Ruled by Love by Barbara Cartland Page B

Highness had retired, we went into the City. No one had any idea who we were and we circulated among the men drinking in the bars or talking to each other in the main Square.”
    â€œAnd what did you find out,” Zoleka asked him.
    As it was such a vital question she glanced over her shoulder as she spoke to make certain that there was no one near them.
    â€œThere is no doubt,” Pieter told her in a low voice, “that the Prussians are infiltrating the City and the smaller towns. What is more we gathered they are prospecting for minerals in the mountains, which have been left completely unexplored by the Krnovians.”
    â€œHow can they have been so stupid?”
    â€œThat is what happens when there is no one to give orders. You have seen how helpless Prince Majmir is.”
    â€œWe cannot lose Krnov to the Prussians,” asserted Zoleka. “If we lose Krnov they will instantly plan to take over our country and Cieszyn.”
    Pieter nodded as there was no need for him to say what they both knew was the truth.
    â€œI will go back to the Palace and prepare to leave immediately. I expect you will want to write a note to your father, but make it very discreet just in case I am interfered with on the road.”
    Zoleka looked at him with startled eyes.
    â€œYou don’t really think that could happen?”
    â€œI hope and pray it will not.”
    â€œThen you cannot go alone! You must arrange with the Count for two of our men to accompany you, properly armed.”
    â€œI think it would be a wise precaution, and of course it would be wise for Your Royal Highness to tell the Lord Chamberlain, and anyone else who may be interested, why I am returning to Opava.”
    â€œJust for a tiara!”
    They both smiled a little wryly, knowing how much was at stake.
    Zoleka went back to the Palace and joined Udele in organising the rooms for the evening.
    They did not see the Count or find out what he was doing until he came in at teatime.
    Both Princesses greeted him enthusiastically.
    Udele, because he was arranging a party just for her, which she had never experienced before.
    Zoleka, because she knew that he was aware of the danger which threatened them.
    He was in fact the only person at the moment able to do anything about the problems facing Krnov.
    The Count settled himself down into a comfortable armchair and accepted a large piece of iced cake.
    â€œI am so hungry,” he remarked, “because I gobbled my luncheon. But I have arranged quite an amusing party for you tonight.”
    â€œYou really have?” exclaimed Udele eagerly.
    â€œIt is your party and everyone who has been asked has been told that it is to be the first of a series of amusing entertainments to be given in your honour.”
    Udele was looking at him with shining eyes.
    Then Zoleka said,
    â€œIt sounds fabulous. Tell us exactly what you have planned.”
    â€œThe party tonight will be fairly small as I could not get in touch with all the people I wanted to, but I have arranged for a large formal ball to take place in three days time. The Palace secretaries are sending out the invitations at this very moment.”
    â€œA ball for me?” sighed Udele in a rapturous voice.
    â€œAll for you,” confirmed the Count. “And you are to wear your very best dress and all your jewels!”
    â€œI will do it, I promise I will! It’s so wonderful I can hardly believe it is true.”
    â€œI have also arranged,” continued the Count, “that there will be a race meeting next week, which is an event I understand was abandoned by your father five years ago. Fortunately the Racecourse is still there.”
    He looked at Zoleka as he spoke and his eyes were twinkling.
    â€œI have now engaged a hundred men to prepare the Racecourse and I have instructed the secretaries to send a message to all the people in the country who are known to own horses. If they are not up to our standard,