The Danes and the King of Mercia

About half of the Anglican that Edward was claiming to have dominion over were currently living under Danish rule. The Danes were in control of the northeastern Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and they divided the lands amongst themselves. Athlered and Athleflad ruled Mercia, but they were still subject to Edward. So it looks like the bargain they reached was similar to earlier hegemones that we've seen during the Heptarchy.