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

Mother knows best

It was about a week of constant traveling before they were close to Sherborne, her chest growing tighter the closer they got to their destination. There was no guarantee that she would be accepted back so easily. But she would make it extremely clear to James that she did not want to rule, she did not even want to be considered Lady of Sherborne – she just wanted to see and know her son.

Almost like Finan was reading her mind his horse was soon beside hers and he reached over to place a hand against her thigh. He was aiming for her hand, but she appreciated the gesture anyway and his gentle touch instantly calmed her.

"I just do not want him to hate me. But I understand why he would, I left him. He was forced to grow up without me." She sighed again, their horses now just stopping outside of the gates as her eyes scanned her old home. It looked as daunting as ever. But this was once her home, this is where she brought her son into the world.

"I could stay for a while. If that is what you wish?" He wanted to return for Osferth, to see how he was doing in his recovery, but he was not ready to encounter Sihtric or Uhtred again while they were bickering. And he was enjoying his time with Avery. He enjoyed the peace her company brought him.

"You would do that?" She turned to face him now as a small smile appeared on her face. Facing all of this with him by her side would make it easier.

"Always." He started to ride again now, knowing if she had any more time to hesitate or reconsider her decision she would back out. So, he gave her that push she needed, and she soon followed him to the gates which were heavily guarded.

"What brings you to Sherborne?" One of the soldiers guarding the gates shouted down at them as they approached. Both of their horses coming to a halt as Avery took a deep breath before removing her hood. Seeing the flicker of shock on the guards' face as he realised just who she was.

"I wish to speak to the Lord of Sherborne. To James." Her hands grew tighter around the reigns of her horse, her nerves hitting her again but when she heard the sound of the gate opening, she breathed a sigh of relief. This was it. Time to face the consequences of her actions.

Avery and Finan had barely dismounted their horses in the stables when she saw several men heading in their direction and when she saw James she tensed, but when he laid eyes on her he seemed to smile. His great love. She was safe, she was alive.

"Come, let us speak in private." The men surrounding James eventually left his side, gossiping amongst one another and when Finan tried to leave he stopped in his tracks when Avery took a hold of his hand. She needed him and they were in this together. "Your hired sword may come."

When they were in a familiar hall she sighed again, this is where she was presented to the townsfolk as Gregor's new wife. This is where she announced she was pregnant with the heir of Sherborne, and this is where her husband's funeral was held. A lot of history in such a small place.

"Before we begin. I must ask, how is Sigeberht?" She was anxious to know about her son. She had asked around the neighbouring settlements about him, but no one seemed to have any news. He was still so young so was hidden from the public. He would be presented to the townsfolk when he was ready to take over as Lord of Sherborne.

"He is a natural with a sword, Sir Glover said he has never seen such a natural fighter. He is doing well in his studies, and he has already stolen the hearts of the young ladies, but he keeps himself to himself. A strong, silent type." When James explained his nephew, he found himself staring at Avery as she smiled at the description of her son and how much he had grown. But before he could say anything the door swung open and in walked a woman wearing an extravagant gown which trailed behind her and she moved to stand beside James, clearing her throat and awaiting an introduction. "This is Mary. My wife."