Twin Flames (Twin Flames #1)

Chapter 31

CHAPTER 31

L ondon, 1536

Cara was worried the king would summon George to court.

‘Let us not tempt fate by staying here longer than necessary,’ she said. ‘He has pardoned you. It would be just like him to want you back at his side now. He’s like a jealous child.’

‘Don’t fret, darling. I’m confident we’re in the clear. The king has a new wife and a court overflowing with sycophants to pander to his every whim. We will travel home to Willow Manor forthwith, and I shall write to thank him from there as you suggest. There’s nothing to detain us. We are finished with London, at least for the present.’

‘You’re still not well. You were confined to that damp cell for weeks. Shall we have a doctor look you over before we set off? It’s a long, arduous journey even at this time of year.’

‘I’m fine, a little tired that’s all,’ said George. ‘Let us make a start this afternoon and stop at Madame Alicia’s for the night. I’d like to thank her again and arrange compensation for her help when we were on the run. We can then wake up after a good night’s sleep and begin the final leg home in the morning.’

Despite his words, she knew he wasn’t in good shape. His ordeal had weakened him, and he was bruised all over. He didn’t tell her exactly what they had done to him in the Tower, and she didn’t press. They were both keen to put this dark period behind them.

That afternoon George, Cara, Edward and Swifty packed up their meagre possessions and set off for York on the Great North Road. Cara breathed a sigh of relief.

The journey passed without upheaval. This time there were no wanted posters plastered over the trees, no bounty hunters and no soldiers hunting them down. George nodded off to the gentle rumble of the wheels, and she snuggled into him, savouring his closeness.

She had barely any memory of life in Tudorville prior to them being on the run. It would be a new experience to live a normal life, although it could only ever be as normal a life as a time traveller was able to live. But she would take any life with him. Maybe one day she would confide in him. She would tell him the truth. He would understand. If she could find the right words, there was nothing she couldn’t tell him. There had been no chance for her to confide in him before because they had needed all their wits about them just to stay alive. It had been an intense time since the moment she was transported to Tudorville and found herself in Newgate Prison.

Cara gazed out of the window at the passing windblown trees. She longed for the ordinariness of a normal life together. She was certain she would never forget to appreciate what other couples took for granted.

She didn’t know for how long she would travel back and forth to Tudorville, but she vowed to make every day count.

How wonderful that they would be together in the future too. It had been so close to being over for them, but after all of the heartache, George was free. She broke into a spontaneous smile, and her heart filled with joy when she recalled the moment Kate casually mentioned she was George’s sister.

Cara knew in her soul they would be reunited. He was irresistibly drawn to her even though he didn’t understand why. She nestled her head on George’s shoulder and fell into a contented doze.

Cara awoke as they came to an abrupt stop and she lurched forward.

‘We’re here, wake up, George.’ She touched his arm to rouse him. She saw Madame Alicia and Edward talking outside as she helped George to his feet.

Madame Alicia greeted them. My lord and lady Cavendish. I’m so relieved to see you safe and sound. I understand you are on your way home.’

‘Yes, thank you. By the grace of God, George was pardoned, and we’re free. We wish to rest for the night if you have room for us and to thank you once again for your assistance when we were in such difficulties. We owe you our lives.’

‘It is an honour. Of course, of course. Come in out of this dreadful weather. I have the perfect room for you.’

That evening they made a merry party. Madame Alicia’s table was replete with tasty dishes. They dined, drank and were entertained by a roving band of players who performed a masque about the latest court intrigues. Freedom had never tasted so sweet.

As the hour grew late and the flame in the fireplace dwindled to a pale golden glow, George whispered to Cara, ‘We’d better go to bed. Let us leave at dawn. I can’t wait to see the children’s little faces. I sent a note to my father so they will be awaiting us.’

‘Yes, let’s. That’s a splendid plan.’ They bid the revellers goodnight, excused themselves and walked hand in hand up the staircase to their room.

George closed the door behind them. Cara was about to ready herself for bed, but George caught her hand and spun her into his arms. He then manoeuvred her against the wall, bent his head and covered her lips with his. His tongue teased her mouth until they were both breathless. They hadn’t made love in weeks.

‘Ooh. I thought you wanted an early night,’ she said.

‘That’s exactly what I want.’

He pressed his lean, hard body against hers, his desire building. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on him after his sojourn in the Tower.

Cara melted; he knew exactly how to inflame her. She craved him. They were made for each other’s touch. She clawed at his shirt and unfastened the buttons, removing the garment and running her hands across his broad chest.

She trailed seductive kisses down the side of his neck, across his shoulder, and down the inside of his arm until her lips reached the tender skin of his wrists, sore from the handcuffs. She felt him shiver against her.

Sex was exquisite between them. George had never known such pleasure before Cara. He was no innocent and had enjoyed many a sexual rampage with the king in their younger years. He’d been with some of the most beautiful women in England, but nothing could compare with this. It transcended the act of pure sex. The term lovemaking didn’t do it justice either. When they made love, they became one.

She could take him from zero to ten on the desire scale, in seconds. When they came together, it was like the eruption of a volcano.

There was no effort involved. It was an exquisite merging of mind, body and spirit. They knew intuitively what the other needed.

They were connected between timelines and distance by an invisible chord. Even their own ego-fuelled folly hadn’t succeeded in separating them. Their Twin Flame bond was unbreakable. Theirs was a love that would never die. They lay satiated in each other’s arms and fell into a blissful sleep.

The following afternoon, they turned into the long driveway lined with tall willow trees. George and Cara heard high pitched chattering voices in the distance. The children ran as fast as they could down the driveway, Cornelius at their heels, barking and wagging his tail.

They drew up outside Willow Manor. Thomas and May threw themselves at George and Cara as they opened the door. George’s parents rushed out to meet them. There were happy tears and hugging all round.

They were home. The ordeal was finally over, and the Cavendish family reunited.