“Never mind,” Randolph whispered back.
“Can't you make her go away?”
“You have Her Royal Highness's permission to leave,” Randolph announced, and Bertha fled.
“Now do you believe that this will never work?”
Dottie said in despair when they were alone. “When do I see the British consul?” “You don't.”
“Ahh! I knew it. It's a con.”
“Your Royal Highness cannot deal with a mere consul,” Randolph explained. “The British ambassador will attend you.”
For some reason, that was the moment when she began to believe that this was really happening. The last of her disbelief vanished a few minutes later when the tall, elegant figure of Sir Ambrose Philips entered the room, and bowed to her. He was splendid in evening attire, glittering with ribbons and medals.
“My apologies for not being here earlier,” he murmured. “I was attending a dinner.”
“I'm sorry I dragged you away from it,” she said, suddenly horribly conscious of her shorts.
“On the contrary. I am honored to attend Your Royal Highness.” Sir Ambrose gave her a courtly bow.
“I'll leave you now,” Randolph said. “I'm sure you'd prefer to talk alone.”
As soon as the door had closed on him Dottie whirled on the ambassador. “What's going on here? Do you know?”
“Randolph has apprised me of the situation,” he admitted. “I need hardly say how glad Her Majesty's government was to discover that the heir to Elluria hails from the United Kingdom. The understanding between our two countries-”
“Speak English, will you?” she said frantically.
He abandoned his lofty mien. “Elluria is an important country, both in its position and its wealth. Some of the minerals to be found here are as valuable as oil. We have mining agreements that are vital to manufacturing in our country, but Harold of Korburg would tear them up and sell to the highest bidder. He has to be kept out and you're the person to do it.”
“Says who? There must be other heirs.”
“Perhaps there are, but nobody's found them yet. If you walk out, Harold will take over next day.”
“You say that, but I bet I'm not free to leave.”
“You are totally free. But if you leave, your country will suffer.”
“Which one?” Dottie asked urgently.
“Both of them.”
“And if I stay here, just for a while?”
“Then you would find the British government eager to reward you suitably.”
“Enough to buy a garage?”
“I'm sure there wouldn't be any problem about that.”
She drew a long breath, feeling herself on the brink of an abyss. If only there was someone to hold out a helping hand. But the only face that came into her mind was Randolph's, and she could no longer trust him.
“Oh well,” she said with a shaky laugh, “I used to think I'd like to be an actress. It can't be that much different.”
Chapter Four
“May I ask if you've made a decision?” Randolph asked when he returned and found her alone.
“I'm nearly there. What have you done with Mike?”
“He's in his own apartments.”
“I want you to take me to him.”
“Wouldn't it be better if-”
“Now, please.”
“Is this the woman who couldn't give orders?” Randolph asked wryly.
She gave him back gaze for gaze. She understood now that this was a man of whom she must beware. He'd charmed her, but underneath he was pursuing his own agenda, and pursuing it all the more ruthlessly because it was driven by his duty.
“I'm just keeping my end up,” she said, defying him with her eyes. “And I need to, otherwise you lot will swamp me. Well, I won't
“Bravo, Dorothea!” he said at once. “With just such an attitude your ancestors led their people through times of crisis. And those who tangled with them ended up sorry.”
“Don't you smooth talk me. It doesn't work. Now let's go and find Mike-if you can remember where you've put him.”
“At Your Royal Highness's command.”
“I've warned you…”
Instead of leading her to the main door Randolph pressed a tiny knob in the carved panel on one wall, and a door clicked open.
“A secret passage,” Dottie breathed, forgetting royal dignity in childish delight.
“Not secret. There are a rabbit warren of these passages linking all the main rooms. It's quicker than going by the public corridors. And, of course, more discreet.”
It seemed to Dottie that he led her up hill and down dale before they reached one door that looked exactly like all the others, and Randolph opened it.
“You might have put him a bit closer to me,” Dottie observed. “But you weren't taking any chances, were you?”
“No,” Randolph said firmly, opening the door. “I wasn't.”
They found Mike confronting a splendid dinner, dressed in a silk robe that seemed to swallow him up. He beamed at the sight of Dottie.
“I was wondering where you were, love. This is grand. Mind you, this place is a bit big for me. I keep getting lost. But we've really fallen on our feet.”
“That's what they want you to think,” Dottie said urgently. “But it's all a huge con trick.” She looked at Randolph, regarding them, took Mike's arm and pulled him into a corner.
“It's not a joke after all. They really think I'm going to be their queen,” she said in a low voice.
“Get away!”
“That's what I said. But they mean it. Mike, what am I going to do?”
“Well, you don't have to do it if you don't want to, do you? Just tell them no. But not yet. Let's have that holiday we were promised. We're living in grand style.” grand. Mind you, this place is a bit big
“But if we stay too long I might be trapped here.”
“Nah, not you Dot! You always get people jumping to do what you say.”
“Keep your voice down,” she muttered, conscious of Randolph's sharp ears. “And it's not true.”
“Yes it is. What about that time-”
“Never mind that,” she said hastily. “All right. Just for a while.”
Randolph approached discreetly. “Why don't we leave Mike to get ready for his night out? Some army officers are eager to entertain him. Good night Mike. Have a pleasant evening.”
Dottie followed Randolph back to her apartment in silence. Once there she asked. “So what happens next?”
“Some refreshment. And a brief meeting with your chief ministers, at which you can receive their loyal greetings.”
“I can't really do that in shorts, can I?” she conceded with a sigh.
“Your Royal Highness is most gracious.”
“Oh no, not you too,” she protested. “There's got to be one person here who doesn't talk to me like I'm the
