Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
A week has passed since the King's arrival. Wenyld had never been busier the past days. When she wasn't with Aelswith or Aethelflead, she was planning the King's stay with Eadwynn. The short time she has left, like now, she was with her daughter. Wenyld was sitting on the border of the fountain while braiding Matilda's hair. The little girl was trying to do the same on her doll, but it wasn't really successful. Further, Uhtred and his men were walking, probably joining Alfred.
"The Irishman is watching you, Lady." Whispered Eadwynn who was next to her. It wasn't the first time that Finan was staring at her. Every time they were in the same room, she could feel his brown eyes on her. And every time she ignored him, even if she liked it. Once more, she didn't bother to look at him in return.
"I know." She smiled, finishing the braid. She kissed Matilda's cheek and the little girl left the fountain.
"Does it bother you?" Asked Eadwynn.
"No. It is good to feel a man's gaze on you." And it even feels better when the man was handsome. She could still remember his breath on her skin and how she had shuddered. She shook her head, trying to clear out his mind before her cheeks became red.
"You are right, Lady. It is good."
"Is a man looking at you, Eadwynn?" Demand Wenyld, rising an eyebrow. The young woman seemed surprise by the question and her face turned scarlet.
"No! Of course not, Lady!" She hurried herself to respond. Wenyld smiled. Eadwynn was really bad at lying. She put her hand on hers.
"You know, Eadwynn, if you have a lover, you should tell me."
"I have no lover, Lady." She looked away then turned again to Wenyld. "Not yet."
And the two women started to laugh.
...
For the last night of the King in Glastonbury, another banquet was organized. Again, Wenyld was sitting between her husband and Aethelflead. She was a little sad that tomorrow, everything will go back to normal. She loved her time with the Lady Aethelflead, but as she was to be married too, she doubted she would see her again after her marriage.
"I hope you will be there for my marriage." Said the princess.
"I will." Wenyld gently squeezed her hand. "I'll be here, you can be sure of that." In fact, Alfred had obviously invited all the great Lord of Wessex, Elfstan being one of them, their presence was an evidence.
Suddenly, the King cleared his throat and stood up. Everybody in the reception hall did the same, all staring at Alfred. Conversations and laughers stopped as he began to speak.
"I would like to thank the Lord and Lady of Somerset, for their hospitality during this week." He said while raising his cup in the air and turning to Elfstan and Wenyld. "To Somerset."
"The pleasure is ours, Lord King." She responded, but the acclamation in the room covered her voice. She sat down and her gaze met Finan's face. He was laughing and drinking with other men. She hoped that he hadn't notice her but her eyes met his, her cheeks flushed. She quickly looked away.
"Are you alright Lady?" Asked Aethelflead, quite worried. "Your cheeks are red."
Wenyld let out a laugh, searching her words. "The hall is warm. I think I need some fresh air." She got up from her chair. "If you'll excuse me." She walked through the room and joined the corridors of the palace. She made her way to the garden but turned back when she heard footsteps behind her. She bit her lips when she recognized Finan.
"This wasn't an invitation for you to follow me." She said with a more violent tone than what she hoped.
"I know tha'." He answered with a proud smile on his face.
"Why are you staring at me?" She asked, crossing her arms.
"What I wonder is why your husband isn't lookin' at you, as I do." She felt her heart beat faster. He brought his fingers to her face, replacing a lock of hair behind her ear. "You're a beauty. He can't be that blind." She grasped his wrist and moved it away, avoiding his gaze.
"You are a cheeky man. Finan." She looked up to him.
"Tha' not answer my question." She sighed. He was persistent and it wasn't a good thing. She was married. She had a duty to fulfill, being a good wife. And she doubted that being tormented by another man was good. But even though, he was right. Elfstan never had an eye for her, she even wondered if he had one for any woman. For what she knew, he never cheated on her.
"Elfstan is a discreet man." She lied. She won't play this game any longer. "I have to go back to the hall." But she couldn't move. He was bewitching. She shook her head and walked past him. "Good night."
She thought about him the whole night. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw his impish smile. She remembered the feel of his fingers around her ears. The way he looked at her. The sound of his voice. When she finally found sleep, he was in his dreams.
As soon as morning came, the King was ready to leave. Wenyld stood on the stairs in front of the palace, holding Matilda and Elfstan next to her. She tried her best to keep away her eyes from him. When they were all gone, she let out a deep breath.
"Are you alright Mommy?" Asked Matilda.
"Yes, Sweetheart. I am just tired. It was a long week." She made her way back to the palace, smiling at her husband.
Author's note : Sorry, this chapter is quite short ! I didn't have much time to write this passed days :(. Next one will probably be short too, but chapter 5 will be longer I think ;).
Thank you to all of you who read this fanfiction !
