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The trip to Winchester was calm. When they arrived, the city was getting ready for the wedding. She quickly made her way to the throne's room. Alfred was in the middle, next to him was Aelswith and Aethelflead.
"Lord King." She said, curtsying. "I would like to apologize for my husband's absence."
"I know. I received the letter." Alfred stood up and walked to her. Even if he wasn't really strong, he was intimidating. "His absence will be felt." She couldn't tell if it was disappointment or reproach in his voice. Alfred was a strange man too. "I do not have news from your brother either."
Wenyld bit her lips. Osgar was stubborn but now he was provocative toward the King. "Maybe the letter was lost." She smiled. Even if she did not love Osgar as much as Eadmund, he was her brother too, her family, and she had to protect him. The King did not say more about it and dismissed her.
While walking in the palace, she felt anger take her heart. Did Elfstan know about this? Is that why he told her to be careful? Clenching fists, she got out of the palace. When she arrived on the stairs, people were acclaiming someone. She squinted to see a golden hair man waving the crowd.
"Who is it?" She asked a woman next to her.
"It's Aethelred, the Lord of Mercia."
"Aethelflead betrothed." She whispered to herself. She stared at him again. He looked like an angel with his smile and his blond curls.
"Have ya ever met the turd, Lady?" Wenyld jumped at the voice that she immediately recognized. She looked down to Finan. He raised an eyebrow while looking at Aethelred.
"The turd? It is not a way to speak of a Lord." He laughed a little. "How can you say he is a "turd"? He seemed to be a good match for the Lady Aethelflead."
He looked up to her. She noticed his hair was shorter than in Glastonbury. "I recognize a turd when I see him." She frowned. She didn't know a lot about the new Lord of Mercia. She hoped Finan intuition was wrong. Aethelflead was a kind girl who deserved to be well treated.
"Anyway, are you attempting the wedding?" A smile grew on Finan's face and Wenyld felt her cheeks burned.
"I am, Lady. Will ya ?" She nodded. "Will your husband be there?" She froze, hesitating between telling the truth or lying. Finan's question was reckless and she knew what was on his mind. Hopefully she didn't have to respond. A brown boy with a Dane look called Finan. He made him a sign with his hand and turned to Wenyld. "I'll see ya to the wedding." She watched him go, feeling her muscles relax.
...
"Have you seen the Lord Aethelred, Lady?"
Wenyld was brought out from her daydream by Eadwynn. Her friend was pouring wine in a cup that she gave to her. "I have seen his arrival." She took a sip and watched Edwynn take a sit.
"He is quite handsome. Lady Aethflead is lucky." Wenyld frowned, thinking of Finan's earlier word.
"A handsome man does not make a good husband."
"Do you think he could hurt her?" She asked with a worried look.
"I don't know Eadwynn. I hope no." She remained silent, playing with a lock of her blond hair. Edwynn was few years younger than Wenyld and was still a little naïve. She stood up and rubbed her friend's cheek. "She is the King's daughter. He won't do anything to her. And if he does, Alfred will kick is arse."
"That's not a way of speaking for a Lady." Laughed Eadwynn, looking up to her.
"Then I hope those words will stay between us and God." She smiled back. Eadwynn poured herself another cup and walked to the window. Music was played in the street and people were dancing.
"Have you heard that the Lord Uhtred went into Daneland?" Wenyld raised an eyebrow.
"Where did you hear that?"
"Court's gossip, Lady." She smiled a little, almost ashamed of her source. Wenyld bite her lips. If this was true maybe Uhtred won't be back in time for the marriage and therefore Finan. She couldn't say if this was a good or bad news.
"You should be careful with gossips, Edwynn." She said. The woman silently nodded. "But why are you telling me that?"
"Well, the Irishman is with him. I thought you would like to know that." Wenyld bite her lip. Eadwynn may be her closest friend, she didn't speak to her about Finan. About what she was feeling. To Eadwynn, she was just playing with him. At least, that's what she thought.
"And why would I care?" Eadwynn avoided her gaze, embarrassed.
"The Irishman seemed to have some interest in you... I thought you would like to know more about him." Wenyld couldn't help but smile.
"Edwynn, I'm a married woman. It was just... for fun." If only it was true. It wasn't just fun. But she was a married woman and it will not change.
Later that day, Wenyld walked in the palace's corridors to join the lady Aelswith to pray. But on her way, she met the Lord Aethelred and a thin man following him.
"Lord Aethelred. It is a pleasure to meet you." She smiled. The young Lord frowned as he looked at her.
"And you are?" He said in a harsh tone. Maybe Finan was true. Wenyld ignored that and continued to look radiant.
"I am the Lady Wenyld. My husband is the Lord of Somerset."
"Beautiful land, that I heard." Added the man next to him. She turned to him, raising an eyebrow.
"Excuse me, but I don't know your name."
"Lord Aldhelm. I am at the head of the Mercian guard." She nodded. In contrary to the Lord Aethelred, he seemed to know more about politeness. "Is your husband in Winchester? I am sure my Lord will be pleased to talk with him."
"Unfortunately, he is not. He has business to do in Glastonbury." The smile on Aldhelm's face disappeared for what seemed to be mistrust. But again, she chose to ignore. "But I am sure he'd love to discuss with you, when the opportunity arises." She smiled at both men and left them.
Author's note: Finan's back guys hehe. So, I have planned the whole story and now I just wonder if I should had smut or not x). Don't worry ! I'll warn you if I do ;).
Thak you for reading ! It feels good to see the fandom reborn :D.
