Ruled by Love by Barbara Cartland Page B

anything in the Palace about that dreaded danger.
    She was still thinking of what Pieter Seitz had told her.
    It made her shiver and it was almost as if a giant hand was stretching out towards them.
    There was nothing to save them from being caught up in it forcibly and crushed by the might and power of the Prussians.
    There was only the small effort that she and the Count could make to stop them.
    Only if they had enough time could they effectively strengthen and increase the size of the Army and maybe by some miracle they could arouse in the people the will to resist – something they obviously lacked at the moment.
    It all seemed so difficult.
    Zoleka found herself praying silently in her heart,
    â€œ Help us ! Please help us, God!”

CHAPTER FIVE
    Looking around the room, Zoleka just knew that the dance was a huge success.
    Dinner had been far better than she had hoped and there had been enough hired waiters, so it did not take too long.
    The band from the City was small, but they knew all the latest and most alluring tunes.
    There was no doubt at all that Udele was enjoying herself. Her brown eyes were shining brightly and she was looking exquisitely beautiful.
    The young men were falling over themselves to ask her to dance.
    Zoleka gave a sigh of relief.
    She had worried so much in case at the last moment everything went wrong, but it could not have been a better evening.
    The windows of the dining room opened onto the garden and in some clever way at the last minute the Count had found lanterns to hang in the trees.
    There were fairy lights placed around the fountain, which looked even lovelier with the moon rising in the sky and the stars shining overhead.
    At one o’clock exactly the Count brought the party to an end.
    â€œOh, must we stop?” Udele asked plaintively.
    â€œWe men have a lot of work to do tomorrow, Your Royal Highness, and I expect you will find you do too. Do not forget you have a ball being arranged for next week.”
    â€œIf it is as fantastic as this party, I shall enjoy every moment. Thank you, thank you for being so wonderful.”
    She looked up at the Count.
    â€œI said you would be the belle of the ball,” he said earnestly.
    â€œEntirely thanks to you and to Princess Zoleka.”
    He smiled and next instructed the band to play the National Anthem.
    Everyone stood to attention and then reluctantly the guests began to say goodnight.
    â€œIt has been such a lovely evening,” they said one after another.
    As the last one left the ballroom, Zoleka turned to the Count.
    â€œI was so afraid it would not come off, but it has all been marvellous. I have come to the conclusion you are a magician.”
    â€œThat is exactly what he is,” agreed Udele. “Ever since you and he have been here the whole Palace has been transformed.”
    Zoleka looked towards the Count as they were both sharing the same thought.
    How long would the transformation last?
    As they went upstairs to bed, Udele repeated over and over again how much she had enjoyed herself.
    She kissed Zoleka goodnight.
    Then childlike she threw her arms round the Count.
    â€œThank you, thank you! I want to go on saying it a million times.”
    He kissed her on the cheek and she ran off towards her bedroom.
    Zoleka smiled at him.
    â€œNo one could be more grateful.”
    â€œAnd I am very grateful to you ,” replied the Count. “The dinner was superb and I expected it to be a failure.”
    â€œWe have a great many more nights to come when we must succeed as well. So the sooner we both retire to bed the better.”
    â€œYou are so right. Goodnight and God bless you.”
    He walked into his room and Zoleka went into hers.
    She was pondering at how very charming he was and how intelligent.
    It seemed a pity that he was the youngest son, as he would not inherit his father’s rank or the vast family estate, which would go to his elder brother.
    â€˜I am sure he will