Historical romance: The Tudor Rose

17th May

I only have a few moments before I will be summoned to the dining room to meet my suitors. Lord (boring) Barrow, Lord (ancient) Arrington, Duke (rude) Redminster and others that I haven't got the time or effort to mention. I will have to pick one as my husband. The only person I want as my husband is Fred. The gorgeous stable boy with rippling muscles and a kind nature.

Speaking of Fred things got a bit lets say heated in the barn yesterday. We got a bit carried away until we heard someone coming and he cleverly buried me under the hay! No one suspected a thing. He made me feel like no one has ever before it was sensational. I felt warm and fuzzy inside. I need to tone my feelings down for him. My parents can't afford for me to make a bad match. I must marry a rich man or my parents will be left in poverty and I couldn't do that to them. I would live with Fred however the method but I have to think about the bigger picture. For now I am happy to have him as my lover!

Mama comes bustling into my room looking flushed and dressed up. "Evelyn we have an unexpected arrival it is the king. As you know he is looking for a bride. You must bed him tonight and make him fall in love with you. This is the only chance you will get to become queen. You must grab it." She says sitting on my bed clasping my hands.

"I will do as you say but how shall I please a man?" I ask innocently.

"Just lie there! Let him do as he pleases. Now no more questions it is time for you to have a bath! Mabel fetch the bath salts and water." She orders. The maid runs off to collect the items. The bath sits idly by the roaring flames. I stare into it transfixed by its roaring flames. I am terrified that I shall not please the king. I must break off with Fred he distracts me too much. I am in love with him but I must live in reality. I feel I have grown more mature in a matter of days.

Mabel and Rose run back in with jugs of water. I strip to be bare naked as mother inspects my body. "You are in fine shape to bear healthy children just like me when I was your age. The king will love it!" She smiles at the thought of me as queen. I walk over the cold slabs to the copper bath and immerse myself in hot water. Mother pours in some special bath salts to help raise my libido. She made them years ago but potions tend to work better if they have been left for a few years to merge together. I feel it going into my bones and I feel instantly relaxed and ready.

I then put my head under the water and wash my hair. I scrub myself and mother twists my hair into a complex plait that trails down my back. I am fastened into a green jewelled gown perfect for such a surprising situation. My breasts are pushed up and on full display by mothers orders. I feel uncomfortable but sexy. It's not me.

I descend the stair case with grace and good posture. I see father taking to a rather handsome young man. "Hello Papa." I say kissing his cheek.

"Hello my dear there is someone I would like you to meet. King Edward meet my daughter Evelyn I am sure that you will enjoy each others company." Father says in a formal manner. I curtesy to the floor and bow my head whilst placing my hand out for the king to bestow a kiss upon it. "Please take this gift as a token of my gratitude my lord." I say handing him my embroidered handkerchief. I let him look me over.

"Rise my beautiful maiden. How lovely it is to finally meet you Evelyn. You are more magnificent than your father gave you credit for at court." Edward says smiling at me. He is less regal than I imagined more normal in a way. He is also a lot hotter. He has sweeping blond hair and beautiful aquamarine eyes. He is 3 years my senior but I don't mind that in a man. He is also 2 feet taller than me! I am quite short.

"Thank you my lord. You are also very handsome more so than I imagined if I dare say!" I flirt putting on my best smile and straightening my shoulders.

"Thank you very much. A compliment from such a beauty is very rare. But please do call me Edward!" He laughs touching the small of my back guiding me into the dining hall. It sends tingles down my spine and I smile back at him.

He pulls out my chair and I sit down next to him at the head of the table. Then I see Fred outside at the window. His face drops and my heart plummets. Focus Evelyn forget about him. I can't but I must. I can't leave my parents in poverty. I have to try as much as I can with the king. A few days ago it was all about love oh how naive I was to the real world. Life revolves around money and wealth not love or happiness.