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Uhtred and Nilsa walk through the palace's entrance when Pyrlig greets them with a wide grin and Uhtred laughs happily. She hoped her father was here, she missed him.
"Walking like a fat man, friend." Uhtred said as they hugged. Nilsa rolled her eyes at their interaction and fiddled with her necklace nervously.
"It is my massive balls, Uhtred. Ah, Lady Nilsa! It is good to see you again." Nilsa smiled as Pyrlig pulled her into a hug, Uhtred chuckled at their mutual friend.
"Too much palace food and sitting on your backside." Uhtred teased as he placed his hand on her waist and pulled her to his side.
"Perhaps. I fight less than I did."
"There will be fighting yet." Nilsa noticed Edward and must have tensed unconsciously as Uhtred looked down at her in worry. She quickly reached for her husband's hand and relaxed when he didn't deny her the small comfort.
"Do you know something we do not, lord Uhtred?" Edward spoke as they saw he was accompanied by Aethelhelm and her father. Steapa glanced down at her and Uhtred's intertwined hands with a frown.
"Lord king, Steapa. I only know that Danes do not like peace." When Edward's eyes trail down her body she placed her free hand on Uhtred's arm as she hugged it close to her chest, attempting to appear smaller than she was. Steapa, having seen her uncomfortableness, moved to her side. Nilsa sighed in relief when she felt her father's hand on her back released her grasp on her husband and let herself be pulled into her father's arms.
"I am glad you are back, Nilly." Steapa muttered as he cradled his daughter's face, Uhtred frowned before his face grew pale with a realization.
"I am not here to stay, father. I will return with Uhtred and his men." Steapa didn't have time to ask why when Edward interrupted.
"Did you hear Cnut is now heading to Ireland to rescue a cousin?" She shivered when Edward glared at her, if she leaned into her father's chest for comfort, no one mentioned it.
"No. I heard he has brought his sons over from his homeland, which means he has ambition here." Uhtred stated and glanced at his wife who was cowering under Edward's intense glare. Uhtred knew that the king had propositioned her but he had an inkling that the bruises on her neck were left by the boy. And that was something he would never support.
"Lady Nilsa, you left so suddenly during the night, we feared the worst." Nilsa flinched away from the king when he walked closer and she grabbed Uhtred's arm as her husband moved in front of her protectively. "And what brings you to Winchester?"
"I'm here to make you an offer. I can help you fulfill your father's dream of a united land...if you give me men to retake Bebbanburg." Uhtred said proudly and watched as Steapa kissed Nilsa's head before returning to Edward's side. Uhtred felt her hand slide down his arm until her fingers met his, he didn't hesitate to intertwine them once more.
