Title: heavy hearts & golden crowns Author: lady_aethel_stans Fandom: The Last Kingdom Rating: T (for emotional angst)
Tags: #Dadfred #Aethelflaed #EmotionalLabor #FixitFic #MentalHealthMatters #CommunicationIsKey
Summary: Alfred is spiraling (standard) during a negotiation and Æthelflæd has to step in as the emotional support human of the royal family. Instead of using swords or threats, she uses ✨empathy✨ and active listening to save the day. A soft one-shot about how it’s okay to not be okay, even if you’re a King.
Okay, so here’s the tea.
The Great Hall in Winchester was giving absolute toxic vibes. The air was so thick you could cut it with a seax. My poor meow-meow Alfred was sitting on the throne, looking like he hadn’t slept since Season 1, radiating pure stress energy. He was trying to get Lord Ceolwulf (not the cool one, a different annoyed guy from the borderlands) to commit troops for the next inevitable Dane attack, but the vibes were off.
Ceolwulf was crossing his arms, looking totally closed off, basically saying, “Why should I help you when I feel like Wessex doesn’t even care about my crops?”
Alfred started doing his classic King thing—talking about God, duty, and written laws. He was using his “I am the Authority” voice, which usually works, but today it was just making Ceolwulf feel unseen. I could literally see the wall going up between them. Alfred was getting frustrated, his hand gripping the armrest so hard his knuckles were white. He was masking so hard, but I knew he was about to snap.
Æthelflæd, who is literally the moment, caught his eye. She gave him a tiny nod, like, Let’s take five.
“Father,” she said, her voice super gentle. “Perhaps a recess?”
Alfred looked relieved but also guilty. They walked into the side chamber—the one with the tapestries where everyone goes to have their breakdowns.
As soon as the door closed, Alfred slumped against the table. It was heartbreaking.
“I cannot move him, Æthelflæd,” Alfred whispered, rubbing his temples. “He is stubborn. He does not see the logic of a united front.”
Æthelflæd walked over and didn’t just stand there; she actually took his hand. “It’s not about logic, Father. He’s scared. And honestly? You’re scared too.”
Alfred stiffened. “A King cannot be scared.”
“That’s toxic,” Æthelflæd said softly (okay, she didn’t use the word toxic, but she meant it). “You’re carrying the weight of the whole kingdom. It’s okay to admit that it’s heavy. You’re human. You’re allowed to have doubts.”
Alfred looked at her, and his eyes got all shiny. “I fear I am failing. If I cannot convince them through strength, I have nothing.”
“Real strength isn’t about forcing people,” she told him, squeezing his hand. “It’s about connection. We can’t just demand loyalty like it’s a transaction. We have to build a relationship. We have to show him that we’re in this together, not because a piece of paper says so, but because we actually care about him and his people.”
It was such a breakthrough moment. Alfred took a deep breath, and for the first time in forever, he looked grounded. “You possess a wisdom I often forget to employ, child.”
“It’s emotional labor, Dad,” she smiled (basically). “And we’re doing it together.”
They went back into the hall. The energy shifted immediately. Instead of sitting high up on the throne, Alfred stood on the steps, closer to Ceolwulf. But he let Æthelflæd take the lead.
She didn’t talk about taxes or God’s will. She looked Ceolwulf in the eye and just asked, “Lord Ceolwulf, what is your biggest fear for your family right now?”
Ceolwulf looked shocked. Nobody ever asked him about his feelings. He stuttered a bit, then admitted he was terrified that if he sent men to Alfred, his own harvest would rot, and his kids would starve.
“I hear you,” Æthelflæd said, validating him instantly. “That is a valid fear. It makes sense that you want to protect your home first.”
You could see the tension leaving Ceolwulf’s shoulders. He felt heard.
“We aren’t asking for a sacrifice that breaks you,” she continued. “We want to build a safety net. If you help us, we will send workers to help with your harvest. We protect each other. It’s a partnership, not a command.”
Alfred nodded, backing her up. “My daughter speaks the truth. Your burdens are our burdens.”
Ceolwulf actually teared up a little. “I… I did not think the King understood.”
“We are learning,” Alfred said, looking at Æthelflæd with so much pride I almost cried.
They got the alliance. Not because of intimidation, but because they actually sat down, processed their emotions, and treated Ceolwulf like a person instead of an NPC.
As they left the hall, Alfred looked lighter. “Thank you,” he said quietly.
“Anytime,” Æthelflæd said. “But seriously, Father? Drink some water and take a nap. Self-care is part of ruling.”
And that, my friends, is how you build a nation. Through boundaries, empathy, and healthy communication styles. We stan a progressive Queen of Mercia.
A/N: I just feel like history forgets that they were PEOPLE with feelings?? Like, imagine the anxiety disorders they all must have had. Reviews fuel my soul! <3