the invisible string. Sihtric Kjartanson

Chapter eigteen: free man

Frankly I must admit being Aethelflaeds maid was the most boring activity I've ever done. I had wound hands from embroidery all day and at night I cried to Sihtric how intricate the flowers were I was putting on Aethelflaeds new dress. When little Sihtric was sound asleep we fought in the atrium of the empty house across the street. It was in ruin so no one came to bother us ever, expect Finan if he wanted to challenge me because he himself couldn't sleep. It was the only thing keeping me sane and my back in shape after sitting all day. We almost fought until dawn and I loved it when my shoulders ached and my legs grew sturdier. In time I grew more restless and wilder everyday I wasn't drilling combat that I started to fight with the broom stick while I was sweeping one of the endless hallways. I liked caring for my own dirty little crumbling house but sweeping the corridors for days on end was killing my soul. The Romans had been formidable builders but why did the construct their buildings that way that dust collected in every corner and spiders could build villas in the beams?

"Fascinating" Aethelflaed startled me and I dropped the broom soundly. I had been deep in thought and convinced that I was alone.

"My lady, I'm sorry I know I should be sweeping" I bowed in apology. Within the palace I had to act formal with Aethelflaed because if the guards saw me do anything else but behave like a
maid I would have to leave. I couldn't do that to Aethelflaed again. To make her lose something that had become her save haven in the turmoil in her life. In private we could be friends, we'd chat for hours while doing that horrible embroidery.

"Can you teach me something?" She asked with that same old mischief in her voice. A matching grin was upon her lips.

"Of course but I think that's very improper and I'll get fired" I chuckled but I was already making out a plan for training in my head.

"Well if I'm ever taken captive by wild Danes I should know how to defend myself" She said with a smirk.

"Well I hope that will never happen but in case it does it's my duty to teach you how to defend yourself" I told her and she grinned.

That's how I became the secret trainer of the King's daughter. We had to keep it a secret of course. We were very careful that no one knew what we were doing. But beyond that I dutifully went to service with her every morning. I kept on being the perfect pious companion to Aethelflaed that I was not removed nor even questioned once. She started smiling more again but only when the turd wasn't around. I had crafted a plan to start poising him with Hemlock as soon as it bloomed which would be soon.

Our girly life was good until the night of the ceremony where Aethelflaeds faithfulness to Aethelred would be proven. I was armed to the teeth that night which was stupid because I was so on-edge that I would easily kill Aethelred with enough provocation.

"Does your husband never question your faithfulness?" Aldhelm questioned me as if trying to make casual conversation while we walked to the old church of Alban.

"Aldhelm, I swear if you address me again I shall finish the job Uthred started" I threatened with a feral snarl that had him switching sides like a frightened child, now walking behind Aethelred. Uthred had ruined his face, broke his jaw- and cheekbone along with some ribs. Similar to what I did to Sihtric years ago in Eoferwic.

"But the question is valid. Alfred thinks you so pure" Aethelred added and my hand curled around a dagger down my sleeve but I forced the violent emotions down. He was right I wasn't pure when I was married but that was only between me and my husband.

"He does not" I bit out before walking quicker to catch up with Aethelflaed who must feel like a cattle ready for slaughter.

"But why? You share so much time with other man? Charming men I'm sure" Aethelred pushed. I know this was about Uthred so I harshly turned around. I towered over Aethelred when I stood before him making him stop walking.