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

Admitting the truth

(Extra long chapter to apologise for being gone so long. Thanks for being so patient)

Before they could leave Sherborne, Avery would seek out James like she had told her son she would do. James had always had his suspicions about his nephew's true father, but he never voiced them or truly cared. Sigeberht was and always would be his nephew – his brothers' child and the heir of Sherborne.

Finan had been left to ready their horses and prepare them for the long journey. They would first return to Beamfleot and hope that Uhtred would return there for Finan and Osferth. But it would be at least another week until they arrived because the winter months had been harsh on the roads, they would have to seek shelter in settlements rather than setting up camp in the wilderness because it was too dangerous.

Avery had approached James' chambers but was turned away by his new wife who insisted he was not there, and as usual Mary was as awful as ever. How she managed to entrap such a kind man like James surprised her. But she knew marriages were usually some kind of political arrangement. Both of them were probably unhappy with the union but James was not acting out of spite as much as Mary was.

Deciding to look for James within the throne room she finally found him, and she felt a small wave of relief pass through her body. James was stood around the map table, but he was alone, she carefully approached him, but he recognised her footsteps and relaxed instantly as she stood beside him – her eyes scanning over the map. Was he anticipating a war? He had different figures placed on the table and it looked like they were all coming for Sherborne.

"You are at war?" Her body filled with fear, not wishing such a battle to exist while her son was still growing into the leader he was born to be.

"Not yet. But we hear rumours people see us as weak since Gregor's death. So, they wish to claim these lands for themselves. And of course, the threat of the Danes growing closer. But with each passing day our armies continue to grow. We are safe for now." His eyes were still scanning the table, he had considered every possible threat and had a plan in place if any of it happened.

"Thank you. For caring for my son like he was your own. For ensuring his safety. I owe you everything." His eyes finally broke away from the table now to settle on her, when he saw her dressed like the Princess, he had grown fond of all those years ago he felt his breath hitch in his throat. He had truly never seen such beauty. "My man and I. We will be gone for a few weeks, but I promise I will return."

"Do you need any soldiers? I would be glad to grant you a few to ensure your safety." He knew Avery was more than capable of looking after herself and defending herself, but he always felt the need to play her saviour.

"Keep the men, continue to train them and hope that no dangers approach Sherborne." She smiled softly across at him, only then noticing how close his hand was to hers. She watched the relief that filled him from that small contact of the tips of their fingers touching and allowed them both that moment of peace.

"I will pray for your safe return." He finally spoke, breaking away from her and leaving her alone within the throne room. His feelings were something they would need to address but it would have to wait for now. She had to find Uhtred first, then go and see her brother before she could ever find any peace.

She left for the stables now, wearing warm furs and heavy boots. The grin on Finan's face when he saw her made her roll her eyes. The way he looked at her with such admiration caused a slight blush to appear against her cheeks, but she could blame that on the brisk air.

"We are ready to leave whenever you are, Princess." He watched as she quickly mounted her horse with ease, and he chuckled softly before he struggled onto his own. Finally settling into the saddle after a few adjustments. And within seconds they were both leaving the safety of the gates.