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(Y/N) WALKED OUT OF LORD AETHELRED'S chambers, tears threatening to spill down her cheeks. she knew she was unlike many other women in mercia, let alone other saxon kingdoms. she was plumper than most with her wide hips and larger breasts. (y/n) always felt insecure, however, she slowly learned to love herself. being almost 18 years of age, she was already supposed to be wed off to a blacksmith in alesbury, but unfortunately he died during one of the danish raids.
Lord aethelred was young and foolish, all in the saxon kingdoms knew that. (y/n) served him since she was 13 and usually never complained. she heard the occasional comments on her body from his guards, some incredibly sexual. she learned to ignore them, for only one man made her heart beat quickly and her cheeks turn a beautiful crimson colour. lord aldhelm, lord aethelred's most trusted advisor. the tall and lanky man caught (y/n)'s eyes the very first time she came into lord aethelred's service, before he became lord of mercia. (y/n) liked his calm and comforting presence, although she rarely talked to him. their only form of conversation was simply related to her work in the palace.
Aldhelm felt the same way towards (y/n). anytime he was blessed enough to see her, aldhelm felt as if he was the happiest man in all of mercia. her body radiated warmth and her smile brought joy to anyone who was lucky enough to see it. for a long time, aldhelm wished to offer the girl his hand in marriage, but every time he feared something. perhaps it was how different the two of them were — he was the lord of mercia's right hand man, his advisor and commander of his house-hold guard. (y/n) was but a simple maid with a simple life. and yet, aldhelm could not help himself but stare at the girl anytime he could, dreaming of how pleasant it would be to kiss her soft lips, to hold her close to him.
And so, (y/n) made her way down the dimly-lit hallways of the palace, quietly sniffing to herself as she carried the broken clay in her hands, the soft skin suffering some minor cuts. her lord was displeased. she dropped his plates onto the ground as she was leaving his room, embarrassing him in front of one of his mistresses. aethelred was yelled at her, calling her rude insults, specifically targeting her weight and appearance.
As (y/n) continued her way down the corridor, her head hung down and eyes staring at the floor through her tears, she felt herself hit something. she immediately looked up, seeing the kind face of lord aldhelm, causing her cheeks to heat up immediately. (y/n) tried to wipe her tears with her shoulder as she held the broken plates in her hands.
"Lord aldhelm, i apologize. i did not mean to bump into you, it will not happen again." (y/n) looked down shamefully. her heart was beating quickly and hands slightly trembled. that was the effect the man had on her, and she was ashamed to even admit it to herself.
"Lady (y/n), never mind that." the man smiled down at her before realizing the tears that were still looking in her eyes, making his smile disappear. "lady, your hands.", he took her hands into his own, making her drop the shattered plates onto the ground, causing additional clatter. "you are crying, what is wrong?"
