Moon-Heart | The Last Kingdom |

29.

Fortunately, Lady Saehild's old rooms were unoccupied, allowing her to take over the space for the time being. Lying in bed, the cool air surrounded every small crack, reminding Saehild much of her girlhood. While Aldhelm was healing, the three Mercians stayed in Bebbanburg, and how the girls loved it. Aelfwynn and Saehild felt at home for once, they were safe and happy. Lord Uhtred allowed them to stay so long as they needed. He offered them safety, food, and compassion. All knew that Aelfwynn would need to return to Merica soon to rebuild her mother's legacy, but that moment would come later. Living under a pagan hall, sharing drinks with other Danes, and even some Saxons, it all felt like it was meant to be. Other than peace, Saehild had found something more, Love, in a noble Saxson. Strange how it works, isn't it? The bastard child of a Saxon father and a Dane mother, finding her person in the form of a Saxson aetheling.

The girl lightly smiled to herself remembering how her, Aethelstan, Aelfwynn, and Cynlaef, would stay up till the sun rose, telling stories, singing, and dancing. It was great. Her favorite part of any day was when her and Aethelstan would return to their chamber. Sometimes they would spend the night wrapped in each other's embrace, legs intertwined and whispering sweet nothings into their ears. Other nights they would sleep peacefully, with their breaths in sync. Each morning Saehild always woke up before the young aetheling, first feeling the sensation of his hands wrapped around her midriff, then feeling the sun rays on her face. Even in his most peaceful state, his most vulnerable state, Aethelstan let Saehild in. Sometimes she'd trace their initials on his chest and kiss his chin before dosing back off.

However, this time when she flipped to turn, the other side was empty. Running her hand along the cold fabric, she felt sorrow. All the things she remembered and wanted again were a different life, they were no longer her life.

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Hastily the lady got ready for the day, preparing herself to return to her homeland. It had been years since her feet stepped back on Mercian soil. Strangely it was a sensation she longed for but also was frightened of. Aegelesburg was the pride and beauty of Merica, now however that could not be said. Stories of what the land had become made their way across Wessex, but Saehild never wanted to believe it. As much as the royal family thrived off the land so did the people. Every season, the land gave them so much food for them and the animals, and green pastures. From what she had heard, no colors decorated the town anymore.

The lady quickly threw on her clothes and cloak on, moving quickly to the stables.

If they wanted to make it to Aegelesburg in time, they would need to leave as soon as possible. From what they knew, Aelfweard was looking for man to fight in his army. Luckily for them, no one knew a warrior from an abyss anymore. When she entered the stable, only the horse occupied the room. Softly petting her horse, Saehild allowed the girl to enjoy the quiet before they braced the cold for the next couple of days.

"And who are you?" a man rushed into the stable, panicked and clearly annoyed.

"Who's asking." Saehild cocked an eyebrow, "Who are you?"

"These are Lord Uhtred's stables!", he walked closer speaking in a pointed tone, "What Lord do you sever?!"

"Ha! What Lord do I sever?" Saehild scoffed. Did she really look that bleak, "I'm Lady Saehild, daughter of Lord Aldehlm." she told, "Do we have an issue."

"No, no my lady.", he shook his head looking to the ground, "Forgive me, I have never seen you in person before--I've only heard the stories."

"All good things, I hope.", she smiled to herself. Looking to the stable hand she saw how young he was, maybe a year or two younger than her. He was just trying to make a good impression, "Ready him, for me?" she asked softly.