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𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐰𝐨
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⎯⎯ 𝗂𝗇 𝗐𝗁𝗂𝖼𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖽𝗂𝗌𝖼𝗎𝗌𝗌 𝗅𝖺𝗐𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖿𝖺𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗒 𝗂𝗌𝗌𝗎𝖾𝗌

Aelwyd was thankful for the interruption and Uhtred's presence. Her relief however was short-lived, as soon as Aelwyd realised how blunt and direct Uhtred's comments were as he conversed with her father. Even so, in her eyes that kind of honesty was a comfort compared to those who preferred to whisper and plot against her family in the shadows.

"Lord King. Your Highness. Lord Odda" Uhtred greeted. There was a lopsided grin decorating his battle-hardened skin that made him appear younger. "Uhtred, you do not deserve such a charming wife." Alfred commented his gaze as watchful as ever as he examined Uhtred in case he said something he should not.

"Oh, I can only agree with you, Lord." It was unusual for both of them to see eye to eye. "I was not expecting you, there was no message." Uhtred said as he joined them at the table. Standing behind a chair he rested his forearms on the top of the chair. He was not sure what to expect from their meeting. He looked between the King and Odda, curiously waiting to hear the purpose of their meeting.

Alfred sat prim and proper in the old wooden chair, legs uncrossed and fingers intertwined as they rested on the table. Sitting back against the chair his face was unreadable as he waited for an answer from Uhtred, "I've hanged several men recently." Alfred nodded and said nothing. Uhtred braced himself for a lecture, but Alfred's lips simply quirked into a small smile. "Raiders and Danes I assume." Aelwyd concluded and Uhtred nodded in agreement.

He had not seen Aelwyd since she was a young girl who used to hide behind her mother's skirt as a child. But now she had grown into a young woman, he could still see the little girl he remembered. She was still shy and introverted, but had strength and determination he hadn't noticed before.

He had not seen Aelwyd since she was a young girl who hid behind her mother's skirt as a child. But now she had grown into a young woman, he could still see the little girl he remembered. She was still shy and introverted, but had strength and determination he hadn't noticed before.

"Um, already dead, Lord" Finan clarified, joining the four of them at the table, grinning cheekily at Aelwyd, who gave him a brief nod of acknowledgement, before turning her attention to the group, namely Uhtred and her father. Silently Aelwyd listened to the conversation between the two men as her fingers drummed rhythmically on the table. Her knee restlessly bobbed up and down beneath it.

"But surely if he's been caught three times already what other proof does one need?" Aelwyd asked as she leaned forward with her fingers intertwined. "It is the purpose of a trial to determine guilt." Alfred explained turning his attention first to his daughter and then back to Uhtred, "People must witness justice being done." Alfred added as Uhtred shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he quietly thought of his next words. Aelwyd knew whatever Uhtred said next would infuriate her father even more. However, he would never publicly admit it and remain stoic.

"Then I shall arrange a trial." Uhtred announced unbothered by Alfred's attempts to make him into a proper Saxon Earldorman. His eyes twinkled with amusement and his face expressed how much he enjoyed vexing the King. "It's a little too late for that, I'm fear." Odda stated, mostly speaking into his cup as he seemed more interested in the goldenliquid in his cup.

"Has there been a complaint, Lord?" Gisela asked as she stood behind the chair her husband was sitting in. "There are laws, carefully written laws, and if you wish to remain an Ealdorman, you will adhere to them. You shall not impose your pagan ideals within my kingdom." Alfred asserted forcefully. Aelwyd knew how adamant her father was about a Christian England. Certainly, he wouldn't let anything get in the way. Uhtred sat there like a defeated child. Uhtred said nothing. He knew the futility of arguing with Alfred, despite his stubbornness and pride. He hung his head low and slumped his shoulders.

From the corner of her eye Aelwyd noticed Finan glance at her. She felt a sudden warmth in her chest and had to look away to hide her blush. She tried to focus on what her father said. However, Aelwyd had no intention of stopping the small flutter of excitement and welcomed it as a distraction from Alfred's speech. Finan was quite handsome, with a strong jaw, dark eyes, and broad shoulders. She felt drawn to him and that air of mischief around Finan.

Sharing a small smile Aelwyd quickly turned her head. She did not wanting her father or Lord Odda for that matter to notice the exchange that had taken place between Finan and her. The outcome would not be favorable for either of them. Luckily, for them both, the king was still focused on Uhtred and listening to what he had to say about Aethelwold.

"My advice is the same as it always has been, you should put him on trial and then kill him." Uhtred explained nonchalantly. "You may not have any choice father, that man will do anything if it means he was to gain something and for you to lose." Aelwyd explained as she reached out for her father's hand. He happily took her hand in his as he smiled adoringly at Aelwyd.

The stories of what her cousin was capable of and the damage he could cause to Wessex and its people.