A Princess Prays Read Online Free PDF Page A

will talk to the night before we leave, no one must have the slightest idea of where we are going.”
    Attila realised he was thinking of her stepmother as well as the Prime Minister and the Members of the Council who might say the mission was dangerous.
    They would certainly want her to be accompanied by soldiers.
    As if Father Jozsef read her thoughts, he said,
    â€œPilgrims go humbly and we have no wish to draw attention to ourselves by appearing to be of any particular significance.”
    Attila smiled.
    â€œI will just have to look like one of your pupils, which is exactly what I am. So thank you, Father. Thank you more than I can possibly say.”
    She gave a little sigh.
    â€œI suppose I must be going back. May I go into the Chapel?”
    â€œYes, of course, you may.”
    Father Jozsef did not make a move to accompany her as Attila ran across the garden and up the steps into the Chapel.
    As she expected there were flowers on the altar and in every window and the air was filled with the fragrance of incense.
    Also there was something Attila had never found in any other Church.
    It was an atmosphere of holiness, which at the same time seemed to pulsate with a life force.
    It could only have come from God Himself.
    Attila sank down on her knees in front of the altar and although Father Jozsef was not with her she knew he was blessing her.
    She prayed fervently,
    â€˜Please God restore my Papa to good health. He is so needed here in Valdina and there is no one to take his place.’
    She paused and bowed her head low as if she was pleading with God to hear her prayer.
    â€˜Let me find love. The true love Papa and Mama had for each other which they always believed came from You. I have no wish to be married except to a man who loves me as a woman not as a Princess and I will love him for himself and for no other reason.’
    Her voice dropped as she begged,
    â€˜Help me, God, please help me , because I cannot manage my life without You.’
    It was a most sincere prayer and Attila felt it was somehow carried up into the sky.
    The sunshine coming through the windows seemed to bring her a blessing and she felt sure her prayer had been heard.
    Time was passing by and Attila did not want her stepmother to question where she had been.
    She left the Chapel after one final prayer.
    When she went outside, she saw that Father Jozsef was back working on his flowers.
    She ran to him and when he saw the expression on her face, he said,
    â€œI know my child that God has heard your prayer.”
    â€œI will come and see you tomorrow, Father.”
    â€œI think that would be a mistake. As you have not been here for some time, it may seem strange that you are continuously calling on me.”
    Attila felt rather guilty, but then he went on,
    â€œWe have no wish for anyone except your father to know where we are going or when we leave. I will call on His Majesty at six o’clock the day after tomorrow. Then on the next morning at daybreak before anyone else in the Palace has risen, we will slip away.”
    Attila drew in her breath.
    â€œThat is such a splendid idea, Father! And you will arrange for the horses?”
    â€œLamos will do that and if you tell me which horse you wish to ride, he will arrange it.”
    Attila thought for a moment.
    â€œI think I would prefer Samson to any other horse I am riding at the moment. He is very strong and also very obedient.”
    â€œThen Lamos will see to it.”
    Attila knew that Lamos was a servant who had been with Father Jozsef for many years and he was particularly good with horses.
    When Father Jozsef did not need him, he helped in the Royal stables.
    He was a strong man and if there was any trouble on their journey, he would deal with robbers or anyone else who might try to detain them.
    *
    When she returned to the Palace, she was feeling a great deal happier.
    She had been shocked and upset by what her father had told her about his illness,