Bride to the King Read Free Page B

life exciting when they are first free of their Tutors and studies and the King is no exception. But I think, Your Royal Highness, it would be a mistake for me to say too much. I want you to judge for yourself and not go to Dórsia with a biased mind.”
    Zosina had the idea that the Ambassador was trying to get out of a rather difficult situation.
    But why it should be so difficult she was not certain.
    She thought to herself shrewdly,
    ‘He wants me to like the King and he is afraid that anything he might say would prejudice me one way or another.’ She looked down again at the miniature.
    The King was good-looking and almost as if she spoke to herself, she said,
    “He is – very young.”
    “Two years older than Your Royal Highness,” the Ambassador replied, “and I am told by those who know him, that he has old ideas in many ways, which is not surprising seeing that he has been King for so many years.”
    “But it is the Regent who does all the work!” Zosina flashed.
    “Not all of it,” the Ambassador replied, “and I think Prince Sándor has gone out of his way to see that the King fulfils a great number of official duties from which he might have been excused.”
    “Does His Majesty resent having a Regent to run the country for him?” Zosina asked.
    “That is a question I cannot answer, Your Royal Highness. Knowing Prince Sándor as I do, I cannot imagine anybody resenting his authority, but one never knows with young people. I expect, however, His Majesty will be very glad to be free of all restrictions except those of Parliament when he comes of age.”
    “He might find a – wife restricting too.”
    The Count smiled.
    “That is something, Princess, I feel you would never be to any man.”
    Zosina put the miniature down on the diplomatic box.
    “I thank Your Excellency very much for being so kind,” she said. “You will be coming with me and the Queen Mother to Dórsia?”
    There was almost an appeal in her voice and the look she gave him told the Ambassador that she thought it would be a help and a comfort to have him there.
    “I shall be with Your Royal Highness,” he replied, “and you know I am always ready to be of assistance at any time and in any way that you require.”
    “Thank you,” Zosina answered simply.
    She held out her hand, then without saying any more she left the anteroom and walked swiftly across the marble hall and started to climb the stairs.
    Only when she was halfway up them did she begin to hurry and to run along the corridors and burst into the schoolroom.
    As three faces turned to look anxiously at her, she realised that her breath was coming quickly from between her lips and her heart was pounding in her breast.
    “What is it? What has happened?” Helsa asked. “Was Papa very disagreeable?” Theone questioned.
    For a moment it was impossible for Zosina to answer.
    Then Katalin jumped up and ran to put her arms round her waist.
    “You look upset, Zosina,” she said sympathetically. “Never mind, dearest, we love you and however beastly Papa may be, we will all try to make you feel better.”
    Zosina put her arm round Katalin’s shoulders.
    “I am – all right,” she said in a voice which shook, “but I have had rather a – shock.”
    “A shock?” Helsa exclaimed. “What is it?”
    “I don’t – know how to – tell you.”
    “You must tell us,” Katalin said. “We always share everything, even shocks.”
    “I cannot – share this.”
    “Why not?”
    “Because I am to be – married.”
    “ Married ?”
    Three voices shrieked the words in unison.
    “It cannot be true!”
    “As Papa has said so – I suppose it – will be!” “Who are you to marry?” Theone enquired.
    “King Gyórgy of Dórsia!”
    For a moment there was a stupefied silence. Then Katalin cried,
    “You will be a Queen ! Oh, Zosina, how marvellous! We can all come and stay with you and get away from here!”
    “A Queen! Heavens, you are lucky!” Helsa