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He was going to have to tell her. It was getting embarrassing. Aethelfled had been following him around, turning up unexpectedly all over the place; bumping into him in the stables; coincidentally passing rooms he happened to be in; making sure she had a place at the table next to him.
Finan and Sihtric thought it was hilarious. In the privacy of the bedroom the three of them shared, they teased Uhtred about his new admirer. Aethelfled was due to be married, but it wasn’t a love match and she clearly hoped to satisfy those needs elsewhere. Ideally with Lord Uhtred.
Uhtred collapsed back onto the bed in the space his two lovers had made for him between them. “How do I get her to back off?” he sighed dramatically. “Give her one of your horrible slobbery kisses” Finan suggested helpfully. Sihtric just smiled in amusement.
Uhtred wriggled up the bed, snuggled his head against Finan’s shoulder and pulled Sihtric close to him on the other side. The three of them lay there staring at the ceiling.
“You’re just going to have to tell her you’re not interested”, Finan finally announced decisively. “Alfred will probably cut your balls off for hurting her feelings, but that’s your only option.” he concluded.
Sihtric pressed a supportive kiss to Uhtred’s cheek.
“Maybe I should just tell her the truth?” Uhtred ventured. “I’ll just tell her I’m in love with you two and it’s nothing personal, but she’s just not my type.”.
Finan and Sihtric stilled. This wasn’t a scenario they had planned for. Whilst they were entirely happy with their set-up and had been for the years they’d been together, it had never been something they’d made public. And they had no idea what reaction they would receive.
But Uhtred was now set on his path. He was sure it was the kindest thing to do for poor doe-eyed Aethelfled. And he really couldn’t care less if anyone else was bothered about his own sleeping arrangements.
Finan and Sihtric were reluctant for anything to change. But they also knew there was no stopping him.
Uhtred’s opportunity came quickly. That evening Alfred was hosting one of his meagre feasts and the three of them found themselves in the courtyard avoiding the incessant preaching that Alfred thought was necessary at every occasion.
Within a minute, Aethelfled appeared, positioning herself next to Uhtred and interlinking her arm with his. Sihtric tried hard to suppress a smirk, and Finan whispered to Uhtred out of Aethelfled’s earshot “He’ll cut your balls off”.
That was it. It had to stop. Uhtred removed his arm from hers, turned to Aethelfled and said “Enough! You are lovely Aethelfled. You are beautiful and clever and you will achieve great things. But I am not one of them. And I never will be. These men are the ones I love. I will always be theirs and they will always be mine. Live your life. I hope you find love, but it won’t be with me.”.
Aethelfled stared at him. Then at Finan and Sihtric in turn. Her eyes filled with tears and her face reddened with embarrassment.
At that moment Alfred himself joined them outside. As he approached the group he could see his daughter’s distress. Concerned, he pulled her to one side. Aethelfled couldn’t stop herself “Uhtred’s with THEM!” she sobbed. Alfred - who despite his piety, was well-experienced in affairs of the heart - understood immediately. “Of course he’s with them. They’ve been together for years. They think no one knows, but it’s as clear as day to anyone who spends time with them”.
Alfred beckoned the men over. “These are good men” he told his daughter, “And good men are loyal, faithful and protect those they love. They are an example to us all.”.