Judith tells him that she has "sinned in thought but not in deed." She confesses to dreaming of lying naked beside a man who is not her husband. Later, Judith finds Athelstan again and asks to confess to him as her regular confessor is not available. She kisses them before being interrupted by Æthelwulf, who is heading into battle with Ragnar and their men to reclaim Mercia. Judith grabs his hand anyways and sees the scars.
A flustered Athelstan does not want to show her his scars or let her kiss him, even if it is just on the hand. She intentionally seeks him out, asking to kiss his hand, saying that she was told that he was crucified and that the marks are still there. Judith develops a potentially dangerous crush on Athelstan. Though a dutiful wife, Judith is much more interested in Athelstan, the monk who accompanies Ragnar Lothbrok on peace negotiations between Ecbert and the Vikings. While not particularly happy about the marriage, they don't seem that displeased with it, as both grew up knowing that they would most likely marry for political reasons and not love.Ībout a year has passed since Judith and Æthelwulf married, and Judith has given birth to a son, Æthelred. Throughout these events, Judith and Æthelwulf are merely pawns in their fathers' plans. King Ecbert then suggests that Judith and his son Æthelwulf marry to form a stronger alliance. King Ælle is wary of the agreement because there is nothing to stop Ecbert from taking over his own, smaller kingdom. Ælle and Ecbert agreed that each kingdom would send troops to help defend the other, should the Northmen attack again.
Judith accompanies her parents, King Ælle and Queen Ealhswith, who have accepted an invitation to form an alliance with King Ecbert of Wessex, who seeks help resisting the advances of the invading Vikings.
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