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itbmojojoejo · 1 year

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A Good Man | Part 3

Pairing: Finan x Ealdorman's Daughter!Reader

Summary: A nobleman of Wessex introduces himself to y/n after a witan.

Warnings: SLOWBURN. No other warnings at this time. Please let me know if i've missed anything!

Wordcount:3k (chunky but necessary)

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4 | Other Works

Authors Notes: Introduced noble and his father are completely fictional and not from TLK. Gleawecestre = Ye Olde Gloucester. My geography is getting really good thanks to this series. (I wrote that before i realised i'd gotten droitwich and saltwic mixed up but it's too late to change that now sooo.)

You sat tall atop your horse beside Lady Aethelflaed journeying towards Winchester leading the small household guard, Lord Uhtred rode a short distance in front with Finan at his side, Osferth and Sihtric behind. You knew the knots in your stomach weren’t related to attending the witan, court life was something you had grown used to and felt comfortable in, it was the topic of conversations afterwards.

“My Lady, how long am I to stay by your side?” You asked glancing at Aethelflaed

“As long as you wish.” She answered with a reassuring smile

“So you aren’t looking to be rid of me to the first bidder?”

“Bidder? y/n no, I’m in no rush for you to leave. In fact I have a task for you while we are in Winchester. There are going to be Ealdormen from Mercia and Wessex present, just keep your eyes and ears open for any information that could be of use.”

“Am I to pry or simply listen and look?” You probed, it wasn’t the first time you’d been asked to do a task like this, your father had asked you to do the same at Aeglesburgh many times

“I would say gossip with the women, listen and look with the men.”

“And if someone questions my loyalty at any point? I am new to being seen at your side after all”

“Tell them what they want to hear, within reason”

“I understand Lady.” And you did understand, knowledge is power in the court. The women spread information quicker than the men and there was usually more truth to it because they had no use for it, the men spin a web to suit their individual needs and ambitions. If you can hear both sides you have an easier time picking apart the truth from the lies.

Arriving in the city you dismounted your horse so it could be taken to the stable and rested and Osferth lingered close by, you hadn’t missed the watchful eye he kept on Finan when he was around you so you approached him keeping your demeanour casual and voice warm.

“Have I offended you somehow Osferth?”

“Oh no Lady of course not” He denied with the shake of his head

“Mm, you are a man of faith yes?” You asked plainly

“I am.” He shifted on his feet

“Then I trust that if you had something you felt the need to share, it would be done in good faith?” Your eyes were kind as they searched his, you didn’t want to cause any upset with the men that had been so welcoming to you recently

“Yes.” He cleared his throat and looked to the floor choosing his words before meeting your eyes “I would not wish to see a good man reprimanded for simply sharing and enjoying the company of a higher borne.” He was just looking out for his friend and you couldn’t fault him for that.

“Of course and neither would I, thank you for your honesty Osferth.” You offered a small smile and the monk returned it with his own.

“Come, let’s get this over with.” Uhtred called from his place on the steps, his tone showing his dislike for politics

You followed behind Aethelflaed and Uhtred with Finan through the halls of the palace towards the growing sound of a gathering.

“Do not worry Lady, you’ll be fine.” Finan whispered with a reassuring touch to your arm sending butterflies to flutter in your stomach

“I’m not worried, this is just a pissing contest to be the man who gets to whisper in the king’s ear.”

You shot him a small smirk coming to a stop in front of the hall, his shocked expression showing he was still processing your comment.

“Ah if it isn’t my charming wife, her new lady-in-waiting and the Lord Uhtred.” Lord Aethelred spoke arriving just behind your small group looking you over.

“Husband, Lord Aldhelm, I trust you are well?” There was an absence of affection in Aethelflaed’s tone that was difficult to miss.

“Very, how is our daughter?” His tone was not kind at the mention of Aelfwyn, Aldhelm shifted on his feet beside Aethelred.

“She grows everyday, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll see you in the hall.” She gave a curt nod walking away

“You know Lady y/n, if you ever feel like you’re missing your father,” He steps closer towards you taking in your form and lowering his voice “I can be very generous and offer a larger retainer to have you back at Aeglesburgh court on a permanent basis if you wish.”

Finan took a quiet breath in rolling his shoulders and clasped one hand over the other in front of his waist looking between you and the Lord. You held yourself firm with confidence, eye contact never faltering and kept your tone flat in your sharp response,

“Yes, I’ve heard of your generosity Lord, thank you but I am very happy beside your wife.”

Finan coughed to cover a chuckle giving Uhtred a side glance at the exchange as you walked into the hall towards Aethelflaed. He remembered the comment that was made of you not being fond of Aethelred or being shaken by the men you were now surrounded by, you were raised to be strong in the world of politics and that was becoming clearer to him.

You stood on the back row of the witan observing King Edward discuss how to handle raids from the danes that are rife on the borders of Wessex and Mercia when you notice a young man on the second row of the Wessex seats watching you. He couldn’t be much older than you with golden hair and blue eyes, he was broad and tall and looked like he would handle a battle well. A man stood behind him leant to whisper in his ear, you knew your presence would garner some attention as it was your first time inside the court and the same knots from earlier returned to your stomach.

King Edward had determined that for now each Lord was to carry on defending their own lands and move their grain stores to a location that would have better defences, he saw no reason to go to meet them in battle as it was smaller camps not one army moving together. The discontent in the room was easy to feel, it was as though it was vibrating through the floors and walls, as everyone rose from their seats and dispersed you followed behind Aethelflaed and Lord Aldhelm heading towards the courtyard locked in a debate with Uhtred about the decision made.

Finan joined your small group coming to your side as the debate continued on to the main entrance of the palace

“How was your first witan of Wessex?” He whispered leaning into your space

“It’s good to put faces to the names of vultures. But it’s not over yet, my task is only just beginning.” You responded quietly, smoothing a hand down the front of your lilac dress.

“Lady y/n” A voice called out from behind, you turned to see the very tall and broad dark blonde from the witan approaching, Finan looked between the pair of you matching the same silent question on your face, who is this man and why does he know your name.

“Allow me to introduce myself, I am Lord Eadred, my father is Lord Ealford of Gleawecestre.”

“I did not see the Lord Ealford present?” Aethelflaed had also stopped with the men when they heard your name called by an unknown voice

“Lady Aethelflaed, Lord Aldhelm.” He bowed his head lightly disregarding Uhtred completely which didn’t go unnoticed “I’m afraid he is rather sickly and has sent me on his behalf.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, I hope he returns to full health soon.”

“Thank you Lady, I was wondering if I could accompany Lady y/n on a walk perhaps?” His blue eyes looked hopeful as he looked you over.

The group all turned to you, sensing an opportunity to find out more about this unknown man you offered Eadred a smile and poured a sweet honey tone into your voice,

“My apologies Lord I have travelled quite far the past few days and wish to be out of the sun, but you may join me for a cup of ale at the two cranes inn if you’d like, with a chaperone.”

“Very well, I would enjoy that.” He responded glancing at a now very tense Finan by your side.

“Lord Uhtred, you are staying at that inn as well are you not?” Aethelflaed’s question was answered with a nod, “Would you be so kind as to chaperone on my behalf? I am needed here beside the king.”

“It would be my honour.” Uhtred stated, offering a smile to Eadred that masked a different emotion entirely.

The walk to the inn was quiet and tense as you followed behind the men through the bustling city. Walking through the door Finan motioned for Sihtric and Osferth to stay in their seats as they attempted to stand at your entrance with another Lord.

“Who’s the pretty pomp?” Sihtric asked motioning his head towards you and Eadred as you sat down at a different table alone

“That is the son of Lord Ealford of Gleawecestre.” Uhtred confirmed pouring himself a cup of ale.

“What does he want with y/n?” Sihtric probed further

“I imagine he’s looking for a wife from a noble Mercian family to strengthen his own.” Finan claimed seating himself with a clear view of your position

“Doesn’t sound like a terrible thing.”

“No, but I get the feeling he’s a turd and a half.” He grumbled pouring himself a large cup of ale

“You would think that, you let yourself get too close Finan.” Osferth jested

“Ay, what did she say to her father about a betrothal? She wants to be respected, that boy playing a man couldn’t even show respect to Uhtred, he’s not the one for her.” He kept his voice low but his frustration was evident

“We will see, but you need to remember the decision is hers and Aethelflaed’s, we’re not to get involved.” Uhtred maintained, angling his seat to keep an eye on you.

Across the room you sat opposite Eadred at a small table trying to keep your focus on him and not the irishman you could see watching the conversation from the corner of your peripheral view.

“You are quite easy on the eyes Lady y/n.” This half hearted compliment from the lord pulled your full focus to him in an instant.

“You flatter me Lord.” you responded keeping your smile coy

“I was surprised to see you in court today, how are you finding being in Aethelflaed’s company?” And there it was, his own probe into your loyalty beginning.

“The Lady Aethelflaed,” You corrected his lack of title use “Has done me a great honour, but only time will tell if it is what’s right for me.”

“Hmm, I wonder, would you say you have the trust and ear of the Lady of Mercia?”

“Yes I would.” You were confident in your conviction.

“I happen to be making headway with the king, I have visions of Gleawecestre being recognised for it’s own glory soon. A union between the two of us could be rather powerful and help achieve that vision I feel.” You decided he was either foolish or incredibly arrogant to think this.

“This is our first meeting Lord Eadred, a little soon to be speaking of a union is it not? Also I don’t recall King Edward acknowledging you, let alone speaking with you.” Even though you words could be interpreted as hurtful your tone was playful not wanting the conversation to become too serious.

He chuckled looking down at his cup and gave it a couple of taps off the table “Your reputation of being out spoken is true I see.”

“Out spoken? I am merely looking out for myself, as are you it would seem.”

Finan had noticed your change in posture causing him to pay more attention, you were no longer behaving as if it was just a polite gesture to accept the meeting but fully engaged and leaning slightly closer over the table looking at the Lord from under your lashes. He didn’t like it but he had no choice in the matter, you are always going to be a Lady of Mercia and you will have many suitors wanting to be in a union with you.

“You are staring again.”

“No Osferth, I am chaperoning.”

Sihtric snorted at the exchange and sipped at his ale with an amused look on his face. You had stood and offered Eadred another coy smile, he gave you a small bow in return and left the inn without even a glance to the table of your chaperones.

You sat yourself at the table opposite Finan with a heavy sigh and the four men watched on as you drained your cup and refilled it.

“My apologies, that wasn’t very lady-like of me.”

“No need to apologise Lady” Uhtred chuckled lightly

“Can we drop the title when it is just us please? It’s starting to send me into madness.” You fiddled with the cross at your neck and they all nodded politely at your request.

“So how was you new friend?” Finan asked, his expression a mixture of amusement and worry

“That is no friend, he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing and needs to be watched.” You uttered

“What makes you believe that?” Uhtred questioned with a small frown appearing on his face

“He is arrogant and foolish-“

“You don’t like him then?” Finan interjected looking at you over the edge of his cup causing Sihtric to clear his throat and look to Osferth.

“What? No. He is talking of a great vision for Gleawecestre to have a glory he thinks it deserves, men who talk like that think themselves worthy to be a king.” You kept your voice low to avoid anyone overhearing

“Hmm, Aethelflaed was right, men do talk when trying to impress the ladies at court. Sihtric, Osferth, you will find him see who he talks to.” Uhtred put his cup down and stood

“Yes Lord.” Sihtric stood with Osferth who sighed as they exited the inn.

“Finan, you may stay here with y/n. I will go back to the palace and talk with Aethelflaed.”

As the afternoon drifted into early evening you requested to move to a table outside to get away from some of the other rowdy patrons, it was still warm and would be light for a few more hours yet with it being summer. You sat on the same side of the bench as Finan with your backs to the wall so you could have a clear view of anyone approaching but he was more focused watching you pull your hair over your shoulder to create a loose braid.

“You missed a bit.” He took the segment of hair in his fingers and tickled your cheek with it getting a laugh from you, your brushed your hands through the lengths and started the process again.

“Did your Lord have anything else to say other than he wants glory?” He asked leaning forward and resting his arms on the table

“Other than me being easy on the eyes, he thinks a union between him and I would be a powerful one” You scoffed turning your nose up at the memory

“Jesus, he’s talking of marriage already?” Finan looked to you, with the sun hitting the side of your face lighting up your features he thought you were more than just easy on the eyes.

“Mm. It won’t happen, he lacks respect and thinks too highly of himself. Thankfully Lady Aethelflaed isn’t in any rush to be rid of me so I’m not going to be forced into something I don’t want.”

“So do you have like, y’know, set rules for who you can and can’t marry?” He wasn’t sure why he even asked, he knew what the rules are. Nobles for nobles only, unless it is a man who is able to bend the rules to have the woman he wants.

“Being the youngest of four it is easier for me to refuse a proposal, if I’m still unwed when my father comes to pass the responsibility for me should fall to my brother but if I remain a lady-in-waiting it’s Aethelflaed who gets the final say, I might not have to marry a noble or even marry at all.”

“Fancy the life of a spinster eh” He jested sitting back bumping his shoulder off yours, you laughed looking at him. These past few days were the happiest you’d been in a long time, you weren’t being treated as a decorative object with no purpose but as a real person who had value and thoughts and feelings.

The idea of being handed over to a man who only wanted to use you for his own gain hurt, especially when you find yourself sat beside one who has been nothing but kind and respectful from the moment you met. You weren’t a fool, you’ve seen how his friends watch the pair of you interact, how his posture and expression changes when he’s unsure of another mans intentions for you, and after Osferth’s comment earlier you knew it was a mutual admiration.

“y/n?” Finan spoke quietly searching your eyes, the sadness behind them was suddenly difficult to miss and he worried that maybe his words had offended you.

“You look at me as though I am pure gold.” Your voice was barely above a whisper and your cheeks flushed at the escaped thought. He released a slow breath knowing that he should divert the conversation and avoid this topic entirely but instead he found himself nodding.

“I think you deserve to be treasured.” He confessed quietly.

You were both pulled from the moment as Uhtred sat down with a huff and slapped the table to get the attention of a worker for a cup. You rubbed your thumbs against each other in your lap lost in your thoughts as he filled Finan in on what had been happening at the palace.

End Notes: draaamaaaa.

Taglist: @arcielee @tssf-imagines @bcon24

#finan x reader #finan fanfic #finan tlk #tlk fanfic

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