Chapter FiveThere was a tense pause before the King asked,
“Is that what the people of Aldross are expecting?”
“Of course they are,” Zita replied.
“Why?”
“You know the answer to that. I cannot believe that you, of all people, are not aware of Bismarck’s ambitions and the greed of Prussia.”
The King raised his eyebrows.
She realised that he was extremely surprised that she should be aware of the political aspect of his visit.
He hesitated as if he would be evasive in his reply.
Then he said,
“Actually I have decided that tonight, when I meet your Prime Minister and Statesmen, I will put forward a proposition for a closer commercial relationship between our two countries, which would also involve defence.”
Zita gave a little exclamation of pleasure and the King went on,
“I cannot
