▃▃▃▃▃ ‧₊˚⊹ ‧₊˚⊹ ▃▃▃▃▃
THE LAST KINGDOM
𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 ─── ❛ battle of tenttenhall

SERPENTS TONGUE ₊˚.༄𖥸 ──
𑁍₊𓄹 -- ❪ the last kingdom ❫. 𓄹
╭ ‧₊˚⊹ 你好，欢迎光临
╰ ✦ for the greater good ╭ ᘒ ✦

It had been thirty days since the Saxons attacked Winchester. It had been thirty days since Athena had walked through the gates of Winchester.

Thirty days Athena had no seen her brother, her husband, her family.

Athena would have gone mad if she did not have Thyra and Stiorra. She often visited Ælswith and Æthelstan, making sure they are well and fed, thanks to Sigtrygrr.

Athena had tried to plan an escape for the people she cared for. She did not want anyone else to suffer.

But, she could never find an opportunity. She was always with Brida or Sigtrygrr, not aloud out of the palace. But, she was treated with respect, as was her daughter.

She would also make sure Hæsten checked on Eadith, and the woman was fine, still hidden in Winchester.

Athena now stood in the prayer room, her eyes on Alfred's stone. She trailed her hand over the smooth surface, her lips pursed.

She hated seeing Winchester as it was. The amount of disrespect that had been put in Alfred, everything her had built.

She glanced over her shoulder as she heard movement behind her, a gentle smile bracing her lips as she looked at Ælswith and Æthelstan.

Lady Ælswith softly smiled as she raised a hand to Athena's back, staring down at her husband's stone.

Athena let out a heavy sigh as she glanced down at the stone, her hand still on it. "Am I aloud to say that I miss the damned bastard?" Athena uttered, a breathless chuckle leaving her lips.

Lady Ælswith softly smiled at that, nodding her head at Athena's words. "I never understood what my husband saw in you and your brother." Athena tilted her head to the side with a raised brow, an amused look on her face.

"You saw me and Uhtred as a filthy heathen, yes?" Athena pursed her lips, making Lady Ælswith nod her head.

"That I did." Athena rolled her eyes at that, but Lady Ælswith smiled. "But, you and your brother proved yourself many times. Proved me wrong, many times. And I do not say that lightly."

Ælswith sent Athena a pointed look, making Athena chuckle once more. "I am flattered, lady." She smiled, turning back to the stone. "Alfred had a part of the reason I am whom I am to this day. And I thank him for it." She breathed out, pulling her hand away from the stone as she turned to Ælswith, then down to Æthelstan. "You would have loved him, sweet boy." She added, ruffling his hair up as he grinned.

"How is Thyra?" Lady Ælswith asked, holding onto Æthelstan's shoulders with a smile. "I fear she brings joy into this room."

Athena chuckled at that, slowly nodding her head as she glanced back up at Ælswith. "She is well. She is reading with Stiorra."

"Reading the chronicles, I do hope." Ælswith jested with a smile, knowing the young girls beliefs.

Athena rolled her eyes, but nodded her head nevertheless. "I wish her to know. She can read better than myself. As can Æthelstan." She tsked, tilting her head to the side. "Perhaps you could teach me once we get out." She jested, making Ælswith chuckle, nodding her head in agreement.

Before the older woman could reply, the door opened as Sigtrygrr walked in. Athena turned her body around, her brows pursed together. He never saw the hostages.

"Give me the King's heir." Sigtrygrr turned to Edward's wife, whom held onto her son with wide eyes. "Come here, boy."

"No." Edward's wife shook her head, sitting up to point to Æthelstan, whom hid himself behind Athena. "That child is the King's first born. He does not care for my son. Take him."

Athena rose her brow at that, keeping Æthelstan between herself and Lady Ælswith. "It is foolish to lie." Athena tilted her head to the side as she looked the girl up and down.

"Yes, foolish." Lady Ælswith added, clinging into Æthelstan tightly as she glared at the girl. "He will assume you are lying and take Ælfweard anyway."

Sigtrygrr raised his brow, turning to the woman. "Are you lying?" He asked her, making her eyes grow wide.

"I do not know." She uttered, holding onto her son as she lowered her head.

Sigtrygrr sighed, pursing his lips as he glanced over to Athena. "Which of these two children is more precious to his heart?" He asked her, making her brows furrow.

"He cares for both." Athena simply stated, keeping Æthelstan behind her as she spoke. "As should every father. Why?"

Sigtrygrr pursed his lips once more, staring between the two children. "I will take them both."

Athena's eyes widened as she stepped forwards, shaking her head. "You may have a feud with Saxons-with Edward, but they are innocent children, Sigtrygrr." She uttered, a pleading look on her face as she stared uk at him.

"The King wishes to talk." Sigtrygrr clasped his hands in front of him, staring down at her. "A negotiation for him to leave." Athena narrowed her eyes, making Sigtrygrr sigh once more. "I do not harm children. I will give him one son to leave, the other will remain."

Athena shook her head, biting her inner cheek as she glanced over to Lady Ælswith and Æthelstan. Ælswith held a pleading look, squeezing Æthelstan's shoulders.

A sigh then left her lips as she turned back to Sigtrygrr. "He will not choose. They are his blood."

"He has to." Sigtrygrr simply shrugged his shoulders as Athena lowered her head.

"Then promise me you will bring no harm to either child. Swear it." She glanced up at him with a pleading look.

"I swear it." Sigtrygrr swore, making Athena slowly nod her head, turning to lady Ælswith a gentle look.

Athena left Sigtryggr side to move towards Lady Ælswith and Æthelstan. "Do you trust me?" She uttered, moving to hold Æthelstan's shoulder with a gentle look.

"I do." Lady Ælswith breathed out, nodding her head with a firm expression.

"Then trust that he will not harm either child." Athena muttered, a soft expression on her face as she glanced back down at Æthelstan. "Okay?"

Lady Ælswith wearily glanced over at Sigtrygrr, whom was patiently waiting for the boys. "I would not accept this if I did not trust his word." Athena added, a firm expression on her face.

Hesitantly, Lady Ælswith nodded her head, pressing a kiss to Æthelstan's head before letting him go.

Athena sent her a reassuring look, moving to hold onto Æthelstan's hand, guiding him towards Sigtrygrr. She turned to the king's other son, a soft expression on her lips.

"Come, child. I swear to you that you will not be harmed." Athens outstretched her free hand, slowly nodding her head in encouragement.

"Please do not let him take my child." King Edward's wife pleaded, tears in her eyes as she clung into her son.

Athena squeezed her eyes shut, understanding her pain. "Please, Lady. He will be safe." She swore, a gentle look on her face.

"It is wise for you to let her take him." Lady Ælswith spoke, her tone firm as she nodded towards Athena.

The woman looked between Athena and Sigtrygrr, a weary expression on her face. But, she slowly nodded her head, letting go of her son.

Athena sighed, softly smiling at the younger boy as she held out her hand. "Come, sweet child. You will be safe with me." She whispered in a comforting manner.

The boy stood to his feet, walking towards her and accepting her hand. Athena turned to Sigtrygrr as she held onto the two boys hands. "I will take them, you return to your daughter and Stiorra." Athena raised her brow at his words. "I swore no harm would come to them."

She nodded her head, squeezing both boys hands as she urged them forwards, watching as Sigtrygrr gently took their hands.

Athena wanted to know what had happened to the two children and the bargain Sigtrygrr had made with Edward.

But, she remained with Stiorra and Thyra, watching as they played a game. They had been playing the game every day, finding it to kill time as they remained in the room.

"I win!" Thyra clapped her hands together in victory, watching as Stiorra groaned, tilting her head back.

"How do you win every time?" Stiorra grumbled to the younger girl, crossing her arms over her chest.

Athena softly smiled as she held one of the books in her hands, trying to read. "My mother and father love making games, Sti." Thyra chuckled, glancing over at her mother. "I am destined to be good at games."

Stiorra rolled her eyes, a dramatic sigh leaving her lips as she leaned back in her seat. "One day I will beat you at a game, T." Stiorra playfully narrowed her eyes.

That made Thyra chuckle, an amused grin on her face as she placed her forearms on the table. "You wish." Stiorra tilted her head to the side. "Another game?"

"No." Stiorra immediately said, making Thyra pout with furrowed brows. "Do not give me that look, I do not wish to loose once more."

But, Thyra kept the pout on her face, a pleading look decorating her face as she stared at Stiorra.

Stiorra pursed her lips, uncrossing her arms as she let out a dramatic sigh, slowly nodding her head. "Fine, but if you—"

The three all turned as the door opened, watching as Sigtrygrr walked in. Athena did not miss the way Stiorra's face immediately lightened up, making her bite back a grin.

"How did the bargain go, Sigtrygrr?" Athena asked, glancing back down at the book she was trying to read.

"Better than expected." Was all Sigtrygrr said, making Athena raise her brow, closing the book in her hands. "Come." He told Athena.

Athena did not question it, placing the book down as she rose to her feet. She made her way towards the two children, pressing a kiss to both of their heads before following Sigtrygrr out of the room.

"What happened with the children? Are they well?" Athena immediately asked as the pair walked through the halls of the palace.

"They are both with their father, unharmed." Athena immediately let out a sigh of relief, nodding her head at Sigtrygrr's words.

Her brows then pinched together as she turned to him. "What bargain did you strike?" She asked, watching as Sigtrygrr grinned.

He did not say another word as he guided her to the throne room. Her lips pursed together as she gestured for her to open the doors.

Athena had grown not to question Sigtrygrr's ways whilst she had remained in Winchester. She blew out air as she opened the doors to the throne room, walking in as she looked over her shoulder At Sigtrygrr. "I do not understand you at-"

The words died in her throat as she turned around, her eyes landing on the man that stood in the middle of the throne room.

Uhtred.

"Brother." A breathy chuckle left Athena's lips as Uhtred grinned over at her. She did not hesitate to make her way towards him, immediately pulling him into a hug.

Uhtred accepted the embrace, wrapping his arms around her as he held her tightly. "Thank the Gods. You are alive." He sighed, lowering his head onto her shoulder. "They have not harmed you? Dishonoured you—"

"I am well." Athena smiled, pulling out of the hug to hold onto his arms. "I have been treated with respect."

"And Thyra? My daughter?"

Athena nodded her head, the smile never leaving her face as she looked up at him. "They are both well, I was just with them." Uhtred let out a sigh at that, moving to cup the sides of her face. "My husband? Osferth? Sihtric?" She raised her brow.

Uhtred simply smiled, nodding his head as he stroked his thumb against her cheek. "They are well. Well, you have worried Finan half to death."

Athena rolled her eyes, her smile turning into a grin as she thought about Finan. "I have missed you all." She said, squeezing his arms. "But what are you doing here?"

"He traded himself for Edward's sons." Sigtrygrr cleared his throat, making the siblings turn to him as he walked towards them. "We wish to make a truce."

Athena's eyes widened, a hopeful look making its way into her face as she tuned to her brother, whom nodded his head. "We wished for your help." Uhtred added, nodding at Sigtrygrr.

The grin never left Athena's lips as she nodded her head, crossing her arms over her chest. "Well, you wished for the right person." She sighed, a smug expression making its way onto her face. "What have you planned so far?"

Athena, Sigtrygrr and Uhtred had spent all day trying to think of a way the Danes and Edward could make a truce.

They talked of lands, silver and much more.

But the main question was, would Edward agree to such a thing? Would he agree to live alongside the Danes?

The very Danes that held his mother, children and wife hostage in his own home. All Athena could do was hope he would agree, for the sake of Saxons and Danes.

The three still remained in the throne room, looking down at the map as Athena pointed out land.

Then, the three all looked towards the door as it opened, one of the Danes asking to speak with Sigtrygrr.

Athena and Uhtred shared a look as the man walked towards the Dane, whom whispered something to him.

Clenching his jaw, Sigtrygrr turned to the siblings with pursed lips. "Edward had attacked us." He revealed, making Athena's eyes grow wide with surprise. "Come with me." He told the two siblings, whom made their way towards him. Then, Sigtrygrr paused. "Either one of you betray me, all will suffer." He warned.

Athena slowly nodded her head with pursed lips, turning to Uhtred, whom let out a deep breath. And with that, Sigtrygrr walked out of the throne room, Athena and Uhtred following.

The three walked through the halls, Sigtrygrr's men following as well. Horns grew louder as the three hurried through the halls of the palace, making their way to the courtyard.

One they made it outside, yells echoed around as both Saxons and Danes fought one another. It was a complete bloodbath.

Athena swallowed thickly as she looked around at the battle, her eyes wide as she looked around frantically. "Let us speak with him." Uhtred was the first to speak, looking at the battle taking place. "Let us speak with the King."

Sigtrygrr turned to both siblings, his brows furrowed as he held a troubled expression on his face. Athena did not turn to him, looking down at the fighting men, seeing if she could find the people she cared about most.

"Go with them." Athena turned at Sigtrygrr's voice, watching as he nodded towards his men. "If they kill Danes, kill them."

Athena swallowed thickly at that, glancing at Uhtred, whom sent her a reassuring nod. And Athena nodded back at that, letting out a heavy breath as the pair moved through the fighting.

Her grip on Uhtred's arm did not falter as he pushed the men away, blocking attacks that were sent his way.

They made their way towards the statue, looking over at Edward, whom was fighting against the Danes. "Stand down your men!" Uhtred yelled, pulling Athena onto the statue as he looked down at Edward. "Edward, stand down!"

Athena looked around helplessly, holding onto the statue as the fighting continued. "Edward!" She hollered towards Edward, her voice slightly breaking from how loud she yelled. "Edward! You must stand down!"

But it was no hope, he could not hear them over the fighting happening around them. Athena cursed at that, pulling Uhtred down and towards Edward.

A shield was almost knocked Athena down, but the woman quickly dodged the shield, almost falling forwards if it wasn't for Uhtred's iron grip on her arm.

They continued to push past the warriors, Athena directing Uhtred towards Edward. "Lord, you must trust us!" Uhtred yelled over the shouts, moving to grab onto Edward's arm. "We spoke to him!"

"You have to stop this fight before anyone else is slain!" Athena added, her eyes wide as she looked around at the battle at hand. "Lord, stop this fight!"

"It's too late!" Edward hissed, shaking his head with a hardened look on his features.

Athena and Uhtred shook their heads, a pleading look on their faces. "Trust us! Sigtrygrr is willing to negotiate! Why would we lie to you?" He panted heavily, still gripping onto Edward. "He will stand down!"

"Winchester will burn if not!" Athena added, a firm look on her face as she looked at Edward. "Lord, we are begging!"

Edward looked around, swallowing thickly as he looked towards Sigtrygrr. And Uhtred took that as a sign. "Sigtrygrr!" Uhtred yelled, waving his hand around to gain Sigtrygrr's attention. "Stand down your men!"

"Order the shield wall!" Athena called out, her eyes still wide as she looked over at Sigtrygrr over the battle. "Do it now!" Athena watched as the man paced back and forth, contemplating everything. "Stand down your men, Sigtrygrr!"

And when Athena had lost all hope, Sigtrygrr raised his sword in the air. "Shield wall!" And Athena couldn't help the sigh of relief that left her lips at his words. "Shield wall!"

Horns stared to sound once more, the fighting dying down slightly as the Danes heard their lords yells.

"Shield wall!" Edward then called out to the Saxons from beside Uhtred and Athena.

And the warriors did just that. Athena pursed her lips as she watched the Danes and Saxons retreat to their sides.

Athena made her way towards the front with Uhtred and Edward, watching as a divide was made.

As Athena made her way towards the divide, her eyes landed on a familiar figure on the floor, whom cried out in pain. "Eadith." She uttered, moving from Uhtred's side as she pushed through the Saxon men.

Athena went to move forwards, but immediately had a sword pointed towards her, making her hold her hands up in the air. "Stay back!" The Dane told her.

"Please." Athena pleaded, standing beside Eadith, whom was laid on the ground. The Dane hesitantly looked down at Eadith, then Athena, before stepping back.

A sigh left her lips as she immediately crouched down to Eadith's side, her hands gentle as she pulled Eadith towards her. "It's me, it's Athena." She uttered with a soothing tone, not wanting to startle the woman. "You are safe." She nodded, letting Eadith grip onto her arms.

Athena looked over her shoulder, her eyes trying to find someone to help the woman. She heavily breathed out as she watched Finan, Sihtric and Osferth push through the Saxons.

"Get her up and take her away from here." Athena ordered one of them, ignoring the worried and relieved looks sent her way by the three, especially her husband.

Osferth was the first to move forwards, sheathing his sword as he crouched down by Athena's side to pick Eadith up.

Athena sent him a thankful look as she rose to her feet, watching Osferth carry her through the Saxon crowd. "Hold the line." She turned to the Saxons, watching as Uhtred made his way towards her.

She swallowed thickly as she moved to Uhtred's side, watching as Æthelflæd, Aldhelm and Edward moved towards them.

Athena then looked over her shoulder as she looked out for one person in particular. And when her eyes landed on Finan properly, her heart raced at the sight of him.

It had been far too long since Athena last saw Finan, having been stuck in the palace walls, and now, standing before him, she felt a sense of joy that made her heart swell.

The familiar relieved smile that broke across his face was like a beacon, illuminating the shadows of worry that had lingered in her mind. She took a moment to absorb the sight of him—his hair slightly tousled.

The knowledge that he was okay, as well as Osferth and Sihtric, softened her features completely, a faint smile breaking across her lips.

Finan's gaze, however, told a different story. While relief flooded through him at the sight of her, there was an unmistakable hint of worry that clouded his expression.

He had no idea if she was alive in those thirty days of the siege, if their daughter was alive. But, she stood beside him, her chest rising slightly at the circumstance at hand.

He studied her closely, his brow furrowing slightly as he searched her face for any signs of any harm done to her, but there was none.

Unfortunately, there was no time for a reunion between the married pair, as Edward's voice broke through the silence. "Sigtrygrr, you wish to talk with us?" The king asked, making Athena forcefully tare her gaze away from Finan and towards Sigtrygrr, whom moved towards them.

"There will be no negotiations until we see the captives." Æthelflæd quickly added, shooting Sigtrygrr a weary look as he stood before them.

Sigtrygrr stared between the group, slowly nodding his head as he moved to the side, grin on his face. "Welcome." He outstretched his arm for the King and Lady and Mercia, gesturing for them to walk.

Athena glanced between the Dane and Edward, pursing her lips as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Edward was the first to move, following after Sigtrygrr as Æthelflæd soon followed. Athena turned to Uhtred, whom nodded his head, signaling for them to both follow.

Casting her husband a glance, she softly smiled. All she cared about now was getting her daughter and reuniting her with her father.

"So there is peace?" Athena looked down at Thyra's squeaky voice, a grin adoring her features as she walked beside Athena, hand in hand.

Athena hummed with a smile, squeezing her hand as they walked through the palace. "Yes, yes there is, sweet girl." She nodded her head, her words making Thyra grin widen.

"A man once savage, can turn good for the sake of both sides." Thyra uttered, now understanding what the Gods meant. "That is what the Gods told me." She added, looking up at Athena.

Athena chuckled, using her free hand to ruffle Thyra's hair with an amused look. "And was that about Sigtrygrr?"

"I did think it was. Now, it makes sense." Thyra nodded her head, slightly swinging her and Athena's arms as they walked. "He was not bad after all. He took care of me and Stiorra when the Danes wanted us dead, as did Brida."

Athena nodded her head with a soft look, squeezing Thyra's hand once more. "Then I am forever indebted to both of them." She sighed, a sincere expression on her face.

Thyra nodded her head as well, practically skipping beside Athena as they walked to the courtyard, where everyone else happened to be. "Have you seen father yet?" Thyra then asked, tilting her head to the side as she looked up at Athena. "What about uncle Osfeeth and Sihtric? Are they here?"

Athena chuckled once more, nodding her head as she bit her bottom lip. "Why don't you go see for yourself, sweet girl." She gestured to the small courtyard, making Thyra raise her brow.

But, Athena did not need to tell the girl again as she practically sprinted forwards, walking outside to the small yard.

Athena did not conceal her smile as she clasped her hands in front of her, following behind her daughter. Athena had almost reached the yard when she heard Thyra's excited voice. "Father!"

Once Athena reached the yard, she leaned on the walls as she looked around, smile still on her face. Osferth and Melusine sat tending Uhtred and Eadith's wounds, Sihtric sitting across from them both.

She turned her head, watching as Finan held their daughter in his arms. Athena's smile widened at that, letting them have their moment as she turned to her brother. "What on earth happened to you?"

All heads turned to her at her words, making her purse her lips as she walked towards Uhtred. "Brida happened." He hissed as he glared at Osferth, whom was tying the cloth around his wound.

Athena's brows furrowed at that, her head tilting in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"She attacked me." Uhtred said, making Athena's eyes widen, her arms dropping to her sides. "She has left now, I let her live."

Athena's lips parted at that, slowly nodding her head with a torn expression. But, she heavily breathed out as she glanced down at the Monk and Sihtric. "It is good to see you both alive." She grinned, reaching over Uhtred to ruffle both their hairs, making Sihtric waft her hand away. "Rude." She uttered with a sarcastic glare. "At least Osferth appreciates my love." She grinned down at the boy, who reciprocated her grin.

"What about me?" Melusine questioned, cleaning her hands as she raised her brow. Athena rolled her eyes, but didn't hesitate to pull her best friend into a hug. "I will take that as you missed me." She jested.

"Oh, you do not begin to understand how much I have missed your annoying presence." Athena dramatically said, earning a hit on her arm from the woman. "Ouch, okay, I'm sorry." Athena hissed, pulling out of the hug to hold onto her arm.

Athena then turned her attention go Eadith, whom held the side of her hip with a pained look. "How did you enjoy your first battle, lady?" She partly jested, making Eadith chuckle.

"Never again." She shook her head, earning a chuckle from Athena, whom nodded her head. "From now on, I will stay in the tent alongside Melusine."

"It gets better." Athena hummed, hands on her hips as she stared down at the woman with a grin. "It is good to see you."

"As I you." Eadith smiled, nodding her head as well. Her eyes then widened as she remembered something, carefully reaching down to pull Athena's sword out of her pack. "I still have this. And the rest of your weapons."

Athena's grin widened as she took it from Eadith's outstretched hands, looking down at it with relief. "Thank you." Athena immediately said, sheathing her sword with the child-like grin on her face.

"Perhaps she missed her sword more than she missed any of us." Athena rolled her eyes at her husband's jesting words, watching as he planted a kiss to Thyra's head before putting her down, letting her skip towards Sihtric and Osferth, practically tackling both of them into a hug.

"Perhaps that is true." Athena hummed, shrugging her shoulders as she bit back a grin, moving towards him.

Finan chuckled at that, slowly nodding his head at her words. "And here I was, worried s—"

His words were cut short by Athena wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him into an embrace with a sigh, resting the side of her face against his chest.

And Finan didn't hesitate to wrap her arms around her, resting his chin on her head before pressing a kiss to her head.

They remained like that for a moment, remaining in their solace embrace until Athena pulled back, grinning up at him.

Once they had all reunited once more, they all relaxed in the small courtyard, watching Osferth continue to tend to Uhtred's wound as Aldhelm and Father Pyrlig joined them.

Athena stood behind Uhtred, arms crossed over her chest as she watched Osferth clean the cloth in his hand. "I never know where she is." Uhtred spoke, referring to Stiorra.

A hiss then left his lips as Osferth pushed the cloth into his wound, wafting his hand against the boys head. "Careful, Osferth." He warned, making Osferth tilt his head to the side.

Another hiss left Uhtred's lips as Athena hit the back of his head, her eyes narrowed. "Clean your own wound next time." She told him, making Uhtred roll his eyes, muttering an apology to Osferth.

They all glanced up when they saw Æthelflæd and Edward walk towards them, weary expressions on their faces as they looked down at Uhtred. "Have you struck a bargain?" Uhtred questioned, looking up between the siblings.

Æthelflæd pursed her lips, crossing her arms over her chest as she shared a hesitant look with Edward.

Edward cleared his throat, slowly nodding his head. "He—he will take Eoferwic and agree never to enter Wessex, Mercia or East Anglia." Athena hummed at that, glad they had come to a bargain.

"So, you hold three of the four Kingdoms." Father Pyrkig sent a reassuring nod to the King.

"That is no humiliation." Aldhelm added, a firm expression on his face as he looked between the siblings. He then glanced down, watching as Thyra finished a daisy chain and offering him it with a grin, which he accepted.

Æthelflæd then anxiously shifted, swallowing thickly as she glanced down at Uhtred. Athena pursed her lips as she noticed Æthelflæd's weariness. "Sigtrygrr would like to take one of the captives." Athena's brows furrowed at that, her head tilting to the side. "Your daughter." She told Uhtred.

Athena pulled an awkward look, glancing down at her brother, whom immediately sat up with wide eyes. "Which you have refused." But, the siblings did not reply to that. "Because you know what it is to have your child used in a bargain!" He hissed, moving to his feet with narrowed eyes.

"Stiorra is not a child." Æthelflæd carefully said, slowly shaking her head as Uhtred rose his brow. "She is a young woman." She lowered her head, fidgeting with her hands. "So, we did not refuse."

Athena watched as her brother's features hardened, his jaw clenching as he stared at Æthelflæd. A quiet sigh left her lips as she gently lowered her hand onto Uhtred's arm. "Go speak with your daughter, brother."

Athena had not expected Aldhelm to come and get her, telling her that King Edward wished to speak to her.

Who was Athena to disregard the Kings wishes?

Athena made her way back to the court yard, watching as Edward moves towards her, greeting her with a nod, but his face held a different story.

With pinched brows, Athena offered him a polite smile. "My mother is taken ill." Athena's eyes widened at that, immediately worried for lady Ælswith. "I fear the Danes have claimed another life."

"Your mother is strong." Athena immediately said with a firm nod, trying to offer the king comfort with her words. "She will live."

Edward slowly nodded his head, pursing his lips. He then glanced to the side, making Athena follow gaze, her eyes landing on Æthelstan reading a book. "My mother cannot care for him."

"And you wish me to do so?" Athena questioned, not understanding why she had asked her and not anyone else.

"Please, Athena." Edward sighed, understanding her weariness. But, he wanted his son to be safe. "Æthelflæd insisted that you would be the best person to ask. He know you. This child deserves more than a monastery." Her brows pinched together at that, glancing over at Æthelstan. "He is brave and a good hearted boy, but he will need guidance." Athena let out a sigh as she lowered her head, biting her inner cheek. "Protect him and take him to safety with your brother."

Athena tilted her head to the side, fidgeting with her hands as she looked back up at Edward. "One ætheling is enough for Winchester. Bring him within the palace, it would create a strife to rival that of Æthelwold." Athena grimaced at the mention of the man.

"What would you have me do with him?" Athena breathed out, crossing her arms over her chest as she kept her eyes on Æthelstan.

"Teach him how to be a warrior and all you know of the Danes." Athena's brows furrowed once more at Edward's words. Not understanding why he would want her to do such a thing.

"You wish for me to raise him as a Dane?" Athena uttered, evidently confused at Edward's reasoning.

Edward nodded his head, holding onto the hilt of his sword as he glanced over at his eldest son. "Yes. And you are the one Dane I trust to do so."

Athena pursed her lips, keeping her eyes on Æthelstan, whom glanced over at her and immediately smiling at her. "Lord, you flatter me, but..." She trailed off, turning back to Edward, whom held a pleading expression on his face. A heavy sigh then left Athena's lips, slowly nodding her head. "I will do as you ask, Lord."

"Thank you." Edward sent her a thankful smile, grateful for her acceptance.

"But, I would like to ask for one thing." Athena quickly said, a soft smile on her lips as Edward nodded her head. "I wish to see the Lady Ælswith. You say she is ill and I would like to see her, having grown close to your mother in the days of being trapped. I know I am not family-"

"That is the least I can do." Edward nodded his head, making Athena grin at his words. "Follow me."

And Athena did. Edward guided her through the palace and brought her to Lady Ælswith's room.

She now sat beside Æthelflæd, glancing down at the sickly woman with a soft frown. Æthelflæd rested the side of her head against Athena's shoulders, her worried eyes on her mother.

Athena noticed Æthelflæd's worry, reaching out to squeeze the younger woman's hand. "Do not fear, Æthelflæd. Your mother is strong."

Æthelflæd pursed her lips, her brows pinching together as she tore her gaze away from her mother and to Athena. "I know. But I worry."

"That is understandable." Athena nodded her head with a gentle smile. "You must pray for her wellbeing, and she will come back from this just as strong."

Æthelflæd softly smiled at that, nodding her head in agreement. Athena squeezed her hand once more, looking back over to Lady Ælswith.

Athena hoped that the older woman would survive whatever sickness she had caught. Athena had always liked the woman, whom stood up against people when needed. In a way, Athena looked up to Ælswith.

After spending time with Æthelflæd, staying by Ælswith's bedtime, Athena wished to see Stiorra goodbye.

Uhtred had allowed Stiorra to leave with Sigtrygrr, whom had taken a liking to the young girl. Athena had to admit, she had saw it coming.

She watched with a smile as Stiorra moved towards Sigtrygrr, grin on her face. Athena left it a moment, before herself and Thyra walked towards the two.

Stiorra's face immediately lightened up at the sight of the pair, turning to them completely. "Oh, I will miss you both." She sighed, instantly pulling Athena into a hug.

Athena nodded her head in agreement, accepting her nieces embrace. "We will miss you as well, dear niece." She smiled, pulling out of the hug.

"You will come to visit us, yes?" Thyra questioned, her brow raised as she glanced up at Stiorra, then Sigtrygrr. "Both of you."

Stiorra chuckled at that, sharing a look with Sigtrygrr, before turning back to Thyra. "We will, do not fear." She said, making Thyra nod her head before wrapping her arms around Stiorra's waist.

Athena's smile did not falter as she watched the two, crossing her arms over her chest. She then turned her attention to Sigtrygrr, her expression turning firm. "You will protect her." It was not a question, but an order. "You will not put her in harms way."

"I would never." Sigtrygrr shook his head, a sincere expression on his face. Athena raised her brow, looking Sigtrygrr up and down before letting out a satisfying hum.

"Good." She said, a grin soon making its way onto her face as she turned back to Stiorra and Thyra.

"Gods, you are like my father." Stiorra rolled her eyes, listening to Athena and Sigtrygrr's conversation. "Perhaps worse."

A scoff left Athena's lips at that, an offended expression on her face as she looked down at the younger girl. "Must you insult me when I have come to bid you farewell?" She teased, nudging Stiorra's arm as the younger girl let out a chuckle.

They turned when they heard someone walk towards them, Athena smiling as she looks over at Young Uhtred. "Right, we will see you soon." Athena nodded at the pair, reaching for Thyra's hand.

"Next time, I will let you win a game." Thyra added, grin on her face as Athena and her walked away, not before Athena riddled Young Uhtred's hair with a grin.

"You better!"

Athena chuckled once more at the interaction, looking down at her daughter as they made their way towards their group. "How would you feel if I were to say Æthelstan will be returning with us?"

Thyra's eyes widened at that, her grin widening as she shook Athena's arm. "Really?" She asked, making Athena nod her head with a grin. "I am beyond thrilled, mother!

— madeleines notes.

Is it four am?

Yes?

Do I have to wake up at six for college?

Yes.

BUT I NEEDED TO FINISH THIS CHAPTER TODSY.

BUT THE LAST CHAPTER OF SEASON FOUR CRIES. SO CLOSE TO THR END.

I will probs go back and edit this book after I have finished, because I do not want to let Athena go 🙌

She had grown into one of my most favourite ocs and The last kingdom remains my favourite tv-show.

BUT EVERYONE IS BACK! THE GANG IS BACK!!

I hoped you liked this long ahhh chapter! <3

Also!! IMPORTANT!

I am planning to make parts after I finish this book, like extra chapters of scenes you guys might want.

So, comment some scene you would like to read in the future, and I will write them as one shots! BC IM NEVER LETTING ATHENA GI SHEHE.

So pls comment! And I will also tag you in the chapters!

But ya girl is off to sleep, Lots of love my fellow lovers. GOODNIGHT QUEENS

11th November 2024
6400 words