Aris Rising: The Court of Vampires: AN INFINITY DIARIES NOVEL Read Free Page B

stones of the walls are covered with enormous intricate tapestries. Deep, rich, colorful carpets are piled high against the cold of the stone floor. My father’s pride rests in these carpets brought from the East, the bright colors and thick weave legendary in King Henry’s kingdom.”
    “What is your name?” Silence once again. “Can you tell me your name?”
    She spoke with reluctance, stumbling through the words. “Elizabeth Wyatt, oldest daughter to Sir Henry, one of the King’s knights, older sister to Jane who is fourteen and James who is eight.”
    “How old are you Elizabeth?”
    “I am just seventeen and well past marriageable age yet my father is opposed. He wishes me to go to King Henry’s court. He hopes for a husband that will care well for me that I may know the luxury of court life.”
    “Can you tell me about your life?”
    As she spoke, the words rolled off her tongue as if she finally was able to communicate easily as Elizabeth. “My life is glorious, full of forests and meadows, horses and riding. My father is much different than most fathers. He cares deeply for his daughters, treating them as treasures, not burdens or possessions to be used to better the family standing. My sister is quite lovely and very musical. I much prefer the out-of-doors. I would rather ride to the hunt than eat or sleep. My fathertakes great pride in my hands on the reins and my ability with the bow. My mother admonishes me for such masculine traits and works tirelessly to find a position for me in the Queen’s court. I have no desire to leave my home to travel to London, to be bound by all the pomp and tradition of the royal house. Here, in the country, I am free.”
    “Does your freedom mean a great deal to you Elizabeth?”
    “My freedom is all to me. My father says my high spirit must not be fettered by any man.”
    Bonnie smiled as she thought how peculiar it was to hear Sarah speak with a distinct British accent, to hear her speak of prized traits so dissimilar to her dear friend. “Is there a man in your life? Are you in love, Elizabeth?”
    “What is love to a woman of my station? If I am sent to court, even with my father as an advocate, the King will be the one to choose my husband. And from tales that are told of Henry, one does not want to be too fair in his presence or he will snatch you up like a cat with a mouse.” She shook her head vehemently. “No, I choose to stay in the country and remain free.”
    “What more can you tell me?”
    “My father calls. There are guests to greet. I must say farewell.”
    Bonnie turned off the recorder and closed her laptop. It seemed their trip to another time was at a close for the day.
    #
    Sarah remained silent for a few moments after Bonnie brought her back to real time.
    “It went very well. Your subconscious mind slid easily into Tudor times and you found an identity immediately. What do you think? How did it feel to be Elizabeth Wyatt?”
    “Very strange. I could feel the sensations of cold from the stones and smell the wonderful fragrances of things baking. Bonnie, isn’t hypnosis just the most amazing thing?”
    “You are preaching to the choir, remember? It’s what I do all day long.” She leaned forward. “Do you want to continue with thesessions?”
    “Oh yes. I’m looking forward to our next one. What an amazing way to learn about the past. Same time next week?”
    Bonnie laughed at her eager friend. “You’re on, Lady Elizabeth. Don’t forget to journal any memories that might come up or any dreams you might have.”
    Sarah realized she hadn’t had one of her darkly erotic dreams since Carlos was killed. She wondered why.

CHAPTER 5
    A ris telephoned her to reschedule the time of their next session needing to delay it a half hour. He reached her on her way to work. The cold wind whipped around Sarah’s ankles as she hurried from the elevated train toward Saul’s Deli for breakfast. It reverberated through the receiver of her cell