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prettiest.”
    A startled expression came into the eyes of the Lord Chamberlain.
    She knew he had never for a moment contemplated her residing in one of the State rooms.
    â€œI am sure you know the room I am referring to,” continued Zoleka. “It is the Rose room and, as the rose is my favourite flower, I shall be very disappointed if I have been allocated any other room.”
    There was nothing the Lord Chamberlain could do.
    He muttered that he would, of course, escort her to the Rose room if that was what she wanted.
    Zoleka smiled at Princess Udele.
    â€œI don’t know where Her Royal Highness might be sleeping, but of course it will be so much more convenient, as we have so much to do together, if we are close to one another. I saw on the plan of the Palace that the boudoir of the Rose room adjoins the Lily room. I am sure that would be a very appropriate room for Her Royal Highness.”
    Before the Lord Chamberlain could protest Princess Udele piped up,
    â€œI have been made to continue sleeping next to the schoolroom even though my governess has left. I would love to be in the Lily room it is very pretty.”
    â€œThen it shall be arranged,” the Lord Chamberlain conceded rather reluctantly.
    It was obvious from the way he spoke that he was not only surprised but very annoyed, but for the moment he could not think how he could refuse to do what was asked without being extremely rude.
    â€œThat will be wonderful,” enthused Zoleka. “We shall be able to chatter about things and have a comfortable place to relax when we are not busy entertaining people in the reception rooms.”
    Again she noted a startled expression on the Lord Chamberlain’s face.
    It was then that the Prime Minister asked,
    â€œIs Your Royal Highness hoping to entertain many guests whilst you are here?”
    â€œOf course I am. I understood I was to come here to help Princess Udele in taking up her Royal duties having finished with her education.”
    â€œBut of course,” the Prime Minister agreed. “Your Royal Highness is quite right.”
    â€œI would very much like to talk to you about the arrangements for tomorrow, so please arrange a meeting.”
    Before the Prime Minister could respond to Zoleka, she had turned to the Lord Chamberlain.
    â€œI now wish to wash and take off my hat after such a long journey. Will you be kind enough please to show me the way to the Rose room?”
    She walked to the staircase as she spoke and started to climb up it.
    The Lord Chamberlain followed her.
    At the top of the stairs, Zoleka found, as indeed she had expected, the housekeeper was waiting for her. There was no mistaking her in a rustling black dress and a huge silver chatelaine at her waist.
    â€œThis is Frau Leuger, the Palace housekeeper, who will be looking after Your Royal Highness,” said the Lord Chamberlain.
    She bobbed a curtsy and Zoleka held out her hand.
    â€œIt is so very nice for me to be here in Krnov, and I am looking forward to seeing the Rose room, which I have heard is so beautiful.”
    She saw the housekeeper look with astonishment at the Lord Chamberlain, who instructed her quickly,
    â€œHer Royal Highness will be sleeping in the Rose room and Princess Udele will be in the Lily room.”
    â€œThis is something I was not expecting, my Lord,” the housekeeper replied, “but of course both the rooms are unoccupied.”
    The Lord Chamberlain did not deign to answer and the housekeeper led the way along the corridor.
    The State rooms were certainly magnificent, but it was very obvious that they had not been in use for a long time.
    There was the smell of a room where the windows had not regularly been opened and although they were not dusty, there were no flowers on the tables.
    The curtains were drawn tight until the housekeeper pulled them back.
    â€œThis is quite delightful!” exclaimed Zoleka. “And I would like my maid to be