I'm with the king in this. Allying with Prince Roubaud is not only the moral but the strategic thing to do re the coming war with Normandy. My question is how well will Eadward take this slight to his counsel?
The Bold Prince [Book the Second on the House of Wessex]
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To all - and the next update arrives in just a moment. Continued thanks for your excellent comments!
That is precisely it. So far Uhtræd has made some logical choices for the short term. It will be the long term that proves them ultimately correct or not.
Quite. I wanted to support Roubaud but putting anything like real effort into it would play right into Robert's hands. Uhtræd will hopefully be smarter than that. He will be right at home on the battlefield, however. Good call.
Eadward's response is short lived. See the next post.
To all - and the next update arrives in just a moment. Continued thanks for your excellent comments!
The Bold Prince
Gainsborough, England - June 1111
Prince Eadward waited a moment before he knocked on the King’s chamber door. Uhtræd called out for him to enter and when he did, he found his brother composing a letter, “Who is it that you call upon, Your Grace?”
Uhtræd turned and offered a slight smile, “Brother…please. And were you to go over a year without seeing your wife and children, do you think that it might be cause to write?”
“I did not realize that the Duchess had care to read your words these days,” Eadward nodded.
“I do not think that she does,” the King replied with sad eyes, “But it is worth the trying.”
Eadward felt poorly for his brother, “Does she have response?”
Uhtræd turned back to look over his latest letter, “She has softened her harsh tone only slightly. But it is a start. In truth, I write now to see if she might allow my boy Eadberht to come and be tutored here in England.”
“Did she not say that she would never allow such a thing?” Eadward asked as he took a chair.
The King turned with his own question, “That she did. Mayhap Adela continues to soften. One may only ask.”
Eadward gave nod, “A King does not ask, brother. But in any event, the worst she may say is no…eh?”
Uhtræd raised a brow as he turned to Eadward, “If I shall not ask, then mayhap I demand you tell me what news in Dyfed…brother.”
“I simply mean…” Eadward began to say but Uhtræd stopped him.
“I know what you meant, sir. Appreciate it, I do. But this be my lady wife and these, my children. She holds them far away from me and I would do any and all to see them once more. Even if that means I must beg forgiveness of dear Adela.”
The Prince nodded his head in appreciation, “Your closeness with her is touching, brother. I would have that for myself if I could.”
Uhtræd looked at his brother with curiosity, “You would have it if you would try more to be a better husband to your Judith, sir. I dare say that this lady in Wales keeps you from it and no other.”
Eadward stood to find some ale and Uhtræd let the matter go when he could see his brother did not wish to speak on it further, “So as I say…tell me news of Dyfed. You may not wish to speak on the woman, but you would tell me of her region.”
The Prince poured a cup and took a long pull before turning back to the King, “In truth, the Lady Madrun has been quite helpful in that regard. She holds no love for that Petty King of Dyfed and would be happier still to see you in his place.”
“And herself with more influence, no doubt,” the King gave nod.
Eadward offered a shrug, “She may see that…yes. Yet she was eager to give over her claims to our father once she saw the might that would be presented to her if she did not. While I would not deny the passion we may have with one another, I took our father’s advice.”
“Oh?” Uhtræd asked, “What advice was that?”
“He did not forbid me to see her,” Eadward answered before taking another pull, “But he did say to use the situation to better the realm. I believe I have done so.”
Uhtræd could not help but laugh, “At great cost to you, to be sure.”
“You tease at me, brother,” Eadward looked wounded.
The King answered with a grin, “I do…yes. So may I assume that this great calamity that befalls you would gain us claim on that place?”
Eadward attempted to keep his irritation in check, “In as much as it has been successful in the past, I believe this too shall be achieved in good time.”
“Then I thank you, brother,” Uhtræd answered as he stood to find some maps, “This is most needed at the now.”
The Prince swirled his cup as he looked ahead, “And what of the rest of the council? What great task do they have before them this day?”
“You have a very poor habit, sir,” Uhtræd found the maps he was looking for and turned to his brother. “Mother did warn me of this when I returned home, but I see it true now.”
“Our mother warned you about me?” Eadward asked with incredulity.
“It is nothing untoward, brother. But you hold jealousy too closely. Does this arise because you were outvoted on the council?”
Eadward laughed before taking another drink, “I care not about such things. I would see to your wishes and no other. I only worry at the whims of such people as Lord Brice and our Duke of York. They may not always hold your best needs in their heart as much as they may desire their own.”
Uhtræd moved to sit next to his brother and placed the maps upon the table before them, “Which is why I have sent Duke Morcar back to Cumberland to continue his raising of soldiers and Lord Brice to Hereford to make certain that the Lady Wulfrun remains at our side.”
“That may keep them occupied for a time,” Eadward suggested, “But I fear that I like them not.”
“I would not say to you that your fears are unfounded, brother,” Uhtræd answered as he tapped the maps in front of them with his finger, “But not all suggestions that do not come from you are wrong. I would take the full measure of any counsel that I may receive. In the days ahead, I will most assuredly need it.”
Eadward stood to pour another cup of ale, “I still think it was wrong to answer this call in France. I understand it, but there be larger worries.”
“Indeed there are,” Uhtræd gave nod as he watched his brother, “And as was suggested by the council, I have yet to lift a finger to assist our brother by law in his struggle. It may end up giving him great cost that only my words support him and not our might.”
“And so I ask again…” Eadward finished his pour and turned to the King, “…what is the point? How may we gain an ally if we do nothing to assist? Should the day come when Prince Roubaud may be needed, and has a way to do any such thing, why would he join our side?”
Uhtræd offered a smile, “Because I have you.”
Eadward took another drink before he answered, “Now you speak in riddles, brother.”
“I do no such thing,” Uhtræd smiled, “Come here and look on these maps.”
The Prince stepped to the table and watched the King draw his finger from one place to another as Uhtræd continued, “If nothing else, our Duke of York is fastidious and has provided a fine telling of what transpires across the channel.”
“Surely one of the lessons he learned from our father,” Eadward suggested with conceit.
Uhtræd offered a smile, “Well on him for such training then, as it provides me with much knowledge. You may see that our Duke in Normandy is all in with his war for Artois. The man has nearly four thousand called up for this purpose. Should he make a turn north to our shores, surely we could best him with twice that number.”
Eadward surveyed the map for a moment, “If you may count on all others answering your call.”
“Aye,” Uhtræd nodded, “That is truth. And yet, see here…Prince Roubaud has his own men investing Bourges with a strong force and another thousand holding the Duke in check in Flanders. Added to our own, this is a formidable strength that may cause Lord Robert great grief should he make an attempt and surely much pause in his thinking.”
“I look at this map and I see numbers and lines,” Eadward suggested as he placed his cup aside and tried to study it further. “I do not see these things as well as you.”
Uhtræd placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder, “Nor do I see the great ability that you have in your words. Would that I had such so that I may bring my son to me at this time. Your golden tongue may be just the thing to convince my wife but I hold it not. I am good at one thing, Eadward. One thing only. I am a soldier.”
“You have proved yourself to be far more than that of late, brother,” Eadward suggested.
“I act as King…” Uhtræd answered quickly, “…but I know the field. The day must come when we all choose our roles and I know mine well. I must needs have you know yours.”
Eadward raised his head to look on his brother with great question, “Do you think that I do not?”
“You do not understand my meaning, Eadward,” Uhtræd was quick to reply, “While I may be King and you are not, there may be no way for me to hold this crown without your considered ability. Were the situation in the reverse, I would gladly give over this throne to you and do my part. But we two must work as one. We must inspire by our deeds. Mine will always be martial. Yours…your words. We both are our father’s sons. We know of his great desire. If we are to hold onto this thing for our House, then we must work where our strengths gain us the most. I may not win every battle. You may not win every argument. But between us, we would win the long war. We must.”
“There is no such thing as dual Kings…Your Grace,” Eadward looked to his brother with certainty.
Uhtræd gave nod with his own certainty, “Nor do I suggest such. These are the facts. I am King and if I should lose this crown, we shall all be put out as nothing but pretenders since the day The Bastard landed so many years ago. Lord Robert will most assuredly make his move for this realm. We both know it. When that day comes…we two must know our parts to play.”
“You…the great general…” Eadward offered a knowing grin.
Uhtræd smiled, “And you…the great voice of the realm. Between us, there can be no one to take it from our family. Not now. Not ever.”
Dual kings means double the trouble.
I'm writing in cliches at the moment but that's just the way the cookie crumbles.
France is very messed up. It sort of looks like a Hundred Years' War type situation. A foreign power has control of aquatine and Normandy (though in this case not the same powers), Brittany is essentially independent and watching the fight, the southern and western lords in France are rebelling or quasi-independent men trying to expand their own territory in order to become independent and get the hell away from the fighting (Burgundy and the like), whilst Orleans and the royal French faction duke it out amongst themsevles and the foreign power to try and get as much control as possible over a shattering state.
So curiously enough, the base game seems to be better at representing France at this time than the uptodate version is. I quite like how rebels become indepednant for the duration of the war, it's very visually informative of the state of things.
...I should probably comment on the chapter as well. Um...eadward seems to be giving good advice as usual and the king contours to have a good sense of war and the military strength of all sides. Yeah...that should do.
I'm writing in cliches at the moment but that's just the way the cookie crumbles.
France is very messed up. It sort of looks like a Hundred Years' War type situation. A foreign power has control of aquatine and Normandy (though in this case not the same powers), Brittany is essentially independent and watching the fight, the southern and western lords in France are rebelling or quasi-independent men trying to expand their own territory in order to become independent and get the hell away from the fighting (Burgundy and the like), whilst Orleans and the royal French faction duke it out amongst themsevles and the foreign power to try and get as much control as possible over a shattering state.
So curiously enough, the base game seems to be better at representing France at this time than the uptodate version is. I quite like how rebels become indepednant for the duration of the war, it's very visually informative of the state of things.
...I should probably comment on the chapter as well. Um...eadward seems to be giving good advice as usual and the king contours to have a good sense of war and the military strength of all sides. Yeah...that should do.
So Uhtræd seeks to ensnare his brother with the magnitude of responsibility.
But this private understanding is a dangerous one - for there is only one anoited King. It speaks to Uhtræd's aims but also his own insecurity. I wonder if he wishes he had the courage to refuge, if in this one matter he proved craven.
But this private understanding is a dangerous one - for there is only one anoited King. It speaks to Uhtræd's aims but also his own insecurity. I wonder if he wishes he had the courage to refuge, if in this one matter he proved craven.
Dual kings are not a wise move, even if it's only in the shadows. People will notice. People will use it. Brotherly love is well and all, but power corrupts. I certainly hope Uthræd doesn't go too far in this direction.
I don't believe that the king is taking of duality. Merely unity of purpose. I'm reminded of Louis's speech to his brother the Duc of Orleans at the beginning of Versailles series 1
Great stuff
Great stuff
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The "cookie crumbles" makes me think of one of my absolute favorite films - The Apartment. Jack Lemmon...Shirley MacLaine...it is exquisite. That's just the way it crumbles...cookie-wise.
From east to west, north to south...France is indeed messed up. Glad to see that I am not the only one that appreciates the vanilla map showing us exactly how that realm has broken up. Fans of France may not like to see what has happened to them, but the map does tell a fine and specific tale. Still not sure how Toulouse broke free but it is of a piece.
You might...and Eadward and Uhtræd thank you....I should probably comment on the chapter as well. Um...eadward seems to be giving good advice as usual and the king contours to have a good sense of war and the military strength of all sides. Yeah...that should do.
While never craven, Uhtræd would gladly put aside this crown if he could. Events occur soon that make that but a dream. These two brothers need one another...for the sake of the crown and realm and for the sake of each other.
Without a strong liege, it is dangerous indeed. Thankfully we don't have that here.Uhtræd wants and needs his brother to be fully on board. In truth, the King wants people to notice. If they can find a way to use it good luck. He thinks fairly well on his own capabilities to counteract any problems. He needs Eadward to think the same.
Exactly! And I quite enjoyed that first series of Versailles. Waiting with baited breath for the second.
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Another masterfully written chapter, coz
I could go on about the many contrasts between Eadward and Uhtræd on display in this chapter, but I think the most important one, and the root of all the others, is the one with the least overt attention called to it: These are two men who view the world through fundamentally different lenses. What seems obvious to one may be incomprehensible to the other. As Uhtræd points out, this can be a source of great strength if they both agree on a clear goal and have good communication between one another -- yet the bare fact that they engage the world around them on such different terms is bound to cause friction.
This is, of course, wonderfully literally illustrated with the map scene.
I could go on about the many contrasts between Eadward and Uhtræd on display in this chapter, but I think the most important one, and the root of all the others, is the one with the least overt attention called to it: These are two men who view the world through fundamentally different lenses. What seems obvious to one may be incomprehensible to the other. As Uhtræd points out, this can be a source of great strength if they both agree on a clear goal and have good communication between one another -- yet the bare fact that they engage the world around them on such different terms is bound to cause friction.
This is, of course, wonderfully literally illustrated with the map scene.
Thank you, sir. While the scene might not seem overly important in the grand scheme of things, I believe that it is. Uhtræd has been on the throne for over a year now and pretty much everyone knows what will come next. He needs his brother to know that he trusts him and depends upon him. They have very different talents, and as you suggest, different world views. It will only be by their combination of said talents that they have any chance at victory in the future. Uhtræd truly doesn't really care about being the King, but it is his lot. Eadward might, but he loves his brother. Between them, they might provide the ruling structure to both win the sure war ahead and keep it for their House and family.Another masterfully written chapter, coz
I could go on about the many contrasts between Eadward and Uhtræd on display in this chapter, but I think the most important one, and the root of all the others, is the one with the least overt attention called to it: These are two men who view the world through fundamentally different lenses. What seems obvious to one may be incomprehensible to the other. As Uhtræd points out, this can be a source of great strength if they both agree on a clear goal and have good communication between one another -- yet the bare fact that they engage the world around them on such different terms is bound to cause friction.
This is, of course, wonderfully literally illustrated with the map scene.
To all - while I might normally wait another day to post the next scene, I have been sitting on this one for days and want to get it out there. It is delicious.
Or at least I hope. Things ramp up pretty quickly very soon so I want to get this out there as I look to the next many updates. You folks remain excellent in your comments. One might assume this next post is fan service but it is not. The Lady just forces it.
The Bold Prince
Hereford, England - November 1111
The aged master of spies of England waited for his name to be called and when it was, he glided into the great hall at Hereford and offered a generous bow that no other of his years might be able to attempt. His counterpart in the court in Mercia lifted his hand so that Lord Brice may stand and look upon the Duchess Wulfrun and he found her, if not a great beauty, surely stately in her bearing as she sat on her raised chair and looked him over. She was not yet of age still, but much closer to receiving her full due. Her feet finally touched the floor as a recent growth spurt had filled her out well enough so that she might sit her chair without the air of a little girl. Most of her natural life had been spent as Duchess of this realm of Mercia and Lancaster, and she knew it well.
“I remember you,” she called out as she continued to look upon him with curiosity. “You are the Lord Mayor Brice…of Penrith, I believe.”
Her aunt Heregyth stood next to her and nodded, “That is correct, my Lady. He serves the King now.”
The Duchess was slightly put out that her aunt felt need to speak, “I know that well, my lady aunt. You need not remind me. I recall the man from the King’s great feast.”
Lord Brice turned to Hlothere with question and the Mercian spymaster gave nod for him to speak.
“My great Lady,” Brice began, “I come here to bring you a fine gift. The King has had wish to see you gain this manuscript.”
She screwed her face slightly, “A book? The King wishes to gift me a book?”
Lord Brice offered a smile, “While it may not be a pretty dress or a fine palfrey, my Lady…”
“I care not for such finery,” Wulfrun interrupted him, “Woman I may be, but these bits and bobs do not interest me as they do other ladies. But a bloody book?”
“You may desire this one, my Lady,” Brice bowed his head as he snapped his fingers and a servant brought forth a fine leather bound collection that he presented to the Duchess.
Wulfrun gestured for Hlothere to take the manuscript and bring it to her. She began to leaf through the pages and while it was rather well done with fine calligraphy and impressive plates she still kept her questioning gaze as she looked back to Brice, “What import has this book to me, my Lord Brice?”
The master of spies smiled, “It is a chronicle of the life of the late Lord Eadwin, my Lady, by a Brother Nylan of Taunton. This monk was rather impressed by the surely impressive career of your revered grandfather and he has put much effort into its creation. There was no commission for it. He simply wished to write it and then gifted it to the King. His Grace now gifts it you.”
With renewed interest, the Duchess leafed through a few more pages before gesturing for Hlothere to take it away for safekeeping, “That is…very kind of His Grace. You must give the King our great thanks for this fine gift. It will be much loved by my family, I may assure you.”
“His Grace will be well met by this news, my Lady,” Brice offered a brief bow.
“You must also send His Grace our great congratulations for the coming of his son to these shores,” Wulfrun kept a slight smile. “The boy’s name is Eadberht, I believe?”
Wulfrun shot her aunt a quick but fierce glance and when Heregyth did not respond she grinned and looked back to Brice for his answer, “That is his name indeed, my Lady. He is a young man of near your same age.”
The Duchess looked to her uncle, “Lord Hlothere…as I am not yet betrothed, mayhap I should meet with this young Prince. What think you?”
“A fine suggestion, my Lady,” Hlothere nodded.
“And yet…” she considered it, “…he does remain a foreigner. Born of Meissen in Germany, is he not, Lord Brice?”
Brice gave nod, “That is true, my Lady. But he is a fine Saxon child born of King Uhtræd. We have all found him handsome and honest in his short days at court. The King would most surely welcome you to find great favor with one another. Young Prince Eadberht knows so few in this realm.”
Wulfrun grinned, “Likely because he has spent his whole life away from it, I would wager.”
“That is well considered,” Brice gave bow with the sting.
The Duchess stood and stepped down to stand in front of the master of spies, “It is well fine that you are here, my Lord Mayor, as I have some question for you and His Grace.”
When once the aged spymaster might have towered over the girl, he had shrunk over his later years and her growth spurt now made them of equal height. Brice offered some question in his face but attempted to play the diplomat as best he could, “We would most surely give you any answer we might, my Lady. What words have you to ask?”
She looked at him with sly eyes, “At the first, we might ask you what news from across the water? How goes the King’s pursuits in France?”
“I be certain that your Lord Chancellor may be able to give you this knowledge, my Lady,” Brice attempted to be coy.
Wulfrun took a step closer, “And I am asking you, my Lord.”
Lord Brice smiled, “His Grace has leant his aid to the Prince in Orleans, my Lady. But he does not fight there. This Prince of France needs neither our soldiers nor our gold…only the King’s word of faith.”
She returned the smile, “Indeed. He would not wish to waste such valuable resources as would be needed when the Bastard’s son arrives. Yes?”
Now Brice took a slight step closer, “I believe you know a bit more than you let on, my Lady.”
Wulfrun walked around him and stood to his other side, “You would be right, my Lord Mayor. My mother does reside there alongside this Lord Robert. I have only met the man twice, but I never did like him. Somehow, she did.”
“An unfortunate occurrence,” Brice nodded with feigned sadness.
“She does write to me often,” Wulfrun moved back to step up and sit once again in her chair, “I do not answer. I would have nothing to do with her. But mayhap you may tell me of her now since I believe you have spent a great deal of time in Rouen over these last years.”
Brice shrugged his shoulders in apology, “On that, I may tell you nothing, my Lady. Sadly, I have no access to Lord Robert’s court nor its people.”
“I find that difficult to believe, my Lord Mayor…and Master of Spies to England and Wales.”
The old Mayor found the young Duchess’ withering gaze disconcerting but he held up under the pressure, “I be certain that it is a great hardship for a young lady to grow to maturity without her mother. No child should ever see such a thing. But as I say…I have no connection with the Lady Maud in any ways. I am dreadfully sorry.”
The young Duchess nodded her head for some few moments with pursed lips before finally responding, “So…you may at the least give us all news of this Duke of Normandy’s pursuits. We here in Mercia find them greatly of interest. Has he won his latest war?”
A quick nod of the head followed as Brice answered, “He has, my Lady. A most resounding victory that does bring Artois into the realm of England and Wales.”
“You make it sound as if it is a good thing, my Lord,” Wulfrun gave question.
Brice smiled, “Any victory for a vassal of King Uhtræd is a good thing, my Lady.”
“Ahh!” Wulfrun stood again, “There is interest there. So you would count a victory for House Hwicce in Wales good for the King as well. Is that it?”
“I would so,” Brice was uncertain of her line of questioning as he answered.
“That be good to hear,” she stepped down once more to stand in front of him, “For we here in Mercia have long held great interest in those lands.”
When Brice did not answer quickly, Wulfrun turned to her uncle, “Lord Hlothere…bring back that manuscript. I would like to see if it is a true account. I would know if so, because it would tell of the great victories my grandfather found in those lands so many years past.”
“I be certain that they are accounted for in the writing, my Lady,” Brice answered with some hesitation.
“You do?” she asked with a grin, “Because I have some question. I shall scour the work this night to see. For I do know that this King…His Grace…continues to look at these lands as well. His own brother has recently been to Dyfed on the coast and I believe has found some treasure there. Is that not so, Lord Hlothere?”
The master of spies for Mercia nodded his head, “That is true, my Lady. I am told that Prince Eadward has found some claim for the King in those parts.”
Wulfrun turned back to Brice, “You see…we do have some knowledge here in Hereford. It causes me to wonder…what need has our King in the lands of Dyfed when he is promised to France and looks to his own shores for a sure invasion?”
“My Lady,” Brice attempted to keep his calm, “His Grace will be at the ready for any rebellion. I may assure you of this. As his father combined the thrones of England and Wales, any lands to the west are his to do with what he should desire. You would not argue that point…would you?”
“No,” she answered Lord Brice with steely eyes and turned to move back to her raised chair. As she sat, she called out, “I do wonder, however…does His Grace find his only worry to the south in Normandy? I see that my cousin has been called to be the Lord Marshal and I must question this move. I find no love for the Godwin clan, but they too hold a claim for the throne if I am not mistaken.”
“They do, my Lady,” Brice nodded.
“As does my cousin…if I recall correctly.”
Brice nodded again, “He does, my Lady.”
She offered a slight grin, “It would seem that our good King Uhtræd is beset on all sides. So I must ask…what worth is some foul land in Wales compared to his throne?”
“They two are not exclusive of one another, my Lady,” Brice found his own grin. “His Grace would meet all claims on the field if any should wish to pursue them. He will most certainly continue his father’s attempts to the west…as he told us all before his coronation. And I might add, my Lady…that His Grace loves you most dearly. He would value your counsel at any time that you would wish to give it as your grandfather offered the great King Eadgar.”
Wulfrun raised a brow but gave over a smile, “Then very well, my Lord Mayor. Go forth and tell the King of my thanks for his gift. I may well write to him in future in the hopes that he will receive it well.”
“The King would love nothing more, my gracious Lady,” Brice bowed and backed from the room.
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That's worth more than a chest filled with jewels and, before we found out it was something else, almost certainly going to be a bible. Being that offended at being gifted one in public would not have been at all wise in this days...though being offended that you were being gifted a bible could have given her some points with the church if she'd put it differently, because they really didn't like private ownership of such things back then.
Still...a handwritten book that wasn't the bible would have been an incredibly intricate and time consuming gift to procure. To give it away as a present is a big deal, especially when it's about Eadwin. I realise she might have been putting on a face of being manly but only a barbarian would be that callous against such a gift.
I think Uthraed fortunate the young duchess does not think highly of Robert - and that she is yet to come of age. She certainly has an air of superiority about her. While she may not have a claim, given the huge amount of land she has, and that she likely has loyalty of the duchy after crushing that rebellion in "The Rightful King" I could see her causing quite a bit of faction trouble, if she wishes to. (Lower Crown Authority in the future?)
If Uthraed can, he really should marry his younger son to her. That has it's issues too, but those would be in the future and the crown can be strengthened in the meantime.
Or if not, I suppose the King's new second, Eadward, can feel important by trying to butter her up.
If Uthraed can, he really should marry his younger son to her. That has it's issues too, but those would be in the future and the crown can be strengthened in the meantime.
Or if not, I suppose the King's new second, Eadward, can feel important by trying to butter her up.
Certainly a precocious one, this young Wulfrun. She'll be worth keeping a close eye on.
That series has been out for quite a few months here. Not sure who shows it in the US?
What an excellent chapter, crackling with sniping. I rather like this Duchess from a characterisation perspective but, by god, she's going to cause some trouble. Are you playing her according to her character traits and if so what are they?
Small point of order: the Chancellor of Mercia is highly unlikely to have been titled 'Lord Chancellor' that would be reserved for the great offices of the realm.
Small point of order: the Chancellor of Mercia is highly unlikely to have been titled 'Lord Chancellor' that would be reserved for the great offices of the realm.
What an excellent chapter, crackling with sniping. I rather like this Duchess from a characterisation perspective but, by god, she's going to cause some trouble. Are you playing her according to her character traits and if so what are they?
Small point of order: the Chancellor of Mercia is highly unlikely to have been titled 'Lord Chancellor' that would be reserved for the great offices of the realm.
She's an aloof, arrogant smartass who has been raised and ruled over the greatest seat of power in the kingdom. Putting on airs as well would be perfectly in character. It seems that their old worry about Mercia going rouge is resurfacing under this duchess. She's clever, powerful and well-connected. If she snags a good marriage too (no reason to think why not), she will hands down be the first or second most powerful person in England. What she does with it will be of great interest, as well as if she manages to get a matrilineal marriage or not.
We had a lot of worries about Mercia in The Rightful King, but in fact they never had the will or the possibility to be a real threat.
Now, with Wulfrun, that may happen. Let's see when she comes of age, and with who she will ally.
I confirm that she will probably be my favorite.
Now, with Wulfrun, that may happen. Let's see when she comes of age, and with who she will ally.
I confirm that she will probably be my favorite.