The Gates of Paradise by Barbara Cartland Page A

day.”
    â€œAs bad as that!” the Lord Chamberlain exclaimed.
    â€œWorse than that, if we count in the Caravan towns and Khanates they have taken over so unscrupulously with very little resistance.”
    â€œNow you are making me more scared than I was already,” complained Narina.  “Surely we are safe here as long as they believe that the Princess on the throne is under the personal patronage of Her Majesty Queen Victoria?”
    â€œThat is just what we all want to believe,” the Lord Chamberlain said before Michael could reply.  “Equally if either the Princess or the ruling Prince is absent, they will claim that gives them every right to take over the country.”
    â€œAgain you are scaring me even more than before,” Narina chipped in.
    â€œI can assure you both,” declared Michael, “that the Government of India is determined that Russia will never take possession of her.  And the Balkans, if they are clever and resolute can be saved as well.”
    â€œThat is not true of all the Principalities – ”
    Michael smiled.
    â€œIt has to be true of this one.  Therefore please do increase your defences immediately and as soon as I have had a good night’s sleep, I will be able to tell you a great many things I don’t believe you are currently aware of.”
    â€œI will look forward to that,” the Lord Chamberlain answered.
    He put his hand on Narina’s shoulder.
    â€œBefore Mr. Ward goes to sleep, I suggest that you talk to him and reassure yourself that he will act the part we request of him with a brilliance that no one else could.”
    He sighed before he continued,
    â€œI am hoping that he will be willing to stay here, as you will, until Their Royal Highnesses return.  But just as you were yesterday taken by surprise and performed your duty beautifully in Princess Louise’s absence, we may have to call on Mr. Ward to do the same thing.”
    Narina drew in her breath.
    Then she looked at Michael to see if he was about to protest.
    Even in the dim light of the room she could see that his eyes were twinkling.
    â€œThere is one lesson I have learnt in this world,” he volunteered, “and that is no one gets anything for nothing. Very well, my Lord Chamberlain, I am at your service, and if I have to play the part of a ruling Prince or a reluctant mule, I am perfectly prepared to do either!”
    The Lord Chamberlain chuckled.
    â€œI thought that you would, Mr. Ward, but I can only hope for your sake it will not be necessary.  Just remember that for everyone here, you are His Royal Highness Prince Rudolf, who is suffering from an accident while out riding that has threatened his eyesight.”
    â€œI will not forget, my Lord Chamberlain, and I am only grateful that I can play the part to help you.”
    â€œI will come and see you later this evening and tell you what orders I have given.”
    The Lord Chamberlain walked towards the door.
    As he reached it he turned back to raise his hand.
    Then he went out and Narina heard him speaking to Paks, who was keeping watch outside.
    As she looked at Michael, she realised that he was extremely tired as he lay back against the pillows.
    â€œI think,” she suggested, “you would go to sleep if I left you alone.  After all you have been through, you must be completely exhausted.”
    â€œI have not been able to sleep at all for the last three nights.  I have been moving around in the darkness as that was much safer and I only managed to snatch an hour or two’s rest each day in a hayrick or a dry ditch.”
    â€œThen you must go to sleep now, Mr. Ward.  Shall we wake you up when it is time for dinner to be brought to you here – or would you rather sleep on?”
    â€œI think as I have had very little to eat, I would like to join you for dinner not only because I would very much enjoy something to eat but because I can