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

Home sweet home

They were all paraded in front of Alfred and everyone, but Uhtred bowed to their King. Alfred looked tired, the pressures of being a King in the midst of an invasion seemed to be affecting him already and Avery wanted to take away some of his pressure and pain. But then the Queen entered the room, holding her new-born in her arms. The late nights and tired expressions making sense now.

"Allow me to introduce you all to my son, Prince Edward. He will make a great King one day." Of course, Aethelflaed would be ignored as his heir because she was born a woman. But that was the curse of being a woman born in this era.

"May I?" Avery asked for permission before taking several steps across the hall to stand before the Queen. The pair didn't usually get along or have much in common, but Avery admired her strength. Her fingers slowly pulling back the blanket a little so she could look at her nephew, smiling to herself as his beady eyes examined the room. "He is beautiful. Congratulations to the both of you. I will pray for a long and healthy life for him."

Avery was soon excused from the meeting. She knew that they were going to be discussing the marriage between Uhtred and Mildrith. Avery wanted nothing more than to tell Uhtred the truth about the debt and the hidden agenda behind the marriage, but she did not want her brother to face the Danes wrath. Because through all of his faults, she loved him.

Returning to her chambers, Sara had known of her return and already had a warm bath waiting for her. After bathing in the cold stream, she welcomed the warm water. Her blue silk dress was quickly discarded, and she stepped into the tub, allowing her body to be covered in the water. Her raven hair was hanging loosely over the side as her eyes closed and she just allowed herself a chance to relax. A chance to rest after her week of training with the soldiers.

Once the water started to cool, she quickly stepped out, drying herself off before picking her own dress to wear for the evening. The thought about real food was already making her stomach rumble after living on rations. Her dress was black, a slight red tint depending on how the light hit the fabric, partnered off with a necklace and some earrings. A lot of women in the court would have something to say about how revealing her dress was, but Avery did not care about them or their jealous gossip. One of the handmaidens had knocked on her bedroom door to accompany her to the grand hall where dinner was being prepared.

She was shocked when she entered the hall and Uhtred and Leofric were still here, she assumed Alfred would send them to meet Mildrith. Both of the men had their eyes on her as soon as she entered, bowing her head towards her brother and the King and his wife, the Queen before her seat was pulled out for her. She tucked her skirts beneath her before taking a seat, there was prayers echoing around the room, but Avery found herself drawn to the two men opposite her. Uhtred wouldn't pray against his Gods and Leofric was just thinking about taking off her pretty dress.

"Amen." Everyone in the room except Uhtred had ended their prayers and then the wine was flowing between the group. But Avery was just enjoying her food, it had been days until she had the chance to eat properly. And she was savouring every moment, but she could still feel the eyes on her and after her second glass of wine she was ready to leave. Making another excuse to leave early so she could return to her chambers. But before she could reach her rooms, she felt a strong hand pull her into one of the rooms off the main hall. She nearly screamed, but when she laid eyes on Leofric she chuckled softly seeing that he had already discarded his shirt.

"Your eyes have been haunting me all night." Her fingers trailed along his exposed chest, looking at him through her heavy lashes as she settled back against the door. His hands already finding her hips to move her to where he wanted. They stood in the middle of the room now and he didn't hesitate to kiss her. Their lips hungrily claiming each other as he dipped her, which caused her to laugh into the kiss. She always felt so carefree when they were together. She was just Avery. The kiss soon broke and she watched as he looked around at the room, obviously looking for somewhere to claim her. She appreciated his care but right now all she wanted was his touch. "Just take me, Leofric."