Free Ruled by Love by Barbara Cartland Page B

the poor girl had were childish and so unbecoming and Zoleka knew it would be a mistake to take Princess Udele into the City with what she hoped would be a fanfare of trumpets unless she was dressed for the part.
    However, in one of Zoleka’s pretty and colourful dresses she looked perfectly presentable.
    When they walked down the stairs the carriage was waiting outside the front door.
    And so was their Escort!
    The two soldiers from Opava looked very different to those from the Palace, although it was obvious that the Count had tried to smarten them up.
    Zoleka felt that at least the people in the City would be aware that they were seeing something unusual.
    She was not mistaken.
    The moment they moved from the park in front of the Palace and into the streets, the children pointed at them.
    People walking on the pavement stopped to stare, but Zoleka noticed that nobody waved or cheered, as they would have done if she had been at home.
    She herself always waved to the crowd and they all waved back and small boys would run beside the carriage trying to keep up with the horses.
    It was quite a long way through the crowded streets to reach the shopping centre.
    Zoleka looked out from the carriage and hoped that at least tonight the people of Krnov would be talking about their Princess Udele.
    The carriage stopped outside a large shop and quite a number of pedestrians stopped to stare out of curiosity.
    As Udele and Zoleka climbed out of their carriage, she became aware that they did not know who the young girl might be.
    There were no cries of ‘good luck’.
    Because the Palace messenger had been sent ahead, the manager of the shop was waiting to receive them.
    He bowed politely to Udele and Zoleka and then he asked which department they wished to visit.
    â€œWe wish to view your best and smartest clothes,” said Zoleka. “Princess Udele is now eighteen and you will understand that she must be dressed appropriately. I am sure that you have beautiful clothes which will enhance her natural beauty.”
    The manager gasped.
    Despite the word he had received from the Palace, he had not really understood what was required.
    Now, almost shaking with excitement, he took the two Princesses straight up to the first floor and sent for the manageress of each department.
    It took them nearly two hours to buy what Zoleka thought was just a foundation of what would be eventually required for her Royal trousseau.
    Udele was overcome.
    â€œI never dreamed I would ever own any clothes so beautiful or so many of them,” she whispered to Zoleka. “Do you think Papa will be willing to pay for them?”
    â€œI think he will be delighted that you look so smart and pretty.”
    She thought privately that Prince Majmir might just be difficult at having to pay the bill out of the Privy Purse.
    If so she was sure that the Prime Minister would contribute towards it.
    After all to build up the prestige of the Royal Family was as important as providing an Army with more soldiers and more guns.
    When they left, the manager of the store, bowing again, thanked them both profusely for their visit.
    Even at such short notice he provided two bouquets which he presented to each of the Princesses and promised that everything they had ordered would be delivered to the Palace as quickly as possible.
    As they drove away, Udele was rapturous.
    â€œThat was fantastic! You do not think Papa will be angry?”
    â€œI see no reason for him to say very much about it. He has to get used to seeing you look pretty and attractive and naturally grown up and sophisticated.”
    Udele laughed.
    â€œHe cannot expect me to remain a child for ever.”
    Zoleka nearly replied that that was exactly what he had done.
    Then she told herself that would be unkind, so to change the subject, she said,
    â€œNow we have to wonder who the Count will have asked to dinner tonight. You must wear the prettiest gown we have chosen today for you to