Read Online Ruled by Love by Barbara Cartland - Free Book Online

have always considered it wrong that Her Royal Highness was not allowed to use them rather than the dull nursery upstairs.”
    â€œWell, she will most certainly be using them now,” asserted Zoleka. “Is there a dining room?”
    Anton smiled.
    â€œYes, there is a small dining room just as attractive as this room and beyond it is what I am sure Your Royal Highness will enjoy – a library.”
    Zoleka’s eyes lit up.
    â€œI was just going to ask if there were books in the Palace. I specially would like to read a history of Krnov if you have one.”
    â€œI am sure we have several and, of course, they are all at Your Royal Highness’s disposal.”
    Then the Count suggested,
    â€œI think it is now too late to dance tonight, but I am going to insist that we have some music tomorrow. I have already heard from one of the Officers I have been talking to that there is an excellent pianist in the City and a small band, which can be hired whenever we require it.”
    Zoleka laughed.
    â€œYou certainly waste no time!”
    â€œI think it’s a question of having no time to waste.”
    She knew exactly what he meant.
    However, she felt it would be a great mistake to talk openly of their fears about Krnov.
    Anton next suggested they played a game of cards and a table was brought in with several packs of cards.
    They played ridiculous rather childish games which made them all laugh.
    Finally as the clock struck eleven, Zoleka said she thought it was time for them all to retire to bed.
    â€œWe have so much to do tomorrow and if the Count is going to keep us up late tomorrow evening we shall need our beauty sleep in advance.”
    She rose to her feet.
    While Udele was talking to the Count, Anton spoke to Zoleka in a low voice so that the others could not hear,
    â€œWould you like to give me your orders now for the morning as I am sure you have a great number.”
    Zoleka drew him to one side.
    â€œFirst and foremost, I must purchase Princess Udele some decent new clothes. She only has those childish ugly garments she was wearing when I arrived and tonight she is wearing one of my gowns.”
    â€œI thought that was so. There will be no difficulties about it. But how do you want to go shopping?”
    Zoleka smiled.
    â€œI think it is important that Princess Udele should become well known in the City and therefore we must go in style.”
    â€œWith an Escort?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œIt is something that has never happened before,” Anton admitted, “and will doubtless cause a sensation.”
    â€œThat is just what I want.”
    â€œAnd what else, Your Royal Highness?”
    â€œA list, which I am sure will not take much time, of the eligible and interesting young people of the same age as Princess Udele, or not much older, living in the City.”
    She hesitated before she continued,
    â€œIf, as the Count insists, we will be twenty or more for dinner tomorrow night, I would like to see the chef.”
    â€œI cannot think what the Lord Chamberlain will say to all this!” exclaimed Anton.
    â€œI will leave it to you to cope with him, Anton, and some time tomorrow I would like a private meeting with the Prime Minister.”
    Anton Bauer raised his eyebrows as she carried on,
    â€œIt is he who asked me to come here and I think it only right that I should tell him what I am doing in case it is, in any way, contrary to what he wants himself.”
    â€œI understand and incidentally I am sorry for what happened tonight. I did suppose that perhaps His Royal Highness would be a little careful as you had just arrived.”
    â€œDoes he always drink so much?”
    â€œI am afraid so,” replied Anton.
    â€œWhat was he drinking?”
    â€œVodka.”
    â€œNow I understand. My father always told me that vodka suddenly takes possession of you when you are not expecting it.”
    â€œI believe that is exactly what does