Chapter 5 Summary

After the Archbishop manages to manipulate the Council by way of the "miracle" that occurs during the second Council's meeting, there is no time wasted in crowning Edward. Since Queen Alfrida is no blood relation to Edward, she loses her status and is then referred to as "Old Lady". The newly crowned King Edward immediately sends his body Thane, Gunner, to inform her that this would be a good time to consider retirement from the court. He asks which property she would prefer to have as her Dower House.

Earl Alfhere overrules Alfrida's insistence that Ethelred not attend the coronation since she has been snubbed. Alfhere insists, and in a moment of rage Alfrida lashes out, hitting Alfhere in the face with all of her strength. He deals with her behavior swiftly by brutally raping her. Then he suggests that Alfrida go to...