A Princess Prays Read online

  A PRINCESS PRAYS

  Father Jozsef did not make a move to accompany her as Attila ran across the garden and up the steps into the Chapel.

  As she expected there were flowers on the altar and in every window and the air was filled with the fragrance of incense.

  Also there was something Attila had never found in any other Church.

  It was an atmosphere of holiness, which at the same time seemed to pulsate with a life force.

  It could only have come from God Himself.

  Attila sank down on her knees in front of the altar and although Father Jozsef was not with her she knew he was blessing her.

  She prayed fervently,

  ‘Please God restore my Papa to good health. He is so needed here in Valdina and there is no one to take his place.’

  She paused and bowed her head low as if she was pleading with God to hear her prayer.

  ‘Let me find love. The true love Papa and Mama had for each other which they always believed came from You. I have no wish to be married, except to a man who loves me as a woman not as a Princess and I will love him for himself and for no other reason.’

  Her voice dropped as she begged,

  ‘Help me, God, please help me, because I cannot manage my life without You.’

  A PRINCESS PRAYS

  BARBARA CARTLAND

  www.barbaracartland.com

  Copyright © 2008 by Cartland Promotions

  First published on the internet in December 2008 by Barbaracartland.com

  The characters and situations in this book are entirely imaginary and bear no relation to any real person or actual happening.

  This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval, without the prior permission in writing from the publisher.

  eBook conversion by M-Y Books

  THE BARBARA CARTLAND PINK COLLECTION

  Barbara Cartland was the most prolific bestselling author in the history of the world. She was frequently in the Guinness Book of Records for writing more books in a year than any other living author. In fact her most amazing literary feat was when her publishers asked for more Barbara Cartland romances, she doubled her output from 10 books a year to over 20 books a year, when she was 77.

  She went on writing continuously at this rate for 20 years and wrote her last book at the age of 97, thus completing 400 books between the ages of 77 and 97.

  Her publishers finally could not keep up with this phenomenal output, so at her death she left 160 unpublished manuscripts, something again that no other author has ever achieved.

  Now the exciting news is that these 160 original unpublished Barbara Cartland books are ready for publication and they will be published by Barbaracartland.com exclusively on the internet, as the web is the best possible way to reach so many Barbara Cartland readers around the world.

  The 160 books will be published monthly and will be numbered in sequence.

  The series is called the Pink Collection as a tribute to Barbara Cartland whose favourite colour was pink and it became very much her trademark over the years.

  The Barbara Cartland Pink Collection is published only on the internet. Log on to www.barbaracartland.com to find out how you can purchase the books monthly as they are published, and take out a subscription that will ensure that all subsequent editions are delivered to you by mail order to your home.

  If you do not have access to a computer you can write for information about the Pink Collection to the following address :

  Barbara Cartland.com Ltd.

  240 High Road,

  Harrow Weald,

  Harrow

  HA3 7BB

  United Kingdom.

  Telephone & fax: +44 (0)20 8863 2520

  Titles in this series

  These titles are currently available for download. For more information please see the Where to buy page at the end of this book

  The Cross Of Love

  Love In The Highlands

  Love Finds The Way

  The Castle Of Love

  Love Is Triumphant

  Stars In The Sky

  The Ship Of Love

  A Dangerous Disguise

  Love Became Theirs

  Love Drives In

  Sailing To Love

  The Star Of Love

  Music Is The Soul Of Love

  Love In The East

  Theirs To Eternity

  A Paradise On Earth

  Love Wins In Berlin

  In Search Of Love

  Love Rescues Rosanna

  A Heart In Heaven

  The House Of Happiness

  Royalty Defeated By Love

  The White Witch

  They Sought Love

  Love Is The Reason For Living

  They Found Their Way To Heaven

  Learning To Love

  Journey To Happiness

  A Kiss In The Desert

  The Heart Of Love

  The Richness Of Love

  For Ever And Ever

  An Unexpected Love

  Saved By An Angel

  Touching The Stars

  Seeking Love

  Journey To Love

  The Importance Of Love

  Love By The Lake

  A Dream Come True

  The King Without A Heart

  The Waters Of Love

  Danger To The Duke

  A Perfect Way To Heaven

  Follow Your Heart

  In Hiding

  Rivals For Love

  A Kiss From The Heart

  Lovers In London

  This Way To Heaven

  THE LATE DAME BARBARA CARTLAND

  Barbara Cartland, who sadly died in May 2000 at the grand age of ninety eight, remains one of the world’s most famous romantic novelists. With worldwide sales of over one billion, her outstanding 723 books have been translated into thirty six different languages, to be enjoyed by readers of romance globally.

  Writing her first book ‘Jigsaw’ at the age of 21, Barbara became an immediate bestseller. Building upon this initial success, she wrote continuously throughout her life, producing bestsellers for an astonishing 76 years. In addition to Barbara Cartland’s legion of fans in the UK and across Europe, her books have always been immensely popular in the USA. In 1976 she achieved the unprecedented feat of having books at numbers 1 & 2 in the prestigious B. Dalton Bookseller bestsellers list.

  Although she is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Romance’, Barbara Cartland also wrote several historical biographies, six autobiographies and numerous theatrical plays as well as books on life, love, health and cookery. Becoming one of Britain's most popular media personalities and dressed in her trademark pink, Barbara spoke on radio and television about social and political issues, as well as making many public appearances.

  In 1991 she became a Dame of the Order of the British Empire for her contribution to literature and her work for humanitarian and charitable causes.

  Known for her glamour, style, and vitality Barbara Cartland became a legend in her own lifetime. Best remembered for her wonderful romantic novels and loved by millions of readers worldwide, her books remain treasured for their heroic heroes, plucky heroines and traditional values. But above all, it was Barbara Cartland’s overriding belief in the positive power of love to help, heal and improve the quality of life for everyone that made her truly unique.

  “It is my firm belief that anyone who prays fervently and sincerely from the heart
and soul will always be listened to.”

  Barbara Cartland

  CHAPTER ONE

  1798

  Princess Attila walked into the Palace and up the stairs as she was heading for her father’s bedroom.

  The King had not been at all well for several weeks and she knew he would be very pleased with the first wild strawberries she had found.

  Every day she tried to find something different to take to him.

  When he could not walk into his garden which he enjoyed – “the garden,” she said, “had to come to him.”

  The Palace was very ancient as it had been in the possession of the Kings of Valdina for over three hundred years.

  A few modern improvements had been made when Attila’s mother was alive, but they had found it easier to leave things as they were.

  As far as her father was concerned he was always very comfortable.

  Sadly, his new wife, Attila’s stepmother, had very different ideas. As Queen Margit she was quite determined to make an impression not only on the people of Valdina, but also on their neighbours.

  The Royal Family of Hungary, however, were not very interested in the smaller countries on their borders, which Queen Margit found infuriating as she wished to move in grand Royal circles.

  Princess Attila was content to ride the magnificent horses her father had brought from Hungary.

  She was not in the least concerned whether she was invited to balls and Social functions at the Hungarian Palace.

  As she walked towards her father’s suite she was deep in thought.

  She could not help feeling that it would be a mistake, whilst he was not feeling well, for her stepmother to continue entertaining as many people as she had in the last few months.

  She gave luncheons, dinner parties and receptions almost every day.

  If a visitor of any importance appeared in Valdina, she insisted on being notified and then she would invite everyone within driving distance to come to the Palace.

  The majority of the Queen’s friends boasted titles of Social importance and were therefore usually middle-aged or ancient.

  Attila was always polite to them and yet she often mused it would be more amusing if some young people of her own age were invited.

  She was eighteen and having been an only child she did find her life lonely at times.

  As soon as her father had married again things changed as the new Queen was extremely particular about who was entertained at the Palace.

  “I consider those middle class people, that you insist are so interesting, to be of no Social importance,” she said severely to Attila, “thus, I have no intention of entertaining them!”

  “But the young men of their family are outstanding athletes,” the Princess protested. “They have not only won all the races held in the country this year, but have a superb reputation, even in Hungary.”

  “I still have no intention of inviting them to sit round my dining room table,” the Queen had retorted sharply.

  Attila wanted to argue the issue out with her father, but he was not well and she knew it might worry him.

  She therefore had to be content with watching the young men whom she admired from the Royal Box, and she thought they were rather disappointed at not being asked to the Palace.

  So were the athletes who came to the country from Moravia and Silesia, both countries on their borders.

  Because Valdina was not very large her own mother had always made a point of being friendly to their neighbours and gave them invitations whenever possible.

  Attila had now arrived at her father’s bedroom door and was just about to knock when she realised the door was slightly ajar.

  She could hear her stepmother speaking inside and for a moment Attila hesitated.

  She wondered if she should wait untill her father was alone before she joined him.

  But then she heard her stepmother saying,

  “The sooner Attila is married off the better. I have invited Prince Otto of Dedregen to dinner next week.”

  Attila stiffened as she heard her father reply slowly,

  “I cannot remember him at all. But I thought I had heard something about him which was not particularly to his advantage.”

  Queen Margit gave an affected little laugh.

  “I think you must have been reading some of the salacious news they write in the newspapers, or listening to one of your more tiresome courtiers who always has something unpleasant to say about anyone of importance.”

  “I am certain I have heard something about Prince Otto,” the King murmured frowning.

  Attila knew exactly what her father was trying to remember.

  There had been a scandal last year.

  It had been whispered amongst the Royal families that Prince Otto had seduced a young woman. She lived in an adjacent country and she was, Attila heard, attempting to sue him for refusing to marry her.

  It was said she had many letters in her possession from the Prince which were very incriminating.

  For weeks there had been a great deal of gossip and then the woman in question was paid a very large sum of money to disappear and no one was at all certain where she went.

  Even apart from this allegation, Prince Otto was talked of as a womaniser.

  Attila could remember one of her mother’s friends saying she had no intention of entertaining him or allowing him to meet her daughters.

  She could hardly believe that her stepmother was now actually encouraging him on her behalf.

  As if the King was thinking the same he asked,

  “Why would you think Prince Otto is interested in Attila? I cannot remember him coming here?”

  “Apparently he was not invited,” the Queen replied sharply. “I met him the other night when I dined with the Grand Duke. His Royal Highness told me that he was longing to meet Attila as apparently he has heard so much of her beauty and her charm.”

  She paused then continued impressively,

  “As he will eventually reign in Dedregen when his father dies, I was sensible enough to invite him here. After all it will be an excellent marriage for Attila.”

  “There is no hurry,” replied the King firmly. “As I have no son I want my people, when I die, to accept her as the Queen.”

  There was a pause and then Queen Margit said,

  “You are not going to die, dearest Sigismund, for many, many years. So I think Attila would be far happier married than having to cope with all the difficulties and problems that you find so tiring.

  “But you know, my dearest, I will help you in every way I can. You must tell the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet to consult me, which they refuse to do at the moment.”

  Attila drew in her breath as she knew now exactly what her stepmother was trying to do.

  Her father, when they had been alone, had told her that as he had no son, she would have to take his place.

  It would not be unusual for Valdina to be ruled by a Queen.

  Fifty years ago there had been a very distinguished female ancestor, who had not only reigned superbly over the country but had fought endless battles against Moravia and won.

  Attila understood exactly what her father wanted from her.

  She had recognised early on why she had been given such an extensive education, which was certainly unusual where women were concerned.

  Her father and mother had insisted on Attila being taught by tutors in all the main subjects, including mathematics and Latin. She knew that she had received the same education as a privileged boy by the time she left the schoolroom and was grateful for it.

  Her father had married again because he was lonely and he missed her mother almost unbearably.

  Attila sadly realised that from the very moment her stepmother had arrived at the Palace she was jealous of her new stepdaughter.

  Queen Margit was, in reality, a pushy woman who wanted to lord it over everyone she met – most especially over her stepdaughter.

  Attila had suspected all alo
ng that what she really wanted was to become the Ruler of Valdina if the King, who was far older than she was, should die.

  She was therefore contriving to be rid of Attila to leave the path clear for herself. Everyone knew that if she married a reigning Prince, there would be no question of her reigning over Valdina.

  She had by now been living with her stepmother for more than three years and realised that she was tenacious and determined in every particular to get her own way.

  Attila also recognised that if Prince Otto proposed, the Queen would do everything in her power to force her into accepting him.

  It did not surprise her that her father did not seem to know all the unsavoury stories about Prince Otto.

  The King was never interested in gossip and when the Palace women started whispering amongst themselves, he always retired to his own room, as he had no wish to be bored by them.

  However, it would have been impossible for her not to hear the gossip and she was well aware that Prince Otto was considered a very unpleasant character.

  There was even secret gossip about him, which was considered too improper for her young ears.

  ‘What am I to do?’ Attila asked herself frantically.

  Then she heard the Queen say,

  “I am going to leave you now, dearest Sigismund, because you must rest. Do not worry because I can assure you I have Attila’s future very much at heart. Dedregen is a most attractive country and rather larger than ours.”

  She must have risen to her feet as she was speaking for now Attila could hear her footsteps on the stone floor.