Chapter 3Wareham, Dorset, 694 AD
King Cuthred, seated on a throne raised on a dais started at the sight of Cynethryth, standing behind Aelfhere. His countenance assumed a sudden anxiety. He stood, one hand holding the other arm at the elbow, before waving the same hand and thundering, “Out! All of you, out!”
Servants, guards and retainers all scurried to the doors. Cynethryth made to follow but Guthred took a restraining grip of her arm.
“I know you, Lady,” said the king as soon as the hall returned to blessed silence after the noise of scampering feet died away. “I attended your wedding to my cousin. I never forget a face, especially one so comely!”
“I thank you, Lord King.”
She curtsied and shot him a smile but noticed that it failed to allay the worry in his visage. Why the sight o
