Aeleva; The Viking Saxon

Chapter 24

I was awoken a few hours later by Osric. The image of him at the door, warmed me with happiness. I had woken forgetting I was back in Kent. 

"It is time for the evening meal." He said gently. His voice coaxed me out of bed. The thought of food made my belly rumble. I cannot remember the last time I ate.

He led us to a smaller hall. Stuffed with tables and benches. The ceiling echoed the voices over each other but the tone was hushed. Osric handed me a small wooden bowl and proceeded to fill it with a stew with pieces of carrot and turnip.

"There is someone I would like you to meet." Osric said and flashed me a smile as he lead us into the tables.

"Osric!" A beautiful man sat at the table we were approaching, and waved at us. His clothes were finely embroidered and his hair, silky and kept. He was a young man of 20, fit and strong. His smile was what you notice first, a smile that would make you swoon.

Osric's face light up when he approached. He gave the man a courteous nod, "My Lord." He greeted.

"This is my sister, Aeleva." My brother introduced me as he presented me to him. "This is Prince Ecgfrith." I bowed my head and curtsied in his presence. I had heard of Ecgfrith, he was known in the small villages for his kindness and integrity, which contrasted the morals of his Father. We heard little of court politics and noblemen, but the Prince would make it into our churches prayers. Along with the King and Queen of Mercia. 

"Come sit, Aeleva. We are to be good friends." Ecgfrith glanced at Osric with a smirk. Only for a moment. You would miss it if you blinked. "I want to hear all about your time in Denmark." I was surprised at his knowledge of me. Surprised a Prince would know my 'adventure'.

Ecgfrith chucked at my reaction. "Your brother has told me a lot about you, and your letter." He said gently, in a lowered voice. I had underestimated their relationship, I was startled at my brother sharing such personal information with the Prince consecrate. Osric went to sit next to Ecgfrith on a space beside him. I sat opposite the both of them.

There were other men of the court seated around the prince, wearing just as beautiful clothes.  But they started their own conversations and pretended not to listen to the story of the village girl's return from Daneland.

"Tell me, are they viscous." Ecgfrith asked mockingly, exaggerating viscous. 

"Yes my lord." I replied shyly, smiling at his tease.

"Handsome?" My eyes widened and I could see Osric stiffen. Ecgfrith laughed. "I am teasing." I smiled, relieved I wouldn't have to answer. I did not fancy lying to a prince. I had already lied to my brother. I spooned the stew into my mouth to distract from the blush that I could feel as the heat rose from my neck. The food was plain but I was grateful for the empty feeling in my stomach to ease. 

"Are you glad to be back, Aeleva?" Ecgfrith asked, graciously trying to move over the tense moment.

"Yes my lord, very much so."

"Then it is my honour to welcome you back to Canterbury."

The prince was warm to me and listened to my adventures in Daneland. Although I left out certain areas, I still told a compelling story. The prince had a beautiful skill of listening, he made you feel like you could tell him everything. Still, I made sure I did not, I knew little of court but enough to know to keep your secrets secret. He sat with us while we finished our meal, then he excused himself. He nodded to me and squeezed Osric's shoulder before he left.

"He is very kind." I said once the Prince had left our earshot. Osric smiled at me.

"He is a good man." He agreed.