Alfred's daughter Aethelflaed is married to the arrogant, scheming Mercian lord Aethelraed, for whom both Uhtred and Aethelwold have nothing but disdain. Aethelraed is also a bullying husband, casting doubt on his wife's fidelity, but he manages to secure influence with the king by persuading him that Uhtred is not to be trusted.
