Leofric goes out to hide

Leofric cringed every time they turned a corner or went through a door. It was the first time he had attended a gathering that included Alred since he had seen Sigefrith and the others return home from Denmark the previous autumn.

He had spoken to Alred once, it was true, when Alred had accompanied Leofric’s two nephews to Raegiming. But that had been on behalf of the King. Alred had only come to inform Leofric that he wanted the two young knights kept busy until Sigefrith returned, so that Sigefrith could decide what to do with them. Afterwards he had gone up to dine with Leila in her apartments and had gone away again without another word for Leofric.

But this was the first festive occasion when they would be obliged to meet, for it was Prince Drage’s first birthday, and Alred had told Sigefrith that he did not intend to prevent Leofric from attending the celebration of his grandson’s birthday – for the Queen’s sake, of course.

But neither did Alred intend to deny himself the pleasure. He was here in the castle, somewhere, Leofric knew. Indeed, little Drage knew Alred better than he did his own grandfather, and this thought was as wormwood to Leofric – until he remembered that he had Leia at home.

The great hall was nearly empty but for the children running through. Leofric supposed that many of the guests had gone out into the cloistered court on account of the heat. He could, at least, hear the King’s resounding baritone outside. No doubt his daughter would not be far from her husband, and where Eadgith was, Drage could be found. His only worry was that Alred would be there as well.

His worry was dispelled when they stepped into the doorway between the great hall and the new, and Leofric’s eyes were transfixed by the sight of Alred’s back at the other end of the room.

“Let’s head outside, runt,” he said hastily to his nephew. “Sounds like Sigefrith is out there.”

Sir Baldwin did not move. “Who is that girl?” he whispered reverently, for they had discovered Alred in his element: entertaining several young ladies with alternating jokes and gallantry.

“Which girl?” Leofric asked softly, hoping that Alred would not turn around before he could get Baldwin out into the court. He knew everything would be easier if Sigefrith were there. “The tall one is Lady Eada, the daughter of one of the Baron’s knights. And the two blondes are the Baron’s nieces, and the other one is Sigefrith’s cousin Synne.”

“The blonde in green, I mean,” Baldwin said. “Name of God! She would be reckoned a great beauty in any court in Europe!”

“She is rather well-​​known for her beauty…” Leofric mumbled. “Come on outside and meet… ah… I think I hear Cenwulf. And it’s cooler out there.”

“Won’t you introduce me? Is she married? What’s her name?”

Sir Baldwin had stared long enough that the girl had looked up at him for a moment. Leofric feared that Alred would soon turn his head to follow her gaze.

“I… well, her name is Affrais, but everyone calls her Freya. And she was supposed to marry Sir Brede, but then he went and married Estrid, whom you just saw. And it’s a very funny story – You ought to get him to tell it to you. I think I hear him outside…”

“But I should rather meet the young ladies first.”

The girl looked up at him again, and she turned away still more quickly this time. Alred was certain to notice her discomposure if this continued.

“Well, runt, I can’t help you just now…” Leofric said awkwardly.

“Ohhhh! Alred… I see,” Baldwin smiled. “Perhaps Alred will introduce me? He doesn’t have any quarrel with me, I hope?”

“Not to my knowledge.”

“Très bien! Will you excuse me, Uncle?”

“Of course! I shall probably be outside getting pummeled by one or both of my grandsons if you’re looking for me…”

But Baldwin was already crossing the room. Leofric hurried out before Alred turned his head.