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

happen to him, but the servants are used to coping with it.”
    Zoleka gave a heartfelt sigh as she was beginning to understand why no one was doing anything to modernise Krnov.
    She said good night to the rest of the party and she and Udele walked up the stairs together.
    They had only gone a short way when the Count came running after them.
    â€œI forgot to ask you,” he said, “surely you will want to ride tomorrow morning?”
    â€œOf course I do,” replied Zoleka, “and if His Royal Highness’s horses are disappointing, we will have to ride our own.”
    â€œThat is just what I was thinking, but I have an idea that I would like to discuss with you in the morning. What time can you ride with me?”
    â€œWill eight o’clock be too early or too late?”
    â€œExactly right and I will bring you back for breakfast at nine.”
    He was just about to descend the stairs, when Udele spoke up,
    â€œOh, please may I come too?”
    â€œOf course, Udele. We would not think of going without you and I am sure that the Count will ask for an especially good mount for you.”
    â€œI promise to do so,” the Count called up from the bottom of the stairs, “and we will be waiting for you both at the front door at exactly eight o’clock.”
    â€œThank you, thank you,” both Princesses chorused.
    As they went up to the landing, Udele sighed,
    â€œI just cannot believe all this is happening. It is so wonderful and so exciting, I am quite sure I am dreaming.”
    â€œThis is only the beginning,” Zoleka told her, “and it is going to get better every day.”
    When she said goodnight, Udele kissed Zoleka and then hugged her.
    â€œIt is so marvellous to have you here in Krnov,” she enthused. “ Please , please don’t go away too quickly.”
    â€œI will try not to, but my father is missing me and I cannot leave him alone for too long.”
    She saw disappointment in Udele’s eyes and added quickly,
    â€œBut don’t let us talk about leaving just as I have arrived. We have so much to do that we must have our wits about us and not make too many mistakes.”
    â€œI am sure you never make a mistake, Zoleka. I am already counting the hours I have to sleep before tomorrow morning comes!”
    â€œHurry up and go to bed. I expect that the maid is waiting for you and Marla is yawning when she thinks I am not looking.”
    Marla, who had been at the back of the room, piped up,
    â€œIt’s been a long day, Your Royal Highness.”
    â€œI know and you have been so fantastic in making things shipshape as you always do.”
    She kissed Udele goodnight again and opened the door into the boudoir.
    â€œHurry up and go to sleep,” she urged her. “It will soon be morning.”
    â€œI am just afraid that I shall wake up and find you have disappeared and I am not in the Lily room but back upstairs where it is dark and lonely.”
    â€œForget all about it, Udele, and enjoy the Lily room and everything that will happen tomorrow.”
    â€œI am quite sure I am going to do so.”
    She waved her hand and disappeared.
    Zoleka closed the boudoir door and walked towards the dressing table.
    â€œWhat is happening downstairs, Marla?” she asked.
    â€œThey feel as if they’ve been struck by a tornado, Your Royal Highness. The older Palace servants be rather worried in case they’ve too much to do, but the young ones are a-thinking it’s brought new life into the place and not before ’twas wanted.”
    Zoleka laughed.
    â€œKeep them thinking that way. I am sure they will have to take on more staff if the Count has his way and we throw parties every night.”
    â€œHis Royal Highness won’t be taking much part in them,” commented Marla, “from what I hears.”
    â€œWhat have you heard?”
    â€œThat he drinks himself stupid every night with two or three of