Crowned with Love by Barbara Cartland

Author:Barbara Cartland
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781782138891
Publisher: PublishDrive
Published: 2016-09-26T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Giona looked at herself in the mirror and thought that no one could complain that she did not look attractive for what was to be an important public appearance.

Her mother had chosen for her a pale yellow gown the colour of spring sunshine, which threw into prominence the soft gold of her hair and made her eyes seem more mystical than usual.

The bonnet that went with it was trimmed with kingcups and she thought as Mithra handed her her gloves and a small satin bag that matched her gown that even the King must think that she looked nice.

Just as she was about to go downstairs, there came a knock on the door and, when Mithra opened, it a footman announced,

“Before Her Royal Highness joins His Majesty, Sir Edward Bowden would like to speak to her in an anteroom and I am waiting to escort Her Royal Highness there.”

Giona could hear what was said and she hurried forward, saying,

“I am ready.”

The footman was a middle-aged man who she imagined must have been at The Palace for some years and she therefore asked him,

“Have you seen many changes while you have been working here?”

She spoke slowly in Slavonian and he paused before he replied,

“I was here when I was a young man, Your Royal Highness, with the last King and The Palace was a very happy place in those days.”

From the way he spoke, there was no need for him to say more and Giona walked beside him along the passages and down a magnificent double staircase that led to the marble hall.

He took her into what was a small rather austere room that she guessed was mainly used for people waiting for an audience with the King.

“Good morning, Your Excellency!” Giona said. “Are you coming with me this morning to the House of Parliament, where I understand His Majesty and I are to receive a magnificent Wedding gift from the Members?”

“I shall be accompanying Your Royal Highness,” Sir Edward replied, “but first I have something of importance to say to you.”

“What is it?” Giona enquired a little apprehensively.

“Last night I was informed by His Majesty and several of his advisers that it would be best if you changed your name.”

“Changed my name?” Giona exclaimed in astonishment.

This was something that she had certainly not expected.

Sir Edward looked uncomfortable.

“His Majesty thinks that it would be more appropriate if, as their reigning Queen, you had a name that was more usual.”

Giona stared at him for a moment and then she said,

“I believe what His Majesty is really saying is that my name is Greek and therefore more likely to be appreciated by the Slavonians than by the Austrians.”

She spoke sharply and Sir Edward glanced over his shoulder before he replied,

“I was afraid that Your Royal Highness might be a little upset at his suggestion, but His Majesty is very eager that you should be married to him with a name that he is familiar with.”

Giona did not speak and Sir Edward went on,

“He has made several suggestions.

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