Moon-Heart | The Last Kingdom |

28.

Winchester was running wild with fear. King Edward, was dead. He was truly dead. All knew the chaos that would follow with the news, of course he would leave even more chaos in death, then he dealt with in life. The news had reached those who the crown wished to keep the secret concealed from, Lord Aeflweard. He was coming for his throne and was quickly making an effort to do so. Queen Eadgifu sat in prayer, hoping that Aethelstan would come for her and her son, like he had promised. Yet there was nothing. Silence, utter silence. The queen could no longer tell if she was praying to send her dear husband's soul to heaven, or cursing him for leaving so soon. This nightmare must end, Edward had ignored this issue for as long as he could. And now, it was for God and the Queen to deal with.

The bells tolled loudly, as the people gathered around the palace. In haste Lord Aldhelm finally found the Queen in a secluded wing. Slamming the door behind him, the Lord approached lightly footed, "Lady Eadgifu, the traitor Aelfweard has sent men to take you and Prince Edmund into protection." he spoke lowly.

From outside the gates, the boy's soldiers were ready to rampage the door and take back what was rightfully his. His father left him to rot in Mercia, and now that he was gone, it was Aelfweard's turn to show the Saxon people how the line of Alefred rule. He was a true Saxson, the true Saxson.

"I have no wish to be a hostage." the queen simply said, "Can we fight them?

"Not without Aethelstan."

"Well, surely, my guards can--"

Aldhelm twitched his head becoming impatient, "Loyalties are shifting and factions forming. It is not certain who supports us." he took a breathe, "We should flee with your son whilst we can.

Lady Eadgifu looked up to the lord, with unsure eyes. Seeing the seriousness of what Aldhelm was saying, she did not verbally response. Quickly she removed her crown and veil, heading for the door. If they were to escape, they would have to make it quick and quiet. Men were breaching their doors leaving little room to negotiate. There was no time to grab her belongings, simply putting on a cloak and biding a silent farewell to the palace she had ruled over with Edward. They were happy in the beginning, especially when their son was born. But as the years passed, Edward grew more bitter and more distance. He had great advisors at his side, yet as he always did, King Edward never listened to what they had to say. Even his son, the aething Lord Aethelstan, couldn't get to him. For a few years they had a closeness, that only lasted so long.

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"I will not forgive this." Eadgifu said sternly, "Nor forgive Aethelstan for leaving us exposed. Damn him for his absence." Approaching a closet with lord Aldhelm, she pushed the door open while the lord watched for attackers, "Come, Edmund. We are leaving." Inside the closet, a young prince sat quietly with his book in hand, confused as to what was happening. Yet, he was not one to argue with his mother.

"Where's the queen!" a soldier shouted.

"Move! Look everywhere!" another said.

Carefully, Aldhelm waited for the right moment to move about the halls, he had to rely on his years as a Mercian soldier to get them out of this situation. With his sword in one hand, he tried to be as swift as possible, but he was not as young as he used to be. And with the added limp that had become a part of his daily life, he was not as fast anymore.

"Mother, what's--" the boy tried to speak

"Sh. Quite" she dragged him along. "Wait." the queen softly said hearing footsteps approaching. Her heart raced like a madman, "Pyrlig." she said as he turned the corner.

"We got word." he got straight to the point, "Aethelstan has gone on pilgrimage to pray for his father's health."

Eadugif tensed her shoulders "Then find him and tell him of his death. Then strike him, for me, for he swore to protect us."