Page 26 of Queen of the Hollow Hills (Eagles and Crows #3)

CHAPTER 25

T he years following Regan’s and Aelith’s deaths were years of silence. For once, the Brigantes had some semblance of peace. While Corva was never able to identify the would-be assassin, no further attempts had been made on my life. Aside from some grumbling by a Parisii chieftain, brother of Chieftain Baglan whom we had relieved of his head during our war with the Parisii, everything remained oddly quiet.

At least in the north.

South of Brigantes lands, the world burned.

My crows watched as the south twisted and plotted.

While King Cunobelinus of the Catuvellauni had been killed in battle, the sons of the Catuvellauni king, Caratacus and Togodumnus, carried forth their father’s plan to take control of the south. Lands that had once been Atrebates and Trinovantes were entirely under their control. Now, the Belgae and Regnenses tribes were under attack from the ambitious Catuvellauni brothers. Everywhere I looked to the south of me, I saw war and plotting. The Northern Iceni heir, Prince Caturix, had married a Coritani princess, Lady Melusine. And there were whispers that soon, Caratacus would marry one of the daughters of the Northern Iceni king. The ancient king of the Greater Iceni, too, had died, leaving his son, Prasutagus, to take the throne.

In Gaul, the Romans were on the move once more. Caligula was dead, replaced by the more ambitious, and sane, Emperor Claudius. Claudius’s ambitions in Gaul seemed less focused on expansion and more on wealth and trade. He built ports and ships for trade and commerce. I should have cared more, but the truth was, my heart was still hard over the deaths of my daughters. While Corva tried to keep me abreast of the news, I listened less to the movements of Rome. I simply did not have the heart to bother with Romans. So, when Corva mentioned that our operatives in Gaul had been oddly silent during the early spring of 43 AD, I couldn’t manifest the will to care.

My eyes were better served close to home where a cloud hung over the Setantii. My crows were not clear on what was happening, but Lord Gregor was on the move. I had sent more spies to uncover the cause, but so far, they had turned up empty-handed—or not at all, leaving Corva and I both wondering if the slick lord had found them out and done dark deeds.

Perhaps, after all these years of being frustrated with me for not supporting King Aengus, Lord Gregor had decided to annex himself.

Part of me would be glad to see him go, but only because it would give me the excuse to do what I had been wanting to do for years—annex the lord from his life.

“I will go and seek answers myself,” Corva said, sounding frustrated. “Something is afoot.”

“Gregor is either moving to join Aengus or usurp Ystradwel. We must know the truth,” I agreed.

With that, Corva rode out.

Very soon, I hoped to have answers.

On a warm spring morning, not long from Beltane, I was in my workroom looking over some notes when there was a commotion in the yard. I looked out my window to see riders carrying Eddin’s banners.

Smiling, I moved to smooth down the dark blue gown I was wearing, the dress trimmed with a deep red hem and collar, only to discover my fingers were covered in coal. I worked quickly, trying to clean them, but it was little use. Adjusting my long braid—and feeling sorry I had not let Hilda fix my hair—I made my way downstairs to greet the king.

Rolling my shoulders back and adjusting my posture, I linked my hands behind my back and approached Eddin as he dismounted.

He looked very well, his cheeks red from the ride.

“Cartimandua,” he called in greeting but wore an odd, almost nervous expression. He looked away, as if steeling himself.

“Eddin, you are very welcome in Rigodonum. I am sorry to share that Cormag is with his mother in Din Eidyn. You have just missed him.”

“Is all well with Mael Muire?”

“There was a fire in one of the northern villages. Damhan’s parents lost their farm. The Votadini have gone to help with the rebuilding. Come inside. You will be parched,” I said then turned to Conall.

“I will see to his men, my queen,” Conall, who had just joined us, said. “Welcome, King Eddin.”

“Thank you, Conall.”

Giving Conall a grateful smile, I led Eddin inside. Kamden met me when I reached the door of my workroom.

“Kamden, ale for King Eddin, please.”

“My queen,” Kamden replied then added, “I will have the kitchens prepare a feast for the Dardani for dinner.”

“No need, good friend,” Eddin told Kamden. “I… I am only passing through.”

“Very well,” Kamden said then disappeared.

Puzzled, I opened the door to my workroom and led Eddin inside.

“I am glad to see you,” I told Eddin, “but surprised. It is early spring yet.”

“Yes, I… Well, I have been meaning to come since fall, it’s just… Well, I just… I wanted… I am glad to see you well, Cartimandua,” Eddin said, awkwardly.

Confused, I sat and bid him to do the same. Kamden arrived a short time later with a tray on which he brought a pitcher of ale, mugs, bread, cheese, and salted meat. After pouring us both a mug, he departed.

Eddin took a deep drink then exhaled deeply. “The ale in Rigodonum is like no other. And I have been dreaming of these,” he said, picking up a round of bread and taking a bite.

“Is all well in Dardani lands?” I asked.

“Yes,” he said, his mouth full. “I have already had two ships to éire and back this spring. Trade is going well, and I hope to travel there myself one day.”

“That’s very good. And your Brigantes neighbors?”

“Ystradwel is quiet. I hear nothing from the Setantii. The Carvetti pilfer my cattle and sheep whenever they get the chance. I have hung more than one Carvetti man already this year. Venu and I have exchanged messengers, coming to terms regarding the problem. It has been enough to prevent us exchanging blades.”

“I hope you will let me intervene if it ever comes to that.”

“Of course.”

“Is there anything else the matter? You said you are here but briefly.”

“I… I am… I will… I am passing through to Isurium Brigantum.”

I paused, my stomach clenching oddly. “Oh?” I asked, trying to sound at ease. It was not a secret that Eddin had visited Lady Amma on several occasions in the years since my daughters’ deaths. Since nothing had ever come of it, I had put all thoughts of the matter aside. But now…

“Carti,” Eddin said, setting his drink and break aside. “I… I don’t know how to go about this. Not so long ago, in this very fort, I told you things that were better left unsaid.”

“Eddin, you don’t?—”

“No, I must. I…” he said then sighed deeply. “I am ashamed of myself. I swore to you that I would love no other but you until the day I died. And if I must confess it now, I do love you still, Cartimandua. As much as flowers love the rain and sunshine. You will always be in my heart, but you have a life with Cormag. I want this for you. I thought I would be content to be on my own, to love you from afar, but then, I…rather, unexpectedly, I…”

“You fell in love with Amma.”

Eddin stared at me. “You know?”

I smiled lightly and laced my fingers together so Eddin would not see my hands shake. Willing myself to be still, I asked, “You ride to ask for her hand?”

“Yes. I would marry her at Beltane.”

For a moment, I felt like I could not breathe. “You do not need my approval, Eddin.”

“No, but I wanted to tell you myself. I believe—no, I know—she will agree. I would like to take her back to Barrow and wed in a small ceremony with just the druids. She is a Brigantes lady. As such, I would have your approval. But as your friend, I need your blessing, Carti.”

“More than anything, I wish you to be happy, Eddin. I love you, my friend. I would see you with a wife and children, and Lady Amma is beautiful, wise, and talented. It is a good match.”

“You think so?”

“I do.”

Eddin rose. “Then I will ride south now, with your blessing.”

“You have it.”

“Thank you, Carti,” Eddin said excitedly then rose to go. He took two steps to the door then paused, came back, kissed me on the cheek, adding, “Thank you,” once more. He grabbed the rest of his bread, then departed.

I sat staring in his wake, my mind tripping over itself as my thoughts came in a flurry. I listened to the commotion outside and a few minutes later, the sound of horses as Eddin rode off.

To wed.

I closed my eyes, feeling a pinch of pain in my temples.

I am happy for him.

I am.

I really am.

But if I was, why did my heart carry so much sorrow?