The Queen's Path

chapter2：The Clash of Power and Kinship

The Imperial Capital, Odin, was the name of this planet—a planet slightly larger than Mother Earth and the political center of the Galactic Empire.

Here were majestic mountains and vast seas, modern bustling cities, and ancient, grand palaces. The capital gathered the nation’s finest elites, the most beautiful people, and the wealthiest citizens.

The Orsenberg dynasty was a young one. It had been only 140 years since Emperor Walrich I overthrew the former regime and established his own rule.

The military vehicle carrying Wilhelmina and Hansburg drove discreetly out of the spaceport, merging into a designated lane.

Wilhelmina leaned against the bulletproof window, her large eyes wide with wonder as she took in the sights outside. Beside her, Hansburg sat attentively, supporting her small body with a gentle hand.

Skyscrapers reached for the sky, multilevel hover-car lanes bustled, and floating shopping malls and gardens flourished in the air. Fashionable men and women strolled along spacious terraces, moving gracefully as if on solid ground.

As they passed a massive floating amusement park, Wilhelmina pointed at it, saying, “I know that place. It’s called Paradise Park. Grandpa promised that if I earned three A’s this semester, he’d bring me here to play.”

Hansburg’s gaze softened, filled with affection. “Well, now you can come here anytime.”

Wilhelmina returned to her seat, gently stroking her large cat, Lucy’s, soft fur. “Maybe.”

Her mature tone deepened Hansburg’s smile, and the female attendant serving tea blushed, reluctant to leave.

“Where are we going?” Wilhelmina asked.

“I’m taking you to meet your grandfather first.”

“Does my father live with him?”

“…Yes, for now, they’re staying together.”

“I miss Lark Manor.” Wilhelmina hugged Lucy tightly. The big cat extended her pink tongue, licking her young owner’s rosy face.

“But you belong here,” Hansburg said gently but firmly. “You’re meant to be here, my lady.”

Wilhelmina lowered her head in semi-comprehension, nibbling on her favorite blueberry cream cake.

Outside, the bustling commercial district faded, and beyond the hover car, lush forests spread as far as the eye could see. Rivers wound like silver ribbons through the landscape.

“That’s the Saint Koslora River, the Mother River,” Hansburg explained.

At the edge of the forest was a vast, elevated plain. In the northern hemisphere, spring turned the grassland lush with wildflowers. Deer ran across hills, and cattle and sheep grazed peacefully. The Saint Koslora River flowed eastward, nourishing this land.

The car sped on. The terrain dropped sharply, and the river cascaded down, forming a magnificent waterfall. A massive pool below mirrored the surroundings like a giant glass.

At Hansburg’s signal, the vehicle descended slowly, hovering just above the water’s surface.

The clear lake reflected the metallic shell of the hover car as white waterfowl chased it. Wilhelmina looked up, mouth agape, at the distant waterfall like a bridal veil, her little nose turning pink with delight.

What an adorable child. Hansburg suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of fulfillment.

“We’re almost there,” he said.

The car ascended again, and the lake reformed into a river. Along its banks grew tall birch trees, and on the hills appeared scattered castles and villas.

This was the famed New Loire Valley, known for its beautiful scenery and historic noble castles and royal palaces. Many of the castles had been converted into museums and luxury hotels, making this one of the Empire’s premier holiday destinations for the wealthy.

Leaving the valley, they passed over a densely forested hilly area, and buildings became more frequent. Traditional architecture, narrow streets, towering churches, and behind one church stood a white palace.

“Welcome to the Palace of Roses,” Hansburg whispered to the little girl, “Do you see those roses? Aren’t they beautiful?”

The Palace of Roses, over four hundred years old, was built by the previous dynasty. The extravagant former regime had used it merely as a hunting lodge, leaving it empty most of the time. After ascending the throne, Emperor Walrich had the palace modestly refurbished and gifted it to his wife, Empress Wilhelmina, who turned it into a base for the National Children’s Education Foundation. For a time, it even functioned as a school.

When Emperor Alexander took the throne, he relocated the foundation and moved into the palace himself, a decision that continued to face criticism until his death.

For Wilhelmina, however, this palace, radiant and crystalline in the sunlight, held a beauty beyond imagination—like something from a fairy tale. Elegant, grand, immense yet unburdened, the palace gardens bloomed with roses year-round, giving it the eternal grace of a noblewoman of the Empire.

The car parked in a small square, and Hansburg led Wilhelmina out, hand in hand. Soldiers in the imperial guard saluted Hansburg, and a middle-aged man in a butler’s uniform knelt before Wilhelmina.

“Good day, my lady. I trust your journey was pleasant. I am Bruque, the deputy palace manager. His Majesty awaits you.”

He reached out to take Wilhelmina’s hand, but the child shrank back, hiding behind Hansburg.

“It’s alright, sweetheart.” The young man’s long, fair fingers gently stroked her soft hair. “Let’s go meet your grandfather together.”

The Galactic Empire’s third emperor, Alexander II, had only just turned seventy when he lost his youngest son. The tragedy had completely drained the color from his once golden hair. Though he appeared strong, dignified, and energetic to outsiders, his expression softened when he saw the only surviving child of his youngest son.

“My poor child.” Emperor Alexander sat on a velvet sofa, pulling Wilhelmina onto his lap. “You’ve grown, my darling. You’re taller than last year.”

“Yes, Grandfather,” Wilhelmina answered carefully. “Are you well, Grandfather?”

“Of course, dear, of course.” Alexander lovingly stroked her soft golden hair. “I hope you will grow to love it here.”

This brief comment caused a slight reaction in his children seated nearby.

Wilhelmina looked up with innocent eyes. “Yes, I like it here. Hansburg even showed me the big waterfall.”

The emperor glanced up, and the young officer standing in the corner bowed slightly.

“Good girl. Now, let me take you to see your father.” The emperor stood up.

He led the way out, and Wilhelmina hurried to keep up. Soon, a young maid took her hand, providing her with some comfort and companionship.

Prince Adams, titled Prince of Roxdon, had married the daughter of one of the Empire’s wealthiest families as his second wife. Both were deeply involved in charity work and polo, with the prince himself often competing.

The handsome prince, dressed in riding attire, astride his steed, smiled in the sun—until he leaned down to kiss the princess and was struck by a bullet.

A single homemade pistol ended the lives of the royal couple.

Wilhelmina, however, barely remembered her father’s gallant image on horseback. Her memories of him faded, finally crystallizing in a single, pale, silent image.

“Go see your father.” The emperor nudged Wilhelmina. “Be a brave child.”

Taking a deep breath, Wilhelmina slowly approached the coffin.

Her father lay inside, his face unfamiliar, eyes closed. His hands, powerless, would never again lift her high as he had done. His lips, cold, would never again kiss her and call her “my little dove.”

“Papa…” She touched her father’s face. “Say hello to Mama for me.”

“Good girl.” Emperor Alexander felt a pang of sadness for his lost son and his now-orphaned granddaughter. “Come along; let’s not disturb him.”

This was a case that had shaken the entire galaxy. The culprit, a former boyfriend of the princess from her college days, had acted out of revenge—or so the official story went. But everyone knew it wasn’t that simple.

The violent deaths of the royal couple sent shockwaves through the court and the political landscape, fracturing the royal family. Yet, the true story of that day remained undisclosed until the end of Emperor Alexander’s life.

Only many years later, after Wilhelmina I ascended to the throne, did she finally unravel the secret her grandfather had left for her.