A Princess Prays by Barbara Cartland Page A

so much about the world,” she asked him, “when you have obviously only visited a small part of it?”
    â€œI have read a great deal,” he replied, “and I have cultivated men and women from other countries when I have a chance to meet them. Last year I met a man from Egypt who told me so much I did not know. About the Pyramids, the Sphinx and the philosophy that lies behind them.”
    Attila gave a little cry.
    â€œThat is what I would love to know. Oh, please tell me what you have learnt.”
    Gesa looked up at the sky.
    â€œI would really like to do that, but at the same time I think we should be moving on. You have another night to spend before you reach home.”
    It was with difficulty that Attila did not say she was glad about that.
    Now there was no more danger she wanted to stay with Gesa, as she felt he was telling her so much she had never known.
    Equally he was giving her something else which she could not put into words.
    *
    They rode a long way in the next few hours.
    Sometimes they were racing against each other and sometimes they let their horses walk at a slow pace through the grass while they talked.
    Finally Kilkos brought the carriage to an abrupt halt and Attila became aware that if they carried on for another two hours they could reach Valdina.
    She had no wish to hurry on and she found herself dreading the moment she would be back in the Palace.
    She would have to explain where she had been to her stepmother, who she knew would be really furious at her leaving before Prince Otto arrived.
    She might even have him still waiting for her, or she might have found another prospective groom.
    Attila’s heart sank at the mere thought of it.
    It would be difficult to obtain her father’s support without upsetting him.
    Worst of all would be the horror of being married to a man she did not know or love.
    But tonight she would have Gesa to talk to and she asked for nothing more.
    They had dinner together in a secluded spot and sat talking until the stars came out over their heads and the moon shone down on them, turning Attila’s hair to silver.
    Gesa told her again and again how lovely she was.
    â€œYou are not to embarrass me,” she told him. “I am unused to compliments and although I don’t believe them, I find them rather embarrassing.”
    â€œWhy should you not believe them, Lala? I swear that everything I say to you is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”
    He held his hand theatrically over his heart as he spoke.
    â€œThen you must have met very few women, Gesa. I am always being told how beautiful the Russian women are, and the French are reckoned to be the most fascinating in the whole world.”
    â€œBut you have something different ,” he said, seriously this time.
    â€œWhat is that?” asked Attila looking astonished if a little pleased.
    â€œIt is difficult to put into words, but I believe that your beauty is not only skin deep, but comes from your heart and soul, which makes it shine out overwhelmingly. I am certain that once a man has looked at you, it is impossible for him to look away.”
    Attila drew in her breath.
    â€œThat is something I would really like to believe,” she murmured, “but I suspect because you express it so movingly, you have said it already to quite a number of women!”
    â€œNow you are insulting me,” replied Gesa, “I have told you the truth. I find you so lovely, not only your looks but your thoughts too, that I feel like picking you up in my arms and riding away, so that you will never see anyone but me again.”
    The way he spoke sounded completely sincere.
    Attila did not know how to answer him and Gesa moved a little nearer to her.
    â€œNow, I want you to answer a question truthfully,” he said.
    â€œI am always truthful.”
    â€œI am sure that is true and it is another fantastic and unusual thing about you.”
    â€œAnd