Henfordshire, Cromwell Palace
The door to his royal suite burst open, causing Crown Prince William and Princess Wilhelmina to spring apart from their intense kiss. They watched as the guards quickly shut the door behind William’s sister, Princess Victoria, who now realized what she had interrupted. After a moment of stunned silence, she appeared flustered again, stepping towards her brother.
“Will, I think he is cheating on me!” Victoria exclaimed, her voice trembling with urgency.
William blinked in confusion. “What? Who?”
“Well, who do you think?! Henk, of course! Something is wrong! I just know it!” Victoria’s voice cracked, her frustration evident.
“Vic, please calm down. What do you mean?” William asked, concern etching his features.
Victoria looked back and forth between her brother and Mina, then gestured desperately. “He has no time for me at all anymore. He used to come see me at least every other week since he graduated. It’s been six weeks! SIX! So, I have offered to go see him several times now, and he keeps claiming he’s busy! I haven’t been to his home in almost four months! FOUR whole months. He has another! I know it. I just know it. Jack always tells us, if it looks too good to be true, it always is! Hendrik looked too good to be true. Sweet and good looking doesn’t exist! Men are either good looking and idiots, or sweet and hideous!”
“Thanks,” William replied dryly. “Nice to know how you really feel. Can’t wait to tell Papa.”
“Oh, you don’t count, you’re family.”
“Again, thanks.” William smirked, adding, “Because nothing says ‘confidence booster’ like not counting to family.”
“Quit it! This is serious, Will! I am not getting my dream prince. I knew it! I am engaged to a liar! WILLIAM! Do something!” She talked herself into a panic, her voice rising in pitch, as she grabbed her brother’s lapels, shaking him in frustration until he gently pulled her hands off.
Mina, trying to mediate, piped up, “Well, I find your brother rather good looking and aside from some lapses in judgement, he has always been very sweet. Same goes for your father. And I will say Hendrik would not cheat on you. You know your father and even William do get busy sometimes. That too shall pass and Henk will have more time for you again.”
“Mina, you don’t understand. He went from hot to cold. He used to come to see me immediately after some busy meetings, and now he just can’t be bothered. And what could keep him so engaged, wouldn’t your brother be involved then too? William, I expect you to go to him and fight for my honor. How’s your right hook? Maybe Jack could show you how to hit someone.”
Wilhelmina’s eyes grew wide, looking for an escape, as she muttered, “Oh dear. I’ll go help your mother with that thing.”
“Mina!” William’s tone was sharp, laced with a mix of annoyance and helplessness at her very obvious excuse. He knew his mother didn’t need her for any ‘things’.
“Oh no, Will, you should handle this. I still need to help your mother with her… thing,” Mina insisted. With that, she nearly fled, but Victoria turned and held onto her.
“You know something! I know you do! You went home to Windenburg just a week ago! I know Hendrik is helping your brother with some project, so he would have been at the castle. And Will went with you! Oh, you both know something. You’ve seen her! What does she look like?! Is she prettier than me? Is she Dutch!? Am I not Dutch enough!?” Victoria’s voice grew increasingly frantic as she clung to Mina.
Mina added gently, “Yes, we have seen Hendrik and no, there was nobody with him. Of course you’re not Dutch, darling. You’re Henfordian, and that’s perfectly splendid.”
Mina shot William a telltale glare, silently pleading for help. He shrugged helplessly.
“Will, handle this. You want to be king one day, so, be a king now and explain this to your sister, or I will. We tried, William!” Mina’s voice was firm, demanding action.
“Tried what!? Oh my God, it’s true. He found someone else! He doesn’t love me anymore, I knew it…” Victoria’s words became fainter as she descended into hard sobs, throwing herself against Mina, who wrapped one arm around her future sister-in-law, gesturing for help with the other.
“William!” Mina’s voice was strained as she held the sobbing Victoria.
“Alright, alright, I’ll call him and see what he wants us to do. Keep her calm… well… calm-ish, and I will speak to him.” With those words, William pulled out his cell phone and started dialing. But his sister let go of Mina and clung to him instead, looking frantic, so he disconnected the call.
“William, what is going on!? TELL ME!” Victoria’s eyes were wide with desperation.
“Vic, please stop. Yes, I know something, but it’s not what you think. I promise you, it’s fine. It’s not bad. Trust me,” William reassured, his tone soothing.
“Not bad?! He’s been ignoring me, not wanting to be with me when every fiber in my body longs to be with him, for him to touch me and hold me and kiss me and …”
“VIC! I am your brother! Stop, please!” William interrupted, his face turning a shade of crimson.
“Oh, what? I have to watch you and Mina do all that all the time! I want that too! I am engaged, for crying out loud, and of course I miss him and I long for him! Don’t act as if physically longing for the one you love is so strange! You are NOT one to talk there, Mister! Not to mention along with the rest of the world I had to look at your naked bum in the news when you were 17 and I was 16 and when you … well … you know. Sorry, Mina.” Victoria’s blurt reminded everyone of Grace and the entire drama.
Mina sighed, “It’s fine. Not like I could really escape that reality. Not a single time we or I run into a reporter without it being brought up. Which then always reminds me of the more recent Grace-incident.”
“Yes, thanks for reminding Mina and me of that thing we both have been trying to put behind us and move on from,” William said, rolling his eyes. “Look, you trust me, don’t you? I would tell you if it were anything nefarious going on. It’s not. I swear it, Little Lotte. Hendrik loves you very much. Still.”
“Then why won’t he see me?” Victoria’s voice wavered with desperation.
“Let me speak with him.”
William turned away, dialing, trying to step into his dressing room for privacy. But when Victoria heard her brother speaking and couldn’t understand the words, she couldn’t stop herself. She burst into the dressing room after William before Mina could stop her, grabbing the phone from him.
“Henk, tell me what’s going on! It’s killing me!” she sobbed in another fit of hysteria, but then calmed as she listened to him, nodding, as if he could see that.
Eventually, she handed the phone back to William, accepting a tissue from Mina, while Will put his phone to his ear to see if the call was still active. When he found it was, he spoke up, then listened intently, before confirming. “Yes, alright. I am sure that can be arranged. Are you certain it’s not too soon? Right. We will be there.”
With that, he hung up, Victoria looking up at him, her hysteria changed into a puzzled look, making her appear more like a little girl awaiting the Christmas surprises than an almost 22-year-old.
“He said he is planning a surprise for me. Which surprise takes so many months? It’s not my birthday yet, not for many more months, nor his birthday. There are no holidays at all.”
William smiled, tapped his sister on the tip of her nose, kissing her cheek, and said near her ear, “And that is why it is called a surprise, Little Lotte.” He pulled away, winking, stepping towards Mina, who smiled, placing her hands on Will’s face, kissing him.
“Handled like a future king, lover,” she said, as he wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her again.
“There you two go again. You don’t have to rub my face in it. I want that too,” Victoria pouted.
Smirking, William released Mina, grabbing his sister, puckering up and making kissing sounds, trying to kiss her face, which she fought off, unable to not giggle. “Stop! Not you! Eeeww!”
“Eeew? How dare you insult the first in line to the throne!? An outrage! Someone should complain to your parents!” William teased, laughing as his sister stuck her tongue out at him.
“Big brothers are an awful lot, aren’t they?” laughed Mina, whose older brother had already been made king some years ago when their father abdicated in his favor.
“And you’re marrying one. Oh Mina, you should run,” Victoria joked, when William grabbed her shoulders from behind, turning her towards his suite door.
“No, YOU should run. Get out of my room and let me have some privacy. Go pack. I’ll talk to Mum and Dad about us taking a little trip to Windenburg tomorrow morning because they raised their oldest daughter into an impatient brat,” William said with a grin.
Victoria smirked, eyes gleaming with mischief. “If I were first in line to the throne instead of you, I wouldn’t need you. I could just commandeer the royal jet myself. I’d already be en route to Windenburg.”
William chuckled, shaking his head. “Thank God the more responsible one was born first then,” he teased, steering her towards the door, opening it, and giving her a brotherly shove out. The royal guards stationed outside barely batted an eye—they were well used to the playful bickering between the four royal siblings, with William and Victoria being the oldest.
Kingdom of Windenburg, Zeehaven Isle
Duchy of the DeWinters
The excitement had been building all morning. From the moment Victoria, William, and Mina left Cromwell Palace, Victoria’s restlessness was evident. Their journey began with a car ride to the airport where the royal jet awaited. During the drive, Victoria could barely sit still, her fingers tapping rhythmically on her lap. Once at the airport, she bounded out of the car, nearly forgetting her royal decorum by entering the jet before her brother, the Crown Prince. William couldn’t help but laugh at his sister’s exuberance, and Mina, his fiancée and the Princess Royale of Windenburg, shared in the amusement, her eyes twinkling with understanding.
The flight to Windenburg was only an hour and a half, but for Victoria, it felt like an eternity. She kept glancing out the window, her mind racing with thoughts of Hendrik. She had missed him so much, and the months apart had fueled her worries. Her brother and his fiancée Mina’s reassurances kept Victoria’s spirits from crashing, reminding her of Hendrik’s love and the surprise he had in store for her. Still, she couldn’t think of what that surprise could be.
After landing, another car ride took them to the mainland dock where the ferry to Zeehaven Isle awaited. The island was visible from the mainland, a distant silhouette against the horizon. The ferry ride, normally a picturesque and brief journey, was an exercise in patience for Victoria. She paced the deck, her eyes fixed on the growing outline of Zeehaven Isle. Some members of the security team followed her movements closely, amusing William and Mina.
Mina nudged William and whispered, “Shouldn’t you calm her down? Watching her is making everyone dizzy.”
William leaned in with a grin, “No, she’s just exercising the security detail. Maybe she thinks they need to be run, like dogs, to stay in shape.”
Mina giggled, and William’s chuckle echoed hers. The scene of Victoria pacing restlessly with the security team in tow was indeed quite entertaining, so William pulled out his cell phone to record it for his parents and siblings back home.
Leaning against William, Mina commented, pointing at Princess Victoria who had finally stopped pacing and was now standing at the prow of the ferry, her eyes trained on where, after a bend, the ferry dock on the island side would come into view. “Maybe you should hold on to her. I’m afraid she is about to jump overboard and swim the rest of the way.”
“Oh, she’s too eager to impress Hendrik to risk getting her hair wet. I do feel for him though. When she gets excited, her exuberance can be… overwhelming. I worry she might accidentally strangle or break him when she discovers what he’s been up to,” William chuckled, his laughter mingling with Mina’s giggles.
As the ferry neared the docks, they could see Duke Hendrik standing, awaiting them with a broad smile. When they were finally cleared to exit, Victoria forgot all her royal upbringing, bypassing the security team who were supposed to exit first to set a perimeter, as she ran into Hendrik’s open arms. He caught her and twirled her around, their laughter echoing across the dock. She was still planting kisses all over him when he tried to greet William and Mina.
Golf carts were standing by to take everyone up the incline and the short distance to his estate called Landgoed Windroos.
Victoria was blissfully leaning against Hendrik as he drove their golf cart up the incline with one hand, the other arm wrapped around her. She clung to him, proclaiming she would never let him go again, too occupied with her happiness to notice anything until they had already passed the wrought-iron gate. Then she realized much had changed.
Victoria shot straight up, her eyes widening in disbelief. Her stares and reactions were almost comical, and she nearly fell when one of the guards, with cat-like reflexes, caught her as she tried to exit the golf cart before it had come to a stop. She turned in all directions, taking in the drastic changes. She ran to the middle of the fully remodeled courtyard, standing in awe. On one side was a beautifully landscaped garden, and on the other, newly built horse stables and a large pasture run.
She was still staring speechless when Henk, William, and Mina joined her.
“It’s not finished yet, but I hope I might be forgiven for neglecting you so much of late? Your brother has been very helpful with this project, as have Mina and His Majesty, her brother,” Henk explained, looking hopeful.
“Stables?” Victoria asked, her voice barely a whisper.
“Yes. I know you would be heartbroken having to leave Royal Symphony behind, and now you won’t have to. His Majesty King Alexander has been so kind to continue your lessons in horseback riding, while I had to stay around here to oversee the remodeling, and I am pleased to say I am rather proficient now, though still far from graceful on horseback. The new gardens are modeled after those at Cromwell Palace which you love so much, of course with our own twist. We’re not trying to be copycats, just bring a little bit of your old home to your new one. His Majesty your father and William have been so kind to share the old blueprints with our architects to use as a base. However, there is still more to do, and I was hoping you would have some input on the decor choices for our future chambers,” Henk elaborated.
Victoria wanted to speak but couldn’t. Her mouth moved without sound, her eyes wide as she kept looking back and forth between the stables, the gardens, and Henk. Finally, she threw herself against him, sobbing into his shoulder. “I thought you had another and you were doing all this! I am so sorry to have doubted you! There really are men who are handsome and sweet…”
It was a scene William captured in a photo to send to their parents with a brief note: “Here’s Victoria, loving every bit of Hendrik’s grand surprise!”
Currents of Change
Once she had calmed down and everyone was given a tour of the changes, they all settled down in their respective rooms until dinner. From his room, Hendrik spotted Victoria walking towards the new, still empty stables. Curious, he decided to follow her. He found her inside, deep in thought. When she heard him, she pointed at one of the stalls.
“Symphy would love this one here,” she said, her voice still laced with emotions.
Smiling, Henk wrapped his arms around her, kissing her. “It’s hers then. Your father and brother mentioned I shall be given one of your fine horses, who will accompany Symphony on her journey to her new home, once you come to stay with me after graduation.”
She pulled away, her eyes wide with disbelief. “I can’t believe you did all this for me. I feel so guilty for ever doubting you when you’ve been so sweet.”
He gently lifted her chin, looking into her eyes. “Don’t feel guilty, but you must never doubt how deep my love is for you. I’d do all this all over and more for you. I want you to be happy here and never regret choosing me.”
“Funny you should say that. I have been thinking…” she told him importantly, which he acknowledged with a smile and a wink. “Thanks for the warning.”
Giggling, she swatted at him playfully, but he caught her hand and planted a kiss on it.
“Henk, I miss you too much. I can’t do another year and however many months are left at Britchester. Everyone’s graduated. William’s gone, Mina’s gone, Ryan and Camila are gone. I hate it there alone. I’ve been spending every weekend back home at the palace because the walls on campus are closing in on me. My parents are finding it harder and harder to get me to go back to campus after those weekends, and I miss you. If you feel the same way, maybe you could speak to my parents about arranging for me to study remotely. Then I could move here sooner. If you want that, of course.”
She hesitated, looking into his eyes. “I think it would mean more coming from you. That way, my parents will know I’m not just inviting myself to your home. They’ll see that you want me here too.”
“Oh, I see. So I’m supposed to charm your parents into this plan, become your personal tutor, and somehow ensure you don’t end up majoring in ‘Construction Management’ because my home is practically a building site right now. No pressure, right?”
“Do you have to put it that way? And I have always been tutored before starting university, I am very disciplined studying by myself. But if you don’t want me to live here with you…” Pouting and clearly mildly upset, she tried to turn and leave, but he didn’t allow it. He pulled her back, pressing her gently against the stable wall, kissing her with a demanding passion. She wrapped her arms around his neck, responding with the same intensity.
When they finally parted, both slightly breathless, he winked at her and smiled that boyish smile she loved so much.
“Did that answer your question?” Henk asked.
Victoria gave him a playful, coquettish smile. “Hmmm, not sure. You might have to tell me again. And again… and again…”
“I will. I will tell you that so much that you will tire of it and of me,” Henk replied with a grin. “And probably end up with chapped lips.”
“Impossible. You’re my dream prince,” Victoria said softly, wrapping her arms around his neck. “And don’t worry, I have plenty of ChapStick.” She kissed him briefly, as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
“I am no prince. Only a humble duke, Your Highness. You are very much marrying down. But I think the proverbial white horse might become a reality, unless your father and brother choose a different color for me. I was told I would receive one of your family’s fine steeds, and you know what they say about gifted horses,” Henk said with a grin.
“Knowing my Papa, your horse will be orange, since that is your family’s color. He’s such a stickler for traditions,” Victoria teased.
Hendrik chuckled. “Do I detect a slight disdain in your voice, Mylady?” he bowed, winking again.
“Not at all. Orange happens to be very becoming on you and me as well, however we are taught at court that it is a lesser color and appears cheap if worn in excess, meaning more than just as an accent, and is best to be avoided entirely by all members of the royal house,” Victoria replied with a playful smirk.
“I will be sure to tell my ancestors’ portraits that, so they may look sternly upon you for those opinions. There once was a Baroness Amalia van Oranje who lived in 1543 and exclusively wore orange fineries. Her loving future husband, my ancestor Duke Frederik DeWinter, therefore decided it should be our family color henceforth,” Hendrik said with a grin.
Victoria giggled, “Oh, dear Baroness Amalia, what have you started? I suppose I shall have to embrace the orange hue with pride then, add it as a staple to my wardrobe to represent your family, and watch rows of my former tutors faint with adequate flourish each time we visit my family back home in Henfordshire. You know, my father changed our royal colors from royal blue to deep green about 15 or so years ago, as it’s my mother’s favorite color and her eyes are green, but very light green, beautiful, like William’s. Sadly, I didn’t inherit either those nor my Papa’s deep hazel blue ones; mine are different from everyone else’s in my family. Sometimes I look at my brother and wonder if such beauty isn’t wasted on a man, guys don’t care about their eye colors, so I wished I could take his and give him mine instead.”
Hendrik laughed, “Your eyes are absolutely mesmerizing, special and unique as are you, sweet Victoria, and you do look rather fetching in green. However, I must say, orange suits you just as well. and clearly, I am partial to it.”
“Maybe I will get you to change it to my eye color then,” Victoria teased, playfully poking his chest. “Just joking, who wants something as boring and pedestrian as light blue for their family colors. No, I like the orange, warm and inviting, like a crisp, sunny autumn day. I like it just the way it is. And besides, if you can make me fall in love with orange, anything is possible.”
Hendrik wrapped his arm around her. “Well, you’ve already succeeded in making me fall head over heels with you. At first sight, something I never believed in, until it happened to me, back when we met at the royal Windenburgian Palace, in the gardens, when you had some very unflattering things to say about the other countries’ leaders present at the meeting you skillfully invited yourself to, so I have no doubts about your persuasive abilities. I was not even looking to meet a lady, let alone for a relationship, but after realizing you are even more captivating in person than you were in that dull meeting, I had no choice; I was at your mercy in an instant and ever since. Putty in your delicate hands,” he said, taking her hands and kissing them.
Victoria smiled, leaning into him. “You, my dear Duke, are a charmer. I was very much NOT interested in meeting my dream prince at that event, but then, there you were. And you weren’t the only one instantly captivated.”
“Still not a prince, my love, and frankly, not even much desire to aspire to being one. And we both know I didn’t captivate you quite as much as you had me, I remember some stiff competition all too well. There have been many moments I wanted to give up, as you clearly seemed to prefer a certain young man over me.”
“Oh, yes, I was so confused for a while. I really thought I wanted Liam, but now I look back and just wonder. He and Maeve are much better matched, and I was just blind and silly. At least I did come to my senses and realized who my dream prince really is. And yes, you ARE my prince, maybe not in title, but you are the prince of my dreams, and you have just proven it all over again. Liam is sweet, but what you have done for me would never ever even cross his mind. I don’t think you even fully grasp how much this really means to me, Hendrik. This gesture, you literally changing your family estate so much just to accommodate things I adore, it’s … it’s… I have no words powerful enough to express how much this means to me,” Victoria said, looking up at him, fighting back emotional turmoil threatening to bring a storm to her eyes, so she attempted a joke. “You really set the bar very high now. That’ll be hard to keep up long term, but you do know I expect this level of gestures now.”
“I will do my best, Your Highness,” Henk replied, chuckling, kissing her forehead gently.
Victoria smiled, her eyes twinkling. “You are the prince of my dreams, Henk. Always will be, no matter your title.” She turned away from him, taking his hands and wrapping his arms around herself, leaning back against him. The gentle breeze from the open stable barn door brought with it the salty scent of the sea and the distant cries of seagulls. They traded soft kisses as they continued their conversation.
Hendrik tightened his embrace, resting his chin on her shoulder. “I am honored to be your prince, Victoria. And I promise to always make you feel not just like the princess you are, but the queen you are to me.”
Victoria sighed contentedly, feeling the warmth of his body against hers. “You already do, Henk. Every single day. My Papa always calls Mama ‘queen of his heart’. It always just sounded like a sweet term of endearment, but now it really makes sense. I get what he means now. You are the king of my heart, Henk. I had wondered how hard it would be to leave behind my childhood home, the rolling hills of home I love so much, the horses, the gardens. My family can phone, or Skype or visit, but I can’t phone my horse, my home. Now I won’t have to. You brought a piece of it here. I can live here. I am sure of it. This can be my home.”
Hendrik kissed the top of her head, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment. “I wanted you to feel that way. I want you to feel at home here, with me. We’ll create new memories together, blending our lives and traditions.”
Victoria turned in his arms, looking up at him with love and admiration. “You’re incredible, Henk. I can’t wait to start this new chapter with you.”
They shared another tender kiss, savoring the moment and the connection they felt. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the distant hum of a passing yacht added to the idyllic atmosphere, making it even more magical.
Unexpected Interruptions
Later, as William and Mina were sharing a moment of affection in the room assigned to them for their visit at Landgoed Windroos, the door burst open. Without knocking, Victoria came in, too excited to notice their state of partial undress—William’s shirt fully unbuttoned, Mina’s lipstick marks all over his chest, neck, and face, her dress unzipped, one strap of her bra slid way down her shoulder, their hair disheveled. She plopped down on the bed next to them, burying them in recaps of her conversation with Hendrik and her plans.
“Victoria!” William exclaimed, trying to cover himself up, hastily buttoning his shirt, while Mina slipped up the bra strap and started fumbling with the zipper of her dress.
Oblivious, Victoria sat up, grabbing her brother in mid-buttoning with near comical urgency. “Oh, William, I love him, I love him, I love him! Is there such a thing that Papa could make Hendrik a prince?”
William sighed, patiently plucking his sister’s hands off his shirt to continue his task, while trying to calm her down. “Vic, you know better. Our father rules over an entirely different kingdom and has no such powers over Windenburg, which Hendrik’s duchy—the Isle of Zeehaven—is part of. So, no. Good talk. See you later at dinner then. Bye!”
Victoria looked crestfallen. “Oh. Right.”
With a devilish grin and a wink at Mina, who had managed to zip her dress up and was trying to sneak out the door, William added, “But your future sister-in-law’s big brother could… He just happens to be the king here. He could give him a higher title if he wanted to.”
At her fiancé’s word, Mina froze in mid-step, her head snapping around to him, giving him a ‘you will pay for this!’ glare. Victoria’s eyes widened with hope, she jumped up and ran over to Mina, while William quickly escaped from the room, leaving Mina to deal with her.
Later, waiting in the lobby to go to dinner together, William stood grinning sheepishly as Mina approached him, suit jacket and tie in hand. She slammed them into his chest, her eyes narrowing playfully.
“You left me to deal with your sister alone,” she said, her voice laced with mock anger. “That was lower than low! I am very upset with you, hold still.”
She helped him put on the jacket, giving it a sharp tug that made him stumble slightly. Then, she brushed off imaginary dust from his back with a few firm pats, making him wince. Finally, she playfully pretended to strangle him with the tie before tying it properly. “You owe me for that,” she added with a smirk.
William laughed, “I know, I know. Please, mercy me, no more abuse. I’ll make it up to you, I promise. I just didn’t have any more sisterly drama in me, especially when I thought this was going somewhere else entirely with us before she burst in, ruining the mood.”
Mina rolled her eyes. “I asked you to lock the door. Just as I did at the palace. Did you listen either time? No. Clearly, following instructions isn’t one of your fortes, Your Highness.”
“The lesson has now been duly learned. Doors shall henceforth always be locked. So, how did it go?” he asked.
“I want to slap you so badly right now for leaving me alone with your sister and her crazy requests,” Mina retorted.
“How unroyal of you, Princess, I am appalled,” William teased.
“Oh, shove it, Will. But I paid it forward,” she laughed, pointing out the window into the courtyard where Victoria had just rushed to King Alexander and his wife Helena, pulling him aside and clearly trying to convince him of something.
When William and Mina stepped outside to greet her brother and sister-in-law before heading to dinner, he saw her and shot her a knowing glare. Laughing, Mina waved at him, to which he responded with a very unroyal finger gesture. Mina and William burst out laughing hard, while the security staff awkwardly tried to look everywhere but at the royals, pretending not to notice. Meanwhile, Victoria was already dragging Alexander along to the new stables.
Helena, still recovering from childbirth a few weeks ago, joined William and Mina. She appeared a bit sluggish, but her smile was warm. “Alex had some very unroyal things to say to you, Mina, but I won’t repeat them.” she laughed.
“Oh, Alex can handle himself. Let him squirm, payback for being a big brother, doing big brother things, some of which have not exactly been very royal either.” Mina laughed, winking at her sister-in-law.
“No need to tell me, Mina, I live with him, am married to him and have to deal with all of your brother’s quirks. Plus, I have an older brother myself so no pity from me. Is anybody else famished or is it just my new mom hunger kicking in?” she linked her arms into William and Mina’s, as they now saw the host, Duke Hendrik, come down the stairs, greeting Helena.
“Apologies for not being there to greet you on arrival, Your Majesty, but I can’t seem to find Victoria anywhere …” he stated.
“Oh, no worries, not like Helena and Alex haven’t been here many times and couldn’t find the way. Victoria’s at the stables with Alex, showing my brother around. Let’s go eat. The salty sea breeze made all of us famished.”
Finality
Later, as everyone had already made their way to the grand dining hall, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. The hall was beautifully adorned, the long table set with fine china and glimmering candles. The guests had been waiting patiently for King Alexander and Princess Victoria, who had “stolen” him away for a private talk earlier, delaying the start of the dinner slightly, until King Alexander soon joined them with Princess Victoria, gallantly leading her to her spot at the table.
He then addressed the table with a charming smile, “My apologies for the delay, everyone. Thank you for your patience.” He leaned down to kiss his wife’s cheek affectionately before taking his seat next to her, their closeness and enduring love evident.
Victoria was seated between her brother William and their host Duke Hendrik. The meal continued with a proper yet friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The guests included King Alexander; his wife, Queen Helena, who was still recovering from having given birth to their second child a few weeks ago; Crown Prince William and Princess Wilhelmina; Princess Victoria and Duke Hendrik; and Hendrik’s parents, Duke Willem and Duchess Beatrix. The elder dukes were quiet people, making their son’s subdued behavior seem outgoing by comparison. The conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and shared stories.
King Alexander, a charming and eloquent young man in his thirties, always had a way with crowds, effortlessly entertaining with his engaging presence. His queen, Helena, was equally outgoing and witty, adding her humorous commentary to his tales. Meanwhile, his younger sister, Wilhelmina, had always been more reserved and calm, preferring quieter moments.
King Alexander recounted a humorous tale from his recent endeavors, while Queen Helena added her witty commentary, making everyone at the table chuckle or even laugh outright. Hendrik and Victoria exchanged loving glances, their hands occasionally brushing under the table.
Mina and William joined in the banter, teasing each other and sharing inside jokes that only close friends and family would understand. The servants moved gracefully around the table, ensuring everyone’s glasses were filled and plates replenished.
As the evening progressed, William leaned towards Victoria and whispered, “Did you get Alex to agree?”
Victoria shook her head and smiled, leaning in close to her brother. “No, but it’s okay. Alex told me that his father and he both have tried multiple times to elevate Henk’s status before, but he politely declined each time. He doesn’t want to be anything but a simple Duke. He’s not just handsome and sweet, but also humble, Will. I hit the lottery!”
William chuckled and nodded. “Well, I’m glad that’s solved and you’re happy.”
The camaraderie grew, and the dining hall echoed with the sound of clinking glasses and joyous laughter. Victoria, despite her earlier frustration, leaned back in her chair, feeling content and surrounded by the people she adored.
However, as dessert was being served, a servant approached King Alexander with a silver tray bearing a sealed missive. Bowing respectfully, the servant presented the message to the King, who accepted it with a smile, still chuckling from one of his amusing tales that had everyone in fits of laughter.
As Alexander opened the missive, his smile slowly vanished, replaced by a look of deep concern. He set his napkin aside and rose abruptly, his voice choked with emotion as he leaned down to whisper to Helena, “We need to return to the castle immediately.”
Helena, sensing the gravity of the situation, nodded and allowed him to assist her to her feet. Alexander then addressed the table, his tone courteous yet urgent. “I must apologize for interrupting this lovely evening.”
He bent down to whisper something in Mina’s ear. Mina’s face paled as she quickly rose. “William, we need to go,” she said, her voice trembling. William, ever the supportive fiancé, nodded and followed her.
Alexander later handed the missive to their host, Hendrik, offering a sincere apology for their sudden departure.
Hendrik read the message, his expression growing somber. Victoria, looking confused, asked, “What’s going on?”
Hendrik handed her the paper. Victoria gasped audibly as she read it, her eyes widening in shock. The missive was by King Alexander’s longtime personal advisor and read:
Your Majesty,
It is with the deepest regret that I inform you of the sudden and unexpected passing of your father, King Ludwig von Ahrensburg, due to a catastrophic heart attack shortly after your departure for the dinner tonight.
Despite our immediate response, the summoned court physician could only attest to his passing.
Your mother is in deep distress and urgently requests your presence. Please return to the castle at once and kindly bring Princess Wilhelmina with you.
With my sincerest condolences,
Your most loyal servant,
Lukas Weber
EchoesOfLegacy 