A Princess Prays by Barbara Cartland

knew, although it seemed incredible, that she wanted to protect this man.
    Even though she did not even know his name!

CHAPTER FIVE
    Attila awoke because she heard the man next to her moving about.
    She guessed that Kilkos was bringing him some hot water for shaving as he had always done for Father Jozsef.
    Now she thought it all over the terror of last night seemed so unbelievable it was as if it just could not have happened.
    Could it really be possible those men would have killed the man who had come to her for help?
    It did not seem credible and yet the way he spoke had been so sincere she could not doubt it.
    She dressed quickly, thinking it would be a good idea if they moved on well away from the woods where so much danger lurked.
    She walked to the place where they had eaten the night before and two minutes later the stranger joined her.
    He was wearing Father Jozsef’s cassock over his riding clothes, which Attila could now see were very smart.
    As she looked at him in the daylight, she realised he was extremely handsome.
    He sat down beside her.
    â€œGood morning, my protecting angel,” he began. “I am hoping I can at least eat my breakfast before we start being frightened again!”
    â€œI was indeed terrified last night,” sighed Attila.
    â€œAnd so was I,” replied the stranger.
    Lamos had cooked appetising eggs and bacon for breakfast and there was toast and honey as well excellent hot coffee with fresh cream.
    The sun was shining and the world around them was so beautiful and serene.
    Attila felt happy and for the moment unafraid.
    They were drinking coffee when the stranger said,
    â€œI think that now is the time for us to introduce ourselves. My name is Gesa.”
    It was an unusual name, but Attila recognised that it was Hungarian and she thought perhaps, because he rode so well, he came from that country.
    â€œI am now waiting to hear your name,” he added, as Attila had apparently forgotten to answer him.
    She had already made up her mind during the night that it would be a mistake for her to tell him her name was Attila.
    He would know she came from Valdina by the way she spoke.
    Her mother had always called her ‘Lala’ as it was what she had called herself when she was a small child.
    She therefore replied,
    â€œMy name is Lala and I am delighted to meet you, Gesa.”
    â€œI should rise up and bow, but instead please allow me to kiss your hand.”
    He bent forward and picked up her hand.
    He raised it to his lips, which briefly touched her skin.
    Attila felt the same strange quiver run through her body as last night.
    Because once again she felt shy, she said quickly,
    â€œI think we should move off as quickly as possible. Those horrible men might come back and continue looking for you.”
    â€œYou are right, Lala, and I therefore intend to travel inside your carriage until we are far away from here.”
    He gave a laugh before he added,
    â€œIt has indeed been altered in a very clever way to make an apartment for two people.”
    â€œI thought that myself and it was very fortunate that Father Jozsef’s cassock was there when you needed it.”
    â€œI have sent a prayer up to him in Heaven and I also sent one to you.”
    â€œLet us hope we are as lucky today as yesterday.”
    She rose as she spoke and they carried their plates, cups and saucers back to Lamos.
    It was then as Attila saw Kilkos saddling her horse that she had an idea.
    â€œIf the men who are looking for you see your horse, they will undoubtedly recognise it, even if you are riding in a cassock.”
    Gesa stared at her.
    â€œYou are right! Of course you are right! But what can I do about it?”
    â€œWhat I suggest,” Attila began slowly as if she was thinking it out, “is that I will ride your horse and Kilkos will ride mine. He will lead the third horse, which was Father Jozsef’s, and that is the one your enemies will be looking