But here I am, still held captive even though I do not want this title.
I am led to Aethelbald’s chambers, where two ladies-in-waiting help him slip into a fur cloak. He looks ridiculous. Not a leader, but a mere child.
I don’t speak.
When we’re left alone, he examines me and smiles. “Such a waste of beauty.”
“What is it you want? I have done what you asked. You can rule without my challenge. I do not wish to be here. So let me free.”
Aethelbald puts on his rings, weighing over my words. “I would like nothing more, but it seems there is some pushback from the church. There is no reason for our marriage to be annulled. Unless treason is acted out, then our marriage is cemented in the eyes of the church and the Lord.”
“This cannot be! I signed your paperwork. Isn’t that enough?”
“Apparently not. Trust me, I too am not happy with the fact. We must attend tonight’s feast to celebrate Saint Mark, Patron Saint, and then we can discuss ways to annul our partnership.”
“This makes no sense,” I say, trying to decode why the church would not accept my dethronement. “They should be elated. Someone does not accept my withdrawal, however. Who may that be?”
“Tonight, you shall uncover who that is, and he will be dealt with accordingly.”
“Fine, but I do this, and you release Skarth and my children. You promised I could see them, yet I have seen only your unsightly face.”
Aethelbald adjusts his crown before turning to me. “I gave him the choice, but he refused. He would rather remain a prisoner and jeopardize your children’s freedom because it seems your life is more important than theirs.”
“What?” I gasp. “You lie.”
But I know that, for the first time, Aethelbald speaks the truth.
How could he do such a thing? I have lived my life, but my children have their whole life ahead of them. Faced with the same choice, however, what would I have done?
The decision wouldn’t be easy, but deep down, I know that I would have done the same thing.
I am more determined than ever to uncover who stands in the way of my dethronement because this person endangers my children’s freedom. But perhaps this is a friend and not a foe, for he refuses to accept my decision, but for what reason may that be?
I sit at the royal table, a feast spread out before me, but I cannot eat.
The clergy, ealdormen, and guards, however, have no problem gorging themselves on the best wine and foods. Aethelbald ensured no expense was spared because this affair flaunted his supposed power and wealth.
But it’s all a facade.
Aethelbald is worried. He believed the church would happily agree to the terms and that he would be rid of me. And honestly, I too believed this.
This doesn’t make any sense.
Everyone’s spirits are lifted, and that is the best time to let one’s guard down.
Women who are far from godly sit on the laps of men, feeding them food and helping them gulp down their wine from golden goblets. The scene is pure debauchery. I closely examine each member of the church, hoping to see something which will distinguish him from the rest.
This man sides with me for some reason I cannot fathom. The church has never supported my decisions.
So why now?
Aethelbald hasn’t let me out of his sight. In fear that I consort with the traitor, I guess. An ealdorman approaches the table and whispers something into his ear. Aethelbald looks at me, torn because whatever the man said needs to be discussed in private.
I reach for my wine and smile sweetly. “I will mourn your absence.”
He grips my leg under the table. “Your children’s lives depend on your actions. Be smart.”
He stands and excuses himself.
