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

Marriage alliances

Her niece had grown to be a remarkable woman, trained under Alfred's new right-hand man. He was another giant, but he couldn't stand close to Leofric and Avery had been quite dismissive of him. The talk of marriages was now a daily topic. The Queen wanted her daughter to be married, but of course there was a hidden agenda. To tie Wessex and Mercia together. To take the next step in Alfred's dream of a united England. Avery knew it was destined to end terribly. But she was glad to be escaping the shackles of marriage. She still wore Leofric's ring, although these days it was hanging from one of her necklaces. No body ever paid it enough attention.

She continued to train whenever she could, although she knew the chances of ever being allowed in a proper battle were slim, but hopefully she could convince her brother to give her that last little bit of freedom. But for now, she was forced to endure the boring meetings. Aethelflaed was nervous to see who her husband was destined to be, knowing that not everyone got so lucky when it came to their matches. But the young Lord seemed to intrigue her, and she was definitely attracted to him. She seemed excited for her marriage and Avery was a perfect maid of honour, making sure she looked her best for her new husband.

The wedding was a small affair, lords and ladies from both Wessex and Mercia were the only guests. But there did seem to be some chemistry between the bride and the groom. Her niece seemed to be lucky. It made Avery wonder if she would get so lucky when it was her time to finally marry. She could hope, but if her past was anything to go against, she would end up with a horrible husband. Probably fat, mean and old.

Avery wore a black and red dress for the wedding, she was excited for the food and wine afterwards more than the actual service. But she could fake her interest for now. She would do this for her niece. The beautiful bride. Thankfully, the service was less than an hour. Full of prayers and hymns.

The feast was spectacular. All kind of meats, fruits and vegetables covered the tables. The wine was flowing, and the music filled the halls. This was the only time that Avery was glad to be royalty. This is where she was her most confident. Making idle chitchat. But there was always a hidden reason for her talking to someone, she was more like Alfred than she cared to admit. She was enquiring about Uhtred who had been missing since she fell asleep in his arms.

Halfway through the feast she watched as the newly married couple left, she hated how everyone cheered because Avery knew what was expected of her sweet niece now. To be a wife. To consummate the marriage. But they both seemed happy enough as they left the halls, so Avery sipped some more of the wine as she started to finally relax. She had barely finished her second glass of wine when Aethelred returned, which confused her. He should be enjoying his wedding night, getting to know his wife. As soon as he sat back down with his men, Avery moved to her feet – making an excuse to leave as she rushed out of the hall.

Finding one of Aethelflaed's women in waiting outside the kitchens she grabbed her hand before pulling her into an empty room. Turning to face her with a stern look on her face. She hoped that they wouldn't lie to her or refuse to answer her questions.

"What happened in that room?" At first there was silence, until Avery folded her arms across her chest and stared right at the young girl. "You need to tell me. I can't protect her if you don't tell me."

"I do not know. I only left for a moment but when I returned the young Princess was crying, she was saying how this isn't how love should be." The words came out in barely a whisper, she completely folded under Avery's questioning gaze.

"Go to my chambers, run a warm bath and I will return with the Princess." Avery had dismissed the young woman now. Sighing softly to herself before she reluctantly went to find her niece. She was still in her room, covered in the quilts and her tears had barely dried on her cheeks. She looked a mess and Avery knew all to well what had happened. Another man taking what he wanted without a care in the world.