Robert and Cecil a Tudor romance

The next morning after breakfast, Cecil kissed Robert and left to fulfil some of his courtly duties. He had not been gone long when a knock on the door made Robert jump. he wondered who it could be at this early hour. He went to the door and opened it gingerly as he was only in the fine linen undershirt and his hose but as yet had no codpiece on covering his genitals. the fine linen meant that they were partially visible.

He opened the door to see a gentleman standing there. He introduced himself as Sir Richard Rich. and he was seeking Cecil on a matter of some urgency. Robert thought quickly and said he had not seen Cecil that morning, but expected him to arrive shortly to instruct Robert on his duties for the day.

Robert asked Sir Richard if he cared to come and await Cecil in his quarters, he said that he would, so Robert opened the door fully and apologised for his state of undress, showing Sir Richard to his seat.

Robert was conscious that this man was eyeing his body up and down, so Robert tried to mask his genitals with a hand, the morning sunlight made the linen virtually transparent so quickly Robert begged Sir Richards leave to go and dress, as he went to the bedchamber, he was sure that his arse was clearly visible as he felt Sir Richards eyes ogling him.

He quickly put on his codpiece and a tunic and returned to give Sir Richard a drink. Thankfully Cecil arrived back shortly as Robert was sure Richard was looking him over lustfully, he could feel the 49 year olds eyes on his young body.

Cecil looked at Robert and always admired his physique but not like this. Robert was worried as he had heard about Sir Richards torture of the so called heretic Anne Askew, who was so badly racked she was carried to her execution at Smithfield in a chair, as she could not walk and was burned at the stake. So Robert knew Sir Richard was accustomed to getting what he wanted.

Robert was glad when Cecil arrived and greeted Sir Richard, so Robert retired to the ante room to leave them to their discussion. After Sir Richard left Robert told Cecil of his fears, and how if Sir Richard wanted him he could not refuse, or it could mean imprisonment.

Cecil said he would ensure that did not happen because as the Queens minstrel, only She could decide what happened to Robert, and at present because of her patience and ministering to the ailing King , he could not refuse her anything. So Cecil told Robert he was safe at the moment, but to avoid being alone with Richard Rich.

Cecil then changed the subject and instructed Robert with his duties for the day, he said the Queen had requested he played for lunch as the Queen was entertaining some special guests and the two princesses would be present. Robert went to get his music, and passed them to Cecil for his approval. he explaining he had practised them well.

Cecil helped Robert to dress in the new red tunic and matching codpiece and led him at 12 o clock precisely to the Queens apartments. Robert was taken once again by the chief lady in waiting and introduced to the queens guests as they sat down the luncheon, Mary of Guise was one of the guests. the Queen, Princesses Elizabeth and Mary, and Katherines ladies. Robert played several pieces, including the two new pieces and a galliard written by the King himself.

The music went down well and he was well applauded, Mary of Guise was particularly pleased with his performance, she had hoped to see the King, but he was absent due to his ulcerated legs giving him trouble, the Queen had pent the morning dressing them and bandaging them.

Robert bowed as he left and was greeted by Cecil, who as they walked back gave Robert another word of warning, one of Cecil s court friends had overheard Sir Richard remarking about what a fine young man Robert was and how he would love to possess him, and attach him to his household.

Cecil said that Robert was safe while the King lived but he would have to be careful as the Kings health was deteriorating, Cecil would be prepared before that happened as Robert was his now and he was not going to lose him to that scoundrel Rich. Cecil slipped into Roberts quarters taking special care he remained unseen.

They embraced as soon as the door was closed. Cecil reiterating his promise to ensure Rich didn't get his hands on Robert. He undressed the lad and hung up the tunic and he led the lad to the bedroom, and they made love for an hour or two, Cecil filling the lad with his cream once more. their amour was disturbed by a knock on the door, which luckily Cecil had had the presence of mind to lock.

Robert went to the door and called through, " Who s There"? he said. Its Sir Richard Richs manservant after Lord Cecil, he s not here, said Robert cleverly and I am not dressed I was resting. Ok I will ask elsewhere said the servant.

He heard the footsteps leave, but Cecil said he would hide somewhere and see who came out. Cecil had an idea. Come here he said to Robert watch, this it may be of use some time. Cecil went to the fireplace in the bedroom, it was one of those ornate carved wooden mantle with two grotesque figures either side. Cecil swung the legs of one and a panel to the right of the fireplace clicked and swung open revealing an hidden staircase.

Wow said Robert, Its a secret stair leading to the riverside and from there to the jetty, we may need it at some later date. I will see you later and will come back this way tonight. Now when I have gone check this panel is fastened tight and then make your way along the corridor to the gardens, I will meet you by the well. (to be continued)