Chapter Text
“AETHELWOLD!”
The boy jumps in his seat, turning around to face the cause of the disturbance.
“Alfred wants you,” Lena says with an innocent smile.
Aethelwold groans, standing up and walking to the door. “Why does he always have to send you to fetch me,” he mumbles.
“Because I’m the only one who can get you to do anything,” she says with a smirk on her face as she pushes him in the direction of the King’s Study.
Lena’s parents had died when she was young, and the Lord Odda the Elder graciously took her in as his ward, having known her father from his youth. With Odda the Younger being with his mother during his childhood, there was only one other child her age who spent as much time in the palace as her: Aethelwold.
The two became friends at a young age. While Aethelwold grew up to be, well, Aethelwold, they still had a bond. Aethelwold would often refer to Lena as his closest friend, though Lena would say she’s just the only person who can put up with him for extended periods of time, earning her the unofficial title from Odda the Elder of being Aethelwold’s babysitter. While Aethelwold was very high on the list of the most annoying people in the world, he was one of the only people in the palace who could get her to laugh so hard her stomach hurt, whether it is intentional or not. She also very much enjoyed making fun of him. As often as possible.
Lena escorts Aethelwold and leans against the doorframe, having already been told what this would be about before being sent to fetch the little weasel. Aethelflaed catches her gaze and gives her a welcoming smile, which she gladly returns. Lena had grown fond of King Alfred’s daughter, believing her to be a very capable young lady.
After a few moments of silence, Aethelwold finally speaks up. “Lord, you asked for me?”
The King looks up from his game with his daughter. “I did,” he says looking back down to the game board in front of him. “The King should be at the center, surrounded by his enemies.” He puts his focus back onto Aethelwold, who stands as if he does not know what to do with his body, making Lena smirk. “I am sending Uhtred to Eoferwic, to aid Guthred against the brothers who would take the city for themselves. I want you to go with him.”
Aethelwold looks as though he might shit himself.
“Steapa shall accompany you, as well as Lena,” Alfred says, gesturing to where Lena stands against the doorframe. Aethelwold follows his gaze to her and she gives him a sarcastic smile with a small wave. “Remain at their side.”
Aethelwold directs his focus back to the King. “Lord, forgive me, but I do not see what need Uhtred would have of me.”
“It is not Uhtred’s need that concerns me,” Alfred says, moving one of his pieces on the board. “It is mine. Guthred’s misjudgements have divided Northumbria. I sent Uhtred to reassert Guthred’s authority, I am sending you to remind ‘King’ Guthred of his debt and obligations to Wessex.”
“Surely a letter would suit the purpose?” Aethelwold says. Lena can practically see his mind working overtime to think of a way to get himself out of this. “A letter is constant, whereas I shall merely come and go.”
“Think of this as a reward, Aethelwold. You have proven yourself both in battle and within my Witan, you have also sought greater responsibilities.”
“In Wessex, yes. Responsibilities in Mercia, perhaps. But Northumbria?!”
Alfred looks tired of Aethelwold’s complaining, making Lena wonder why he did not expect it. It’s Aethelwold, he complains about everything!
“Lord, they are almost Scots!” Aethelwold pleas. He is met with Alfred’s silence. “Should I turn my hair red?”
Aethelflaed chuckles at her cousin’s remark and Lena lets out a small snort of laughter, making Aethelwold look pleased with himself.
“You will remind Uhtred of his oaths,” Alfred says, ignoring Aethelwold’s last words, “but above all, you will reassure our northern king that in spite of what has passed, my commitment to his prosperity has not waned. Eoferwic must remain Christian.” Alfred took one of his daughter's pieces off the board, causing her to give him a look of offense while he gave her a soft smile.
“You do me a great honor,” Aethelwold finally says, realizing he is not getting out of this one.
“You shall be my eyes, ears and voice, Aethelwold,” Alfred says as Aethelflaed moves one of her pieces. “Hm, a bold response,” he says to his daughter.
“Yes, father, I thought so,” she says, causing the King to give her a fond smile.
Alfred walks to a small box at the side of the room and retrieves a shiny object, which he hands to Aethelwold. “Take this. It is the symbol of my kingship. Bear it with authority. Make yourself ready.” As Aethelwold goes to grab the object, Alfred grabs his hand. “Consider how you spend this time. Tomorrow you are my Errands Man.” He then nods to Aethelwold, who leaves the room.
Lena goes to follow him but is stopped by the King saying her name. She turns back to face him. “Yes, Lord?”
“Make sure he does not get himself into trouble,” Alfred says.
Lena bows her head slightly. “I will try my best, Lord.” She gives him a soft smile, which he returns. Alfred has always had a bit of a soft spot for her ever since she was a young girl racing around with Leofric in the training halls, a wooden sword in her hand and a smile on her face.
Lena leaves the study and walks to catch up with Aethelwold.
“Can you believe he’s sending me to Northumbria of all places,” he rants.
“It could be much worse, Aethelwold,” Lena says, “for example, you could have to escort an annoying young Lord to Northumbria.” Lena smirks and Aethelwold gives her an unimpressed look. “I’ll come to get you tomorrow,” she says with a pat on his shoulder as she turns down the opposite hall leading to the training yard.