Posted by: @lorcap

↑

@kidneysnatcher can you be more specific? Like whats the dynamic

• Role: Judith is the daughter of King Ælle of Northumbria. She is married to Æthelwulf of Wessex for political alliance.
• Marital Discontent: Their marriage is an arranged, loveless one. Judith finds Æthelwulf to be a rigid and dull man, which contributes to her feeling trapped in her life as a princess.
• Prior Affair: Judith first has an affair with the monk Athelstan, with whom she has a son, Alfred. King Ecbert protects Judith and the child from severe punishment for adultery (such as having her ears and nose cut off), claiming the child is "holy". This places Judith in a position of obligation to Ecbert. 

• Protection and Survival: King Ecbert vows to protect Judith and her son, Alfred (who is actually Athelstan's son), who might otherwise have been killed for being illegitimate. Ecbert uses this protection to manipulate Judith into becoming his mistress, as a "price" for his favor.
• Desire for Power and Freedom: The arrangement gives Judith a significant amount of influence and freedom that she would not have had as only Æthelwulf's wife. Ecbert promises her that her son will inherit the kingdom over Æthelwulf, giving her a direct path to power and ensuring her lineage's future.
• Mutual Affection: While the relationship begins due to manipulation, they form a genuine connection and Judith develops a form of love for Ecbert. Being with the powerful king allows her to break free from traditional gender roles and pursue her own interests.