Free Ruled by Love by Barbara Cartland Page A

dull, middle-aged governesses all alone.
    Their only idea of recreation was to take her for a long walk in the Palace grounds and ride, but only when accompanied by one elderly groom.
    No one thought her important enough to require a proper Escort or even an aide-de-camp by her side.
    â€˜Things will be very different from now on,’ Zoleka resolved firmly as they walked into the Palace.
    She noticed that although it was nearly nine o’clock there were none of Prince Majmir’s aides-de-camp on duty and only two footmen to receive them in the hall.
    â€˜The whole of this Palace is excessively badly run,’ she decided, ‘and for that I blame the Lord Chamberlain.’
    Her Third Eye had told her last night that he was not at all friendly and now he was more likely to be an enemy than a friend.
    As she walked up the stairs to take off her hat, she gave a little shiver.
    She was beginning to think that with the exception of the Count she was left fighting a lonely battle with not enough ammunition and support to be sure of winning it.
    To Udele’s delight the Officers took breakfast with them and then they left, saying they were looking forward to riding tomorrow.
    â€œI will require a carriage in half-an-hour,” Zoleka said, “to take Her Royal Highness and myself to the shops. Please send a messenger ahead now to the most exclusive shop in the City and inform the manager we are arriving and will require the attention of the manageress of each department.”
    She was making this request to an elderly aide-decamp , who had now condescended to show up.
    He gasped at what she had just demanded.
    â€œIt is something we have never done before, Your Royal Highness!”
    â€œAll the more reason to do it now,” Zoleka replied sharply, “and please hurry or they will not be ready for us when we arrive.”
    The Count was listening to the conversation and he asked Zoleka,
    â€œAnton Bauer told me that you require an Escort.”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œI think that as the Palace personnel seem not to know their duty, I will send two of your men with you and two from the Palace. It will be the quickest way for them to learn the correct way to behave.”
    â€œI think that is an excellent idea.”
    It was then that Zoleka heard an angry voice behind her,
    â€œIt is quite unprecedented for Princess Udele, if she goes to the City, to require an Escort.”
    â€œGood morning,” said Zoleka rather pointedly.
    â€œGood morning, Your Royal Highness,” replied the Lord Chamberlain. “I was just remarking that it is quite unnecessary for Her Royal Highness to have an Escort.”
    â€œBut I am afraid it is necessary for me . My father would certainly not allow me to wander about in a strange City without an Escort. In any case, I think, as Her Royal Highness has grown up and is no longer in the schoolroom, that people should get to know her and form a deep respect for her.”
    â€œAnd you think that makes it necessary for her to demand a full Escort?” the Lord Chamberlain asked in an aggressive manner.
    â€œI think it is essential and, as I have said, I have no intention of going without one. You cannot be so blind as not to realise that the Princess needs new clothes. She can hardly go on appearing in public in what she has worn in the schoolroom!”
    There was nothing the Lord Chamberlain could say.
    He was muttering darkly to himself as he stalked away without bowing to Zoleka, as protocol demanded that he should have done.
    The Count smiled.
    â€œYou will have to get rid of him,” he whispered.
    â€œThat is just what I was thinking, but I am not sure how!”
    â€œI am sure he will cling to his post as if to a lifeline, which of course it is as no one else would employ such an old grumpy.”
    Zoleka laughed as she ran up the stairs to change.
    *
    Once again she had to lend Udele one of her best dresses.
    The only clothes