Avery is the third born child to the late King Aethelwulf. Youngest sister to Alfred. She longed for more freedom. To be able to fight like her brothers and be free from her destiny of being forced to marry some fat old lord for the promise of men o...
Avery had taken to motherhood with great ease, refusing help from the wet nurse on most days but while they were stuck on the road traveling to Winchester, she accepted any help which was offered to her. It gave her every chance to plot her revenge, she had been terrified for her niece ever since she found out she had been taken by the Danes her brother was trying to remove from Wessex and Mercia.
It had taken them a few days until they arrived, James had been particularly quiet lately, but she knew he was still struggling with his feelings for her. Knowing she had been close to Aethelred while he was a visitor. And although he had shown her nothing but kindness during her labours, he was now back to only speaking to her when he had to. But she knew deep down that he would still do anything for her.
When they finally arrived at the gates of Wessex she took a deep breath, holding her son tightly in her arms before leaving the carriage in search of her brother. James helped to empty the carriage of her belongings and get her room ready for her and the babe.
"I was not expecting you to visit in person. I just asked for your help, for your men." Alfred barely looked up from his prayers, until she stepped closer to her and then he noticed the tiny bundle of joy in her arms. "Motherhood suits you."
"My men will be yours to command. But all I wish right now is for you to come and meet your nephew." He moved from his knees to approach her and seeing how she would lovingly stare down at her son he couldn't help but smile in return. "His name is Sigeberht."
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"He is perfect. I believe he has your nose." He watched the tiny babe with a smile across his lips. His eyes observing all of his features and he subconsciously wondered who the father was. None of the features seeming familiar to him, but if he only knew how close to home all of this was.
"What happened? Why was she even on the battlefield?" Avery finally found herself asking, she had only made this journey back home for her niece.
"She wished to join her husband. I am terrified for her. The Danes are ruthless. They are making all of these demands and I worry for her safety." He finally let his mask fall, his true emotions covering his face and Avery held her son tightly against her chest with one arm as her other arm wrapped around her brothers' frame as she tried to console him.
"She is a Princess. She is royalty. She has a price, and that price is keeping her safe. I will give you all of the gold that Sherborne can spare to bring her home. Who is handling negotiations?" She took a small step back, holding her son properly again as her brother seemed to have calmed down after her reassuring words.
"Uhtred and Aethelred." Both names made her tense a little, not ready to face them both. Before she could respond they were interrupted by Father Beocca who seemed almost surprised her child was already here. But she ignored his curious look and left them alone to pray for Aethelflaed's safe return.
