Warriors at Heart (The Last Kingdom Fanfic)

Chapter 39

I woke up the next morning with a splitting headache and cursed my stubbornness for always trying to keep up with Uhtred while drinking. My eyes darted around the small room Uhtred and I were sharing, for as Uhtred said, it was cheaper than renting two rooms. I squinted my eyes and saw Uhtred across the room flinging water on his face and dressing. "Where are you going?" I yawned.

"Alfred has sent for me."

The words knocked my hangover out of my system, and I rushed to gear up. Uhtred sat across from me on his bed and watched me intently as I sloppily braided my hair. "What?" I asked.

"Nothing," he chuckled. "You don't have to come with me, he sent for me only."

"Where you go, I go," I replied firmly.

He chuckled again and shook his head. "How much did we drink last night?"

"Too much," I replied, attempting to ignore the pounding feeling in my head.

"I like drinking until I black out, it helps me forget and sleep," he muttered.

"I guess," I shrugged.

"Come along then if you're coming," he laughed, standing quick.

~~~~~

We arrived at the castle and as every time before had to surrender our weapons at the gate. Uhtred was led into Alfred's chambers, while I was commanded to wait in the courtyard, for the invitation had been for Uhtred only. I growled in protest but did as Uhtred ordered me.

While wandering the courtyard gardens I saw the Alfred's wife, Aelswith, walking the opposite side. She had her head down and was clearly trying to avoid me. I was pleased that my presence was making her uncomfortable, for generally she was quite cold and unwelcoming towards Brida and myself. She passed as quick as she'd come and then Alfred's little turd nephew entered, mistakenly unafraid of me.

"So, you're the famed she-Dane that travels with the warrior Dane?" He smiled at me.

"And you're the little shit who was deemed unfit to be king," I smiled back.

His smile faded and I watched him bite his tongue as he tried to think what to say next. "You are sharp," he commented.

"As a sword," I replied, eyeing him with suspicion.

"I don't care what they say, by right I am king," he fished.

"Not my place to say," I didn't rise to his bait.

"And whyever not?"

"Your grievance is a Saxon matter."

"But aren't you just a hired sword?"

"I follow Uhtred."

"Uhtred is a hired sword, so by extension, aren't you?"

"No."

He seemed to ponder a bit before testing the waters once more. "I could give Uhtred what he seeks. All he'd have to do is help me claim my birthright."

"Careful little turd, you're speaking treasonous things."

"I have a name you know."

"You didn't care to introduce yourself so how should I know it?" I scoffed.

"Aethelwold, the rightful king of Wessex," he held his hand out for me to shake. I stared at it blankly and he awkwardly withdrew it. "Speak with your Uhtred, tell him I wish to make him an offer he can't deny," the turd continued on.

"Why don't you tell him yourself?"

"He'll listen to you, I have a feeling," he smiled once more before departing.