Page 44 of Twin Flames
Well, Sylvia for one. . .and Eddie, the quantum physics professor; my friend from five hundred years ago. If it wasn’t for them, I’d think I was hallucinating.
George continued, ‘I still can’t believe the coincidence of your name. Our records say theTudor Kings’ Manuscriptwas commissioned as a special surprise gift to the king.’
He draped his arm around Cara’s shoulders with an easy familiarity, as if he’d done it thousands of times. They exited Clock Court and headed back to locate the film crew.
Hampton Court Palace, 1536
Cara looked around as she sat at a long wooden table; mid Tudor banquet. Her stomach lurched as a stuffed baby partridge landed on her gold plate with the compliments of the queen. The sight of it made her want to heave. She hadn’t eaten meat for years in her other life and couldn’t face it now, even at the risk of incurring her mistress’s displeasure.
Imagine the scandal if I declared myself a vegetarian.
Wealthy Tudors typically ate between one and two kilos of meat per day. The freaky thing was that Cara could recall eating meat at the banquets. She didn’t know when or how it happened, but Professor Eddie Makepeace’s prediction had come true; the knowledge bank of her own personal memories from Tudorville had been unlocked. Each day memories of her past experiences here in what seemed a foreign land dribbled into her mind. It was England, but the way of life was alien to her. Cara had been raised by her wealthy philanthropist adoptive father, so she wasn't unfamiliar with luxury, although her father wasn’t particularly extravagant, preferring to channel his wealth into investments and charities. Nevertheless, Henry’s court was flamboyant beyond anything she could have imagined and ostentatious beyond what she considered good taste.
Cara raised her hand to the servant in a polite gesture for him to desist.
‘Please bring me a dish of pottage.’
‘My stomach is a little queasy,’ she whispered to the inquisitive lady next to her. Cara couldn’t see the traditional dish on the laden tables.
She would live on pottage, she decided. In addition to meat, the wealthy ate a hearty recipe of vegetable soup so she would try to be inconspicuous. She would pretend she suspected herself with child and of delicate constitution. She caught sight of King Henry VIII and watched his double chin wobble as his teeth ripped the dark red Venison meat off the bones with the help of his fat and greasy fingers.
Ew.
Heguffawed at the frantic attempts of his court jester to entertain him. Cara stared at the king; this was a Tudor historian’s dream.
The dashing good looks he was renowned for as a young man had already faded and been replaced by a portly middle-aged demeanour. It was thought that Anne, a seductive young woman with haunting eyes which glinted alluringly like black diamonds, hadn’t married him for his charms.
Cara caught her husband’s eye as he chatted with the king at the toptable.
Thank goodness George hadn’t run to seed.
He winked at her and an intense feeling of gratitude flooded through her.
I get to be with him today, and we’re not on the run yet.
The king called for silence as the dishes were cleared from the tables, and satiated diners gathered to watch one of Queen Anne’s ladies-in-waiting, Jane Seymour, perform for him at his special request. Later that day, Cara whirled around the dance floor, elated to be in George’s arms. She always took infinite care not to draw the king’s attention. She was aware that any attractive woman in his sphere couldn’t be too cautious.
After they danced the Tudor Volt, George dropped a row of light kisses onto the delicate skin at the side of her neck. She shivered. He had a mischievous glimmer in his eyes but continued to make light conversation.
‘We unveiled the manuscript for the king this morning, and he was delighted. He is naming it theTudor Kings’ Manuscript,in anticipation of his prosperous male bloodline.’
‘That’s wonderful, my darling. Well done. It was a truly inspired idea of yours. The king seems in good cheer tonight indeed.’
‘Let’s hope the queen soon produces a son.’ He spoke in a furtive tone as his deep, musical voice dropped an octave.
She whispered in his ear, ‘I think we’ve danced enough to fulfil our courtly duty for one evening. Shall we retire now?’ Sheflashed him a seductive smile, knowing he wouldn’t be able to resist.
George nodded, and he went to bid the king goodnight before returning to escort Cara to their rooms. They glided hand in hand through Clock Court and into their luxurious apartment.
Exhausted from a hectic day, they climbed into the four-poster bed and snuggled beneath the heavy bedding to keep warm against the cool night air. Cara’s head sank into the pillow, her shiny chestnut mane draped around her shoulders like a silky curtain, as George pulled her close and tucked in behind her. She drifted off to sleep, safe in the cocoon of his arms.
Cara became aware of the gentle hubbub made by the army of servants who rushed quietly about their duties beneath their window. As the dawn haze of another glorious London day lit up the palace courtyard, Cara, who was a light sleeper, lay on her side in a contented doze. She relished the peaceful interlude before the night stole away to be replaced by a bright new London morning. She felt George stir behind her and shivered with delight as he nestled into her, and began to stroke her skin with a strong, firm touch. She couldn’t suppress a giggle at his insistency, and she teased him by pulling her elaborate nightdress down in a show of pretend modesty.
‘It’s a little late for that don’t you think, my lady?’ said George as he pushed the bed covers aside in one sharp movement. He jerked her nightdress upwards, so nothing prevented their feverish skin from touching. He was fast but assured. His smooth hands touched her in the intimate ways only he knew drove her mad and before long Cara whimpered and cried out as the waves washed over them, and he claimed her. She relinquished herself fully to him; mind, body and soul.
Hampton Court Palace, present day
‘Thanks for watching,’ said the presenter as he brought the interview to a close, smiling at the camera after shaking George’s hand.
