Ruled by Love Read Free Page B

day.”
    â€œYou know I will, my darling. I shall miss our rides and the times like this when we can be together and talk without being afraid of being overheard.”
    â€œThat is one problem I was thinking about. Do you imagine that the Palace in Krnov has concealed holes in the walls through which a spy can see or overhear? I have heard so many stories about this happening in Russia and other countries.”
    â€œI think, my dearest Zoleka, that they will simply treat you as a charming young girl, who will be a nice companion for their young Princess.”
    He smiled before he continued,
    â€œI don’t think that Anton Bauer would believe for a single moment that you might be an Ambassador for your country.”
    â€œAn Ambassador with a keen eye and ear who will miss nothing!” exclaimed Zoleka.
    â€œWhat you must not do is to put anything down in writing,” her father warned.
    â€œThen how am I to tell you what I have found out?”
    â€œI think the wisest way would be to take a second aide-de-camp with you who we trust. He can always be sent backwards and forwards ostensibly with gifts and to fetch items for you, but really to tell me what you want me to know.”
    Zoleka clasped her hands together.
    â€œYou are quite right, Papa, we should have thought of it before. If it is something very serious, I will come back myself, but if we take a special messenger, he will make me feel that I can reach you very quickly if I want to.”
    â€œYou are not to anticipate anything really nasty or untoward happening. If you do, it might perhaps prejudice you unreasonably.”
    â€œIt would not do that, Papa, it is just that I think we should be prepared.”
    â€œI am afraid you may be disappointed, my dearest. You will find Krnov exceedingly dull and may learn very little after all.”
    Zoleka threw up her hands.
    â€œNow you are trying to put me off the trip, Papa! You know I will find it dreadfully boring. In which case I will return home at once and then the Krnovians will have to look after themselves.”
    â€œI have the feeling that is what Prince Majmir really wants. It is only that I am so very frightened of losing our independence, which is so precious to us all.”
    â€œOf course it is, Papa, and something we must not lose whatever happens. I will do my best and no one can do more.”
    â€œI wouldn’t mind betting that your best will be very good indeed, as it always has been.”
    â€œNow you are flattering me and I love it!”
    â€œWhen you come back,” her father suggested, “we will throw a ball, which will be the finest ball we have ever given.”
    He put his hand over hers.
    â€œI am feeling rather guilty that I have not given you enough parties, which your mother would have wanted for you now that you are eighteen.”
    â€œI have been perfectly happy riding with you, Papa, and doing all the things we have done. The balls can wait, as can all the young men, who I do know at the back of your mind you believe should be around to amuse me.”
    Her father smiled at her.
    â€œI admit I have been rather selfish. I have wanted you all to myself and have not concentrated on counting up how many eligible young gentlemen there are to be found in the neighbourhood!”
    â€œIf you mean eligible for me to marry, Papa, I can tell you here and now that I do not wish to marry anyone for several years at least!”
    â€œWhy do you say that?”
    â€œBecause it would be so terrible to be forced into an unhappy arranged marriage. You and dear Mama were so happy, but of course it was a million to one chance against that you should have fallen in love with each other. You could so easily have hated each other and then what would have happened?”
    â€œIf I am honest, that was what I was afraid of, but it was so very important for our country that I should have a Consort. Luckily fortune smiled on me and no one