil and putting William and Wilhelmina’s planned getaway on hold indefinitely. The palace buzzed with activity as doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize the king, whose condition remained critical and uncertain.

Queen Margarethe, stricken with worry, stayed by her husband’s side, while the royal family gathered, their usual composure replaced by anxiety and fear. Wilhelmina, torn between her duty to her family and her budding love with William, found herself in emotional turmoil.
As days passed, King Ludwig’s condition showed little improvement. Crown Prince Alexander stepped up, handling his father’s duties with remarkable composure and charm, earning widespread approval among their people, peers, and emissaries. Proud of his son’s capabilities, King Ludwig called his family—Queen Margarethe, Crown Prince Alexander, Princess Wilhelmina—and key advisors together to announce his decision to abdicate in favor of Alexander once he was well enough to endure the official ceremonies. The room was filled with mixed emotions: pride, concern, anxiety, and approval.

Alexander, feeling a whirlwind of emotions, took a deep breath and responded, “Father, I am honored by your trust and confidence in me. I will do my utmost to uphold our family’s legacy and serve our people with the same dedication and integrity you have shown. I am ready to take on this responsibility.”

Since all this meant Wilhelmina couldn’t leave, and wouldn’t be able to for a long while, William made several trips to see her, a few days here, a week or two there.

San Myshuno, Timeless Tomes & Treasures Book Shop

On one occasion, he went to see Grace at her bookshop in San Myshuno, hoping enough time had passed for her to be willing to hear him. The bookshop, nestled in a quiet corner of the city mall, was filled with the comforting scent of old books and the soft rustle of pages turning. A few patrons were scattered around the small second-hand bookshop, some flipping through pages of well-worn novels, others quietly chatting in hushed tones.

The moment she saw him enter, Grace’s face twisted with a mix of pain and fury. Without a word, she disappeared into the back room, leaving William standing awkwardly at the entrance. As he went to follow her, Grace’s grandmother, a soft-spoken and sweet, but still stern woman with a protective glint in her eye, stepped forward, blocking his path. “She doesn’t want to see you, Your Highness,” she said, her voice cold and unyielding.

“Please, I just need to speak with her,” William pleaded in a low, desperate whisper. “I need her to understand.”

The grandmother’s eyes narrowed. “Understand what? That you chose duty over love? That you broke her heart for a crown and a title, just like she thought you would? To her, you have been a self-fulfilling prophecy,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper to avoid attracting attention.

William’s heart pounded as he stood there, the weight of his choices pressing down on him. “It’s not like that. I never wanted to hurt her. I just… I had no choice,” he whispered back, his voice filled with regret.

“Choices were made, and now you must live with them, just as Grace was forced to,” she replied sharply, still keeping her voice low. “Grace doesn’t need your explanations. She needs to heal.”

“Please, just let me see her,” William begged, his eyes pleading. “I’ll do anything.”

The grandmother’s expression softened slightly, but her resolve remained firm. She had seen the pain in Grace’s eyes too many times to let it happen again. “She’s not ready to see you. And frankly, I don’t think she ever will be. You’ve done enough damage.”

William’s shoulders slumped in defeat. He stood there for a moment, the weight of his choices pressing down on him, before whispering, “I’m sorry,” more to himself than to her.

As he turned to leave, the grandmother called after him, her voice laced with a mix of pity and disdain. “Go back to your princess, prince. She’s the one you chose after all. Leave Grace to find her own path now. Please, don’t bother her anymore. She needs time and distance to be able to heal, which if you ever cared for her at all should be more important than you feeling better about your choices, don’t you agree?”

William walked out of the shop, his heart heavy with guilt and regret. He had hoped for a chance to make things right, but now he realized that some wounds were too deep to heal with words.

Falkenstein Castle, later that same day

Now back at Falkenstein Castle, he simmered on the events, guilt gnawing at him. He had already realized he had fallen for Mina, complicating his emotional state and adding to the guilt he felt about how things ended with Grace. He felt even worse whenever he caught himself thinking it was much easier to be with Mina. Sitting in the palace gardens at Burg Falkenstein, he heard the gravel crunching under footsteps. He looked up and saw Mina approaching, her encouraging smile a small comfort. He slid aside a little, inviting her to sit with him, which she did.

He let out a deep sigh, prompting her to say, “So, that kind of a day, huh?”

“Worse,” he admitted, his voice heavy with emotion. “I went to see Grace, but she refused to see me, let alone speak with me, and her grandma gave me an earful. I was hoping to at least save our friendship. I miss Grace. Nothing personal, no offense intended, but I enjoyed chatting with her about books. She always had such an interesting take on everything, made me think and see things from different angles. I understand being with her romantically was less than ideal, but I would have loved to retain our friendship.”

Wilhelmina took his hand in hers, patting it gently, then leaned forward, making him look at her. “You knew she needed time. What happened was rough on everyone. We got lucky, William, that we can even stand each other. And more… judging by the way you like to kiss me when nobody is around. If you didn’t mean it, why bother? So, you mean it. And I do too.”

“I do mean it. And I know I mean it. That’s what makes it worse. I thought I meant it with Grace. What if I am incapable of true love, partnership, loyalty?”

Wilhelmina giggled, earning a befuddled look from William. “William, you really have no concept of how precious you are, and judging by the way you kiss, you are very much capable of love, and passion. You are so much like your father, poised even in the worst of times, but you can tell, there is passion, especially with enough of your mother sprinkled in that you stand out in a pool of dull, obedient lapdog highborns, all of whom bored me to tears. Knowing I had to pick a future groom from that offering almost gave me suicidal thoughts. We both know I’m not the most perfect princess royale, especially not around your sister, who is the epitome of grace and poise. I admire her so much, and I feel like I fall short in comparison.”

“Oh, you have Victoria all wrong, Mina. She is the sweetest girl, but she has the same penchant for finding trouble. If you knew the half of it. But for you to know more, you’d have to become Princess Cromwell first.” William said casually, smiling, until both realized what he had just said. They stared at each other. Hearts stopped, then pounded.

“Oh, yes, well,” Mina nervously brushed some hair behind her ear, looking everywhere except at William, her cheeks ablaze. Then their eyes met. “Would you like to ride out? You can take your pick at the stables, but if I may suggest my brother’s horse, Thor, he’s magnificent and a little spicy, you’d love him, and with my Freya he is the best horse we own out of all of them. I’m sure my brother can lend you some of his riding gear.”

“Uh, yes, yes, a nice change would ride lovely. What? No, I meant I shall ride lovely… umm no…,” William swallowed, eyes closed, then opened them, more composed. “What I have been trying to say is that riding out sounds lovely indeed, Princess, so I shall go change right away. THAT is what I meant,” William stammered, his face turning red as he jumped up and nearly fled the scene. When she called his name, he turned, still walking backward, as she pointed in the opposite direction to where he was heading.

“That door over there. You are heading towards the servant’s entrance,” she told him, giggling. Then, more seriously, “William! Watch out!”

He stopped and turned, realizing he had almost backed into a statue.

Blushing even more, William awkwardly snickered, shrugging. “I… I knew that!” he stammered, quickly correcting his direction. “Just testing you.”

Wilhelmina couldn’t help but smile at his endearing awkwardness. “Mein Gott, ist der süß! He is so cute, absolutely adorable! How did I never notice that before? Sorry, Grace, not sorry anymore about you two. I am starting to REALLY like this engagement thing,” she mumbled, smiling as she looked down at the ring. Even though William hadn’t chosen it himself, she loved it.

Ahrensberger Forest, Windenburg

A little while later, mounted on her favorite mare, a chestnut Rhinelander horse named Freya, Wilhelmina rode alongside William, who had chosen Thor, Prince Alexander’s powerful dark bay Westphalian stallion. The rhythmic sound of hooves striking the forest floor echoed through the trees, creating a soothing yet exhilarating symphony. Birds chirped melodiously from the branches above, and the gentle rustling of leaves added a serene backdrop to their ride.

The forest surrounding Windenburg was alive with the sounds of nature. The occasional snort from the horses and the soft jingle of their bridles blended harmoniously with the natural orchestra. As they rode through the woods, the sunlight filtering through the canopy creating dappled patterns dancing across the forest floor, William tried to make polite conversation, his voice slightly shaky with nerves. “We don’t have this many trees back home. What we consider the woods would likely be someone’s front yard here. Luckily, we have some trees, just not this many.”

The princess smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Maybe you should have some planted then, my Prince. I like trees; they make excellent hiding spots,” she said, nodding back at the guards who were riding at a respectful distance.

William chuckled, feeling a bit more at ease. “Hiding spots? Are you planning to hide from me, Princess?”

“Only if you give me a reason to,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with playful challenge.

As they continued to trot through the forest, the path began to narrow, bringing them closer together. The proximity made William’s heart race, and he could feel the warmth radiating from Mina. The scent of pine and fresh earth filled the air, mingling with the subtle fragrance of Mina’s perfume.

Freya and Thor seemed to sense the connection between their riders, occasionally nuzzling each other or snorting softly. The horses’ interactions added a layer of companionship to the ride, making it even more special.

They reached a small clearing where the sunlight poured in, illuminating the vibrant green grass and wildflowers. Wilhelmina slowed Freya to a gentle walk, and William followed suit. The moment felt intimate, almost as if the forest itself was holding its breath.

“It’s beautiful here, so serene. Do you come here often?” William asked, his voice softer now, more sincere.

“Whenever I can escape the palace,” Mina admitted, her tone matching his. “It’s my sanctuary.”

William nodded, understanding the need for such a place. “It’s calming. Peaceful.”

Mina looked at him, her expression thoughtful. “I’m glad you think so. Maybe we can make it our sanctuary. Promise to show me your sanctuaries, once I can visit you in Henfordshire again.”

The words hung in the air, filled with unspoken possibilities. William’s heart swelled with a mix of excitement and hope. He reached out, gently taking her hand in his. The touch was electric, sending a thrill through both of them.

“I’d like that,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

“You know what else I would like, my Prince?”

William caught the glint in her eye and understood her invitation immediately. They exchanged a knowing smile before sending their horses into a gallop. “Follow me!” Mina called out, her laughter echoing through the trees. The sound of hooves pounding in unison filled the air as they raced through the forest, the wind whipping through their hair.

They managed to disappear behind a dense thicket, their horses side by side as they watched the guards fly past, oblivious to their hiding spot. Giggling about their successful coup, they exchanged a heated look, then leaned in for a passionate kiss on horseback, the moment charged with exhilaration and affection.

Falkenstein Castle

Later that day, Mina was with their horses when she heard a soft “pssht pssht” sound coming from across the fence. She glanced over her shoulder and saw a hippie-looking redhead in a hand-knit beanie trying to get her attention. Weighing her options, Mina decided against calling the guards and instead approached the stranger.

“Are you her? The princess?” the redhead asked.

“Grace?” Mina wondered aloud, nodding in recognition.

Grace looked relieved. “I thought about William coming to see me at the bookshop but we didn’t get to talk. I have a letter for him,” she said, handing Mina an envelope. “Please give it to him. It is so important that he reads this.”

Mina promised to deliver the letter, and Grace quickly disappeared as the guards returned. Mina slipped the letter into her pocket and went looking for William, only to learn he had been called away on official business.

After a sumptuous dinner, Mina and William wandered into the moonlit garden, the air filled with the scent of blooming roses. Mina clutched the letter in her hand in the pocket, her heart pounding with anticipation. But before she could utter a word, William gently took her other hand and led her to a secluded alcove, hidden from prying eyes by a canopy of wisteria.

He turned to face her, his eyes shimmering with a mix of determination and vulnerability. Taking her hand in his, he carefully removed the engagement ring from her finger, only to pull out her other hand, she dropped the letter in her pocket, he slipped the ring onto her other hand. Then, taking her left hand again and with a deep breath, he knelt before her, producing a second ring that sparkled like the stars above.

“The last time we were forced to do this, and we were still technically still considered to be children,” he began, his voice trembling with emotion. “Now we are adults before the law, expected to feel like adults, behave like adults and make choices as adults. Our forced engagement feels forever ago, even though it has not been even half a year since. This time, I want to ask you from my own heart and on my own accord. Without an audience, but with my own ring, a ring I, myself, selected for you, though, admittedly with some help from my mother and sister. You get to choose this time, a true choice. Say no, and we shall resolve our engagement, say yes and be mine, but this time because we want it to be so. My choice should be obvious at this point. I chose us. And because I have fallen for you, Wilhelmina, like I never thought possible, but it very much is. Your turn, Princess … Mina.”

Mina’s breath caught in her throat, her eyes welling up with tears. Overwhelmed by the gesture, the sincerity and love in his words, she nodded, unable to speak. The letter in her pocket forgotten in the rush of emotions.

Later, they found themselves wrapped in each other’s arms, sharing tender kisses and whispered promises under the night sky. The world around them faded away as they reveled in their newfound commitment.

As the evening drew to a close, William walked Mina to her room, their fingers intertwined. She tried to speak, to tell him about the letter, but he mistook her hesitation for nerves. Silencing her with a passionate kiss, he left her breathless and too emotional to continue.

Inside her room, Mina leaned against the door, her mind racing. She knew she couldn’t keep the letter from William any longer. Determined, she slipped out of her room and made her way to William’s quarters. With a quick mind, she distracted the guards, sending them to investigate a supposed noise on the balcony. Heart pounding, she knocked on William’s door, ready to reveal the truth about Grace coming to see her and the letter.

He glanced around for the guards. She assured him she had created a diversion, so William pulled her inside, immediately kissing her, probably assuming that’s why Mina snuck to his room. Their kisses grew more intense, making Wilhelmina feel a whirlwind of emotions. This time, they didn’t stop at just kissing. Clothes began to fall to the floor, one piece after another, until William lifted her and carried her to the bed of the guest suite he was occupying for his visit. Mina did nothing to stop him; instead, she encouraged him further. That night, they took their relationship to new heights yet again, for the first, but certainly not the last time.

As she watched him cross the room, not a thread on him, bathed in the soft silver moonlight and the warm glow of the palace lights, Mina realized she had completely fallen in love with him—mind, body, and soul. It was a rare and precious thing, especially for people of their status. Their relationship hadn’t started like a fairy tale, but it had certainly become one.

She slipped out of bed and picked up her clothing, intending to steal away from his room before William returned, but halted upon hearing the rustle of the letter. She pulled it from the pocket of her cardigan, dropping her clothing. Staring at the handwritten ‘To William, from Grace,’ then at the slightly ajar bathroom door where the sound of the running shower seemed like an unspoken invitation, she walked to the fireplace. After a moment of hesitation, she tossed the letter in.

“I’m so sorry, Grace, but I can’t. You had your chance, but now he’s mine,” she whispered.

As the last embers of the letter disintegrated, William emerged, wrapped his arms around her from behind, his unclothed body dripping wet against her bare skin.

“Join me,” he whispered. She let him lead her, very willingly…

The following day

The next morning, the palace was thrown into chaos. King Ludwig had suffered a stroke during the night. Despite the best efforts of the royal physicians, he survived but was left with significant health issues, at least temporarily wheelchair bound, requiring constant care and attention. The family and the kingdom were in a state of heightened concern, knowing that the king’s condition was precarious.

Wilhelmina, devastated by her father’s illness, was consumed with guilt. She couldn’t shake the feeling that her selfish act of burning Grace’s letter had somehow brought this tragedy upon her family. As she stood by her father’s bedside, tears streaming down her face, she realized with a sinking heart that her father had likely been suffering at the very moment she and William were lost in their intimate moments. The weight of this realization pressed heavily on her, casting a long shadow over her newfound love with William.

Victoria, William’s eldest sister and closest confidante, had joined her brother at Burg Falkenstein to support him and Mina during this difficult time. William had confided in Victoria, expressing his worry about Mina. Victoria, a dyed-in-the-wool romantic, had a keen sense for matters of the heart and promised William to help.

That afternoon, Victoria found her sitting alone in the palace gardens, her eyes red from crying. She approached her gently, sitting down beside her.

“Mina, what troubles you? This seems to be more than mere concern for your father,” Victoria said softly, her voice filled with concern.

Mina hesitated, but the kindness in Victoria’s eyes encouraged her to open up. “I… I did something dreadful, Victoria, and now I feel as though I am being punished for it. My father… he fell ill while I was with William. I cannot help but think it is my fault.”

Victoria took Mina’s hand in hers, squeezing it reassuringly. “Mina, you must not blame yourself for your father’s illness. He is older, with a history of ailments. Such things happen. He is receiving the best care. And of course, you are with William often, as you should be. You are engaged. I see he proposed to you again. When he told me of his intentions, I was utterly charmed. My brother can be quite the romantic! Do you like the ring?”

“I adore it; it is exquisite, almost as beautiful as the manner in which he proposed. But you do not understand. I did not mean merely spending time with William. I meant that I was with him … privately. Romantically. While my poor father was on the brink of death,” Mina gave Victoria an urgent look, and she finally understood, her mouth forming a perfect “oh.”

“Oh … OH! Oh my! I knew he was quite taken with you, but I did not realize you and he…that you … Oh dear. Good for you, Will. Assuming it was good. Was it? Oh, never mind, forgive me.” Victoria blushed deeply, as did Mina, but then they had to laugh, both of them blushing. Then Mina grew serious again, looking at Victoria.

“Grace came to the palace. She gave me a letter for your brother, said it was imperative he reads it, and I promised her. I tried. I truly tried, but William … oh, your dear brother. Oh, Victoria, I tried, I swear it, I did, but each time I tried, William did something extraordinarily sweet, and I simply could not give him the letter. And then, I made a terrible mistake. I realized I no longer wanted him to see it. What if she desires him back and he were to …,”Mina paused for a moment, shaking her head as if to shake the horrifying thoughts from it, then turned to face Victoria with a sad expression. “I burned it, Victoria, and now my father has fallen ill. I might lose my father and William, or I will have to live a lie, because of all I have done.”

“Oh Mina … I see. Well, what you did was certainly wrong, but it is not irreparable, I think. More of an inconvenience, I’d say. Clearly, Grace is open to communicating with him now, so perhaps she will tell him in person, or he could send her a message. Look, you will not lose him, I am certain of it. He has chosen you twice now, and I know my brother; he is very serious about you. But you must tell him about Grace and the letter. Keeping this secret will only eat away at you. He loves you and will not be angry, but he deserves to know the truth.”

Mina nodded, tears streaming down her face. “You are right. I need to tell him.”

That evening, William found Mina in the royal gardens, waiting for him on a bench.

“Mina, what is wrong? Victoria said to find you the moment I returned from the meetings.”

Through tears, Mina confessed everything—the letter, her guilt, and her fear of losing him. William listened intently, his expression a mix of shock and understanding.

When she finished, he gently took her face in his hands, wiping away her tears. “Mina, I love you. I made my choice under pressure, and then on my own, just like you did. Nothing will change that. I’m glad you told me the truth. We can face anything together, but we need to be honest with each other. As for your father, his ailment isn’t your fault; it’s just terrible timing. He wouldn’t want you to carry this guilt. He will get better, you’ll see. Alexander received word from the physicians that they notice strong improvement. Soon you can tell him your worries about your self-perceived role in his sudden setback, and he will confirm you worry in vain.”

Mina nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. “Thank you, William, but I am not going to tell my father that I was in your chambers with you all night, let alone what we were doing, when he had the stroke! Maybe you have that kind of relationship with your parents, but I certainly do not, especially since my parents could easily be your parents’ parents!” She smiled at him, relieved.

Chuckling, he kissed her. “You’re right maybe don’t mention that particular bit to your father, or we’d likely find ourselves married by the weekend. I am happy to be engaged at 18, even though that wasn’t my plan before our boating mishap, but I have grown quite fond of it now. However, marriage is yet another subject, one I am most definitely not ready for.”

“Neither am I. I don’t mind the engagement; I like it too. To us, it’s not really any different than just being a couple, but my parents are so focused on having heirs. If they even had an inkling of us doing anything that could aid that demand, you’re right, they’d probably take us to Las Vegas to be wed at some drive-thru immediately.” She giggled, and he joined in.

His chuckle faded into a smile. “They shall get their heirs, eventually, just not right now. I love you, Mina,” he said earnestly.

“I love you too, Will. I will apologize to Grace, if you wish.”

“I don’t think that will be necessary. She already sent me a message while I was at the meeting asking about the letter, and I pretended some staff member mistook the letter for solicitation and disposed of it before I could read it. She told me that was precisely what the letter was about, in a nutshell—while leaving out the more private memories she mentioned—she resolved that we are too different. According to her it was a nice dream for a while, one she will never forget, she now woke and realized dreams never last, and sometimes even the sweetest dream turns into a nightmare. All that expressed in a rather poetic way. I apologized to her again, but she has not responded since. She is clearly still very bitter with me, but we both have our closure now, in a way. I hoped to retain the friendship, but it would appear that she is not interested.”

***

Alexander received a letter from the palace staff. He barely managed to keep his composure as he opened it, revealing an invitation to Kristin’s wedding to Sterling Covington. His hands trembled slightly, but he forced a polite smile and thanked the staff member who delivered it.

Later that evening, Alexander retreated to his chambers, the weight of the invitation pressing heavily on his mind. He poured himself a glass of whiskey, staring out the window at the darkening sky. The first sip burned his throat, but he welcomed the distraction. He poured another, and then another, the alcohol doing little to numb the pain.

With a deep sigh, he picked up the invitation, his eyes scanning the elegant script. The words seemed to blur together as memories of Kristin flooded his mind. The betrayal, the heartbreak, and now this—her moving on with someone else, with the daughter he thought was his, but wasn’t. He felt a mix of anger and sorrow, the emotions swirling within him like a storm. Had the daughter been a boy, he would have married Kristin long ago, as House von Ahrensberg still observed the very outdated law of agnatic-cognatic primogeniture, meaning females could only ever ascend to the throne if there were absolutely no male heirs, a rule once intended to preserve the royal name. In other words, he had to produce a son; if not, everything would go to any sons his sister might have, and if she didn’t, it would go to illegitimate heirs or distant relatives as long as they were male. Outdated, perhaps, but still a part of the von Ahrensbergs’ world that nobody but the king could change, and only if all current adult members of the immediate family agreed. Even if Alexander became king and wanted to change it, he knew his parents would both veto it.

In a moment of impulsive resolve, he held the invitation to the flame of a nearby candle. The edges curled and blackened, the fire consuming the paper. He watched it burn, the flames reflecting in his eyes, a silent nod to the past and a reluctant acceptance of the future, as he tossed the engulfed invitation into the fireplace.

As the last embers of the invitation disintegrated, Alexander poured himself another drink, staring out into the night. The pain was still there, but he knew he had to move forward. For his family, for his kingdom, and for himself.

His eyes caught a glimpse of his sister scurrying through the palace gardens towards the stables. With some curiosity, holding his drink, he watched her, wondering what she would want with the horses this late. Just then, he noticed a figure stepping from the shadows, pulling his sister into an embrace. They kissed passionately, stepping into the moonlight, and he recognized Crown Prince William. His eyebrows raised, a small smirk forming around his lips as he watched them make out as if it were their last day on earth.

“Look at that, my little sister truly is in love, sneaking about with the boy our father chose for her. How about that? I suppose Father does know best after all. He knew this would work, I am convinced he just knew, even though we all besieged him not to insist on an engagement. Yet, he did, and here they are, both 18 now, both still engaged. William even proposed again, on his own this time. The wisdom of a king, and of age. And here I am, almost 25, the age I am supposed to be married by, yet I have nothing, after thinking I knew better, thinking I needed to play the field while I still could, yet letting the girl I loved slip through my fingers. Guess she loved the title and the money more than me, or she wouldn’t have let another man impregnate her. Well, I guess I should be thrilled she decided to tell me about that, finding out later would have been a scandal, and it would have been found out, as Julia would have been tested as part of the procedure. I know I need to find a bride and have heirs, but I thought I had time still. With father almost dying, a rough lesson was taught; clearly, I don’t have time, I am soon to be a king, whether or not Father recovers. Am I ready for this? No, I don’t think I am. Oh, the irony of wasted time, I thought finding a bride was difficult as a crown prince; I do not even want to imagine what it will be like as a king. Being king will be tough, I am going to need my father’s advice a lot. And being a king will be even harder without a solid queen by my side, someone who knows what is at stake, so no more commoners.” Chewing on his lip, he vowed to himself, “Father, I will make you a deal: you pull through, you recover, and I will marry whomever you choose for me. Just don’t leave me alone with all this, not now. Do that for me, for all of us, and I will become the kind of future king you always wanted me to be. No more laisser faire, no more yacht trips with alcohol and women, but a son you will be proud of. I will marry whomever you think is best, and I will drown you and Mother in grandchildren, many boys, and this time, they will definitely be mine.” He emptied the glass as if to seal his pact with fate.