He smiled as he spoke, a smile so pure it didn't resemble that of a political figure; silence lingered between them for a moment. Finally, King William IV asked the question that had been buried in his heart for too long, perhaps originally intended to be taken to the grave.
"Adelaide..." His voice was as light as the night breeze brushing through the window cracks: "Do you think... I was a good King?"
"You may not be the best of Kings," Adelaide said with tear-filled eyes, cutting off any doubt: "But you are the most diligent and honest ruler I've ever seen. You lack the political acumen bestowed by heaven, nor do you have a schemer's coldness. Yet you possess a passionate heart, refusing ever to see the country take a wrong step, even if it might bring disgrace upon you. William, I don't think anyone could have done better than you."
King William IV listened quietly, his gaze softening inch by inch, as if the stones weighing on his chest were finally lifted away by her words.
