Historical romance: The Tudor Rose

12th May

My fiery copper mane sticks to the sweat dripping down my forehead. My stomach heaves as I clutch my mothers hand.
"Push come on! You are bearing a son and heir remember ." Mother whispers into my ear.
I push with all my might a the maids wipe my brow. This baby will come and it will be healthy. My mantra echoes around my head.
"This is the last push my lady!" Mabel tells me. I nod and breath in and out taking deep breaths before I hear the cries. I thump backwards onto the pillows. I am exhausted. My eyes start to shut but I soon wake up with a start. I am too exhausted to think.
"Is it a boy? Please God I hope it's a boy." I pray out loud. My mother smiles and replies by holding up the baby. Her eyes are filled with tears of happiness. She could not have asked for a better life for me. My heart brims with pride and an overpowering love to protect my son at any cost. Nothing will ever harm him. He is the future king of England.
Mabel and Emma (my other maid) start to make me presentable for the king. I move steadily to the birthing chair clutching the bed post. They quickly change the bloody sheets as I sit in anticipation. " I am so proud of you!" She says smiling. Mother hands me my baby and my world is complete. His little eyes look into mine and I am completely transfixed. He reaches his little arm out of the swaddling and I touch his tiny fingers. I gasp as tough feels so odd. I have waited 9 months for this moment. Mabel congratulates me and brushed my hair into a loose braid. Mother takes the baby so that I can bathe my face. All of the sweat and grime of labour brush off in an instant.
"My lady you can return to bed now." Emma tells me curtsying.
"Thank you Emma." I stand up and pain shuts through me. "Ouch!" I say grimacing.
"Help her to bed she needs rest." Mother orders Mabel and Emma.
"Yes ma'am." Mabel replies as they each take an arm. I hobble to bed and I am tucked under the sheets. My son is handed me. I let down one side of my nightdress. He sucks on my breast hungrily searching for food. It's a very strange but lovely moment.
"Emma summon the king!" Mabel orders.
"Yes Mabel right away!" Emma says darting out of the room like a shot.
I look towards the door eagerly waiting for my love. He gently pushes the door open and smiles as he rushes towards the bed.
Mabel and mother curtesy before leaving us alone. We look into each others eyes and I feel ecstatic. I know that he loves me with all his heart and I him. We kiss and we confess our love for the thousandth time today. Our son, how strange it is to say, starts to cry as he doesn't get enough milk. I swap breasts. Then Edward looks down at his feeding son and smiles.
"Hey! Since when does another man touch your breasts?!" He jokes. I laugh and kiss the top of the babies head.
"Sorry you have to share! What should we call him?" I ask grinning as Edward kisses my forehead.
"How about Harry?" He asks. I giggle.
"Harry was my old horse! No what about Edward after his handsome father?" I reply.
"Your old horse. Ha that would be funny! He gets his good looks from you my dear. Oh yes I remember your horse now. That stable boy was very obliging and friendly." He says reminiscing. My heart beat quickens as I remember Fred. He could get killed for treason if anyone found out that we lay together.
"Yes he was quite friendly. I'm quite sure that our son gets the dashing good looks from you.
"What was his name?" He asks curiously. I gulp.
"His name was Fred. He used to take me on riding lessons. Anyway back to the question what should we name our son?" I ask looking down at my bundle of joy. He finishes feeding and puts his arms out to Edward.

"He wants his papa!" I say as Edward carefully takes me from his arms.
My eyes well up with tears as I see them start a bond that is unbreakable... Father and son.
"Thank you." Edward puts simply but those two words mean so much.
"I carried him for nine months and he is made from our love. Thank you for being so loving!" I joke. We start to laugh but my stomach is still tender.
"How about George? It's a good strong English name. Is it fit for a king?" He asks rocking our son to sleep. I smile at the name it's perfect.
"I love it. Prince George." I reply grinning at George asleep.
"When can we make another?" He jokes laughing.
"I'll feel less sore by next week. I can't wait I've missed it. I want as many children as possible with you." I reply as my lips inch closer to his. His hot breath falls against my lips. I pull my hands through his hair drawing him closer. We kiss and the whole world around us stops. My heart races as his tongue slides against mine. I am intoxicated by his taste and I can't get enough. I moan softly as the kisses deepen. Then I remember George in Edward's arms.
I pull away and place George into his cot.
"Let's just lie here. You need your rest. I don't want to exhaust you my love...although it is my favourite pastime to kiss my stunning wife." He jokes as I lie down and he presses his body against my back draping an arm over me. I fall asleep almost instantaneously.

A/n: thanks for reading. Tell me what you think in the comments. I'm sorry for not updating sooner xxx