Historical romance: The Tudor Rose

31st May

I sit in my room warily anticipating the day. I cannot wait to tell the king of his heir. I stroke my stomach which has risen a small amount but not noticeably enough for the whole world to see my illegitimate child growing. I need to speak with the king and tell him of my pregnancy. We must make it quick wedding so that no one can see I'm with child. I sing a lullaby to my child and my voice echoes around the room. I smile as I feel it move. I will never let anything happen to it. I will treasure it and keep it concealed for as long as possible from the negativities which control our society.
"My lady your bath is ready." Mabel calls from the inglenook fire place. I undress and slip into the copper bath I soak myself in a lavender infused bath as I stare into the dancing flames leaping from the fire place. Mabel trickles water over my hair using a jug of hot water she then lathers it with a remedy of my mothers. She combs her fingers through my hair whilst I stroke my stomach and hum a tune in happiness. My hair is pulled tight as Mabel weaves it into a hairstyle so intricate that I am blown away by its beauty. I climb out of the bath as water trickles from my body. I place my undergarments on and then Mabel loosely ties my corset so the child is not crushed. The new blue dress is placed carefully over my head and tied loosely at the back. I slip my shoes on and I am ready for court.

I thank Mabel and descend down the massive stone corridor to the winding staircase. At each turn I look out a different window to catch a glimpse of my carriage that awaits below. I finally reach the end of the stairs and I am guided to my carriage by a man that works at the castle. We have so many staff coming and going that I never know who is who! I squeal as I run to the carriage. It is intricately decorated with gold paint and beautiful white stallions. The king has sent it for me and I am shocked by its splendour. I gasp as a footman puts out a stool for me and opens the door to reveal an equally gorgeous interior with softly padded seats and small lace curtains. "M'lady your carriage awaits." The footman instructs as I step into the magnificent vehicle. I am joined by my mother as a chaperone. Although I am not sure why she needs to chaperone me with the king! He is the king of England for Christ's sake. I suppose such frivolities must be contemplated if we are to abide by long age traditions.

My heart is leaping out of my chest by the time we arrive. I am so happy to tell the king of my news that I am nervous. Mama squeezes my hand as we arrive at the coach house. We drop the horses off and tip the man with a few pennies and money for the horses to get oats and water.
"Thank you m'lady it is most kind." The coachman bows tipping his hat.
"You are most welcome. Enjoy your day!" I reply smiling. We traipse across the courtyard to the courthouse. Then I see him and I am blown away by his looks. I am to marry him! Well let's say it won't be to bad! He is so handsome I nearly faint. I walk up to him daintily with elegance and straight shoulders. I curtsy to the floor and look up to find the king staring at me smiling. I smile back as I arise from my curtsy. He kisses my hand with such passion that I blush.
"Evelyn how lovely it is to see you. We must talk in private." He says grinning.
"Of course your highness. I am so happy to see you. Oh how I have missed you so. I have some very important news to tell you." I reply tucking hair behind my ear grinning at him.

A man walks up to us and kisses my hand. "How lovely it is to make your acquaintance. I am Duke Henry of Dodderton (made up) or more known as this twits brother!" He laughs pointing at Edward. Edward smiles and claps his arm around his brothers shoulder.
"Hands off! She's mine." Edward replies jokingly.
"How lovely it is to meet you. I am Evelyn Pollington of Gwynlenith castle." I say smiling.

In the distance a noise sounds summoning everyone to court. A flurry of women in different coloured dresses of all shapes and sizes race to the hall to grab a good seat. I already have a guaranteed seat next to the king. As we walk into the hall he squeezes my hand and places his hand on the small of my back to lead me to my seat. The whole way through the hearing I can't concentrate when the king places his hand on my thigh and strokes it.
I am yearning for his touch and the taste of his sweet lips upon mine. I look up into his beautiful eyes we smile at each other. He whispers into my ear sending shivers down my back.
"You look gorgeous. I can't wait to have you to myself."
"It is torture. I want to kiss you! You look so handsome it's killing me." I reply kissing his neck concealed behind my hand. He grips the arm rest trying to control his emotions. I turn around knowing I have succeeded as a seductress.

The court finally reaches a verdict and we are finally free to go. I tell mother that the king and I need to go and talk and she understands turning to talk to her old friend Mildred. I walk as fast as I can back to the king who drags me from the hall down a corridor into his meeting room. It is completed with walls ordained with tapestries, book shelves full of literary geniuses and a mahogany desk. He locks the door and begins to unbutton his shirt. I kiss him fully on the lips. "I have waited all week to do that. Oh I have missed you. I have news." I say grinning from ear to ear.
"Oh please do tell you are keeping me in suspense." He jokes removing his shirt.
"I am with child. Oh isn't it wonderful we are to have a child." I confess nervously. He kisses me with force I am pushed against the desk. He cannot stop smiling. I slide my hands over his lean abs as I kiss his neck.
"That is excellent news. Oh we will arrange the wedding soon." He then gets onto his knees and puts his ear to my stomach gently stroking the small bump. He then kisses it and tells the baby to be strong and healthy.

I giggle as he strokes it. I kiss him again as we laugh against each others lips. "I am so in love with you Edward! I cannot help myself from smiling." I whisper. He suddenly pulls away from me and looks alarmed.
"Whatever is the matter?" I ask worriedly.
"It's just when you mention love I have remembered that I forgot to give you a ring for proposal. This is a rare emerald encrusted with diamonds set in a gold band. I so sorry. I completely forgot. I am so breath taken by your beauty that I forget everything around me!" He says slipping the ring onto my finger.
"It is a perfect fit oh how beautiful it is! Thank you for making me the happiest woman alive." I say giving him a peck on the lips before he deepens the kiss sliding his tongue into my mouth. I stop him.
"Would you mind undoing my dress? I would be more comfortable out of this stuffy thing" I ask turning as he undoes the ribbon at the top trailing kisses down my neck letting the dress fall to the floor. I undo my corset and leave it beside the dress.
He stops and feels my stomach touching my skin leaving shivers down my back.
"It kicked!" He cries. I stroke his hair and kiss the top of his head. He stands up handing me a blanket to cover my body and picks me up leading me through double doors to his bed chamber.
"Is it safe to?" He asks laying me on the bed before unbuckling his trousers.
"Of course it is!" I reply as he lies down next to me drawing my lips towards his. I stare into his eyes and we both start laughing and smiling for no reason...