The Forgotten Princess | Avery x Leofric x Uhtred | The Last Kingdom

The Kings Daughter

Prologue

Avery was the youngest child to King Aethelwulf. The only girl born after her two brothers, a disappointment after having two future Kings. Their mother had passed during childbirth, along with a fourth child. Another daughter. But her father spoiled her, nonetheless. She was his greatest weakness, even though he struggled to show her that he in fact loved her. Her brothers were a little more affectionate but once they reached a certain age, they never found the time for her. She was left with her ladies in waiting, taught how to be a well-respected woman. Raised only to be someone's wife and bartered as a tool to fellow lords or noblemen.

"I do not understand why I cannot train with a sword like Alfred and Aethelred." Avery had grown tired of obeying her long list of rules as a young lady. She was always expected to look perfect, address everyone with such grace and always be courteous. She wished to have a little more freedom like her brothers had.

"Because no man would want a wife who could best him in battle." Her father answered but he was always growing tired with her endless questions. He was hoping that her strong will would fade the older she became but if anything, she grew more stubborn. He did not envy the man who would eventually become her husband.

For several years she continued to try and avoid her future. She would avoid lessons with embroidery teacher, her chef, anyone who was trying to mould her into that perfect example of a wife that she never wanted to be. She just wanted to be her own person. Not what was being forced on her.

She had the habit of disappearing, sometimes for weeks on end until her fathers' soldiers would bring her home. But she learned a lot, out here on the streets – playing the role as a commoner. Until she was dragged back home, kicking and screaming. The last time she went missing she knew it was different, she managed to hide for months. She was barely a young adult, nearing the age of six and ten when she found herself living in the dregs of Wessex. But this is where she thrived. She had friends, friends who loved the fake persona she was able to put on before there was rumours swirling in the inn. The commonfolk whispering about trouble at the palace.

"What is going on?" Avery asked her new friends curiously as she swallowed the glass of ale before her. The inn was full of lively chatter, she was not expecting the news that elicited such a response from the townsfolk.

"The King. He has passed. We are to get a new King on the morrow." Everyone cheered at this news and Avery thought she felt her heart break in that moment. She truly loved her father, but evidently had missed out on so much time with him because of her running away from her responsibilities.

The night was spent drinking, drowning her true emotions and as she finally left the inn, she was found by her brother Alfred's man. Leofric had found her.

"I knew I would find you here." He always seemed taller than she had remembered last, such a gentle giant to her anyway. He could smell the alcohol on her already, sighing softly as the young Princess was already leaning against his side for the added support.

"You are taking longer to find me each time. One day I will be able to escape you." She sighed dreamily at the thought, of being in control of her own life and future. But it was a dangerous world for a woman. She was unable to defend herself if she ever had to. "When will you show me how to fight? I ask you every time."

"And I always say no. Your husband and his guards will do all they can to protect you." He started to walk with her now, keeping her steady so she didn't fall as they made their way back to the safety and security of the walls of the keep. Or to her prison.

"I will never marry. I will grow to be an old spinster to die in a brothel." She laughed softly at the thought. She was once the realms delight, women envied her. Men wanted to bed her. But now she grew angry. Wished to break free from her chains.