Page 6 of Queen of the Hollow Hills (Eagles and Crows #3)

CHAPTER 5

I left the workroom and returned to my bedchamber only to find Nettle following me.

“And what are you up to?” I asked the cat, who merely mewed at me.

I was not surprised when I opened the door to find Verbia waiting inside. She was half-dozing in a chair, a bundle of knitting in her hands. The door did not wake her, but Nettle’s meow announcing our arrival did.

Verbia woke. Seeing me there, she rose.

“Verbia?”

She went to my bedside table and poured me a cup of a yellowish-colored liquid from an unfamiliar decanter.

I joined her.

She handed the cup to me.

I smelled the liquid, not recognizing the contents of the brew.

Verbia frowned at me, gesturing for me to drink.

“For the child?”

She nodded.

“Did you drink the same?”

Again, she nodded, tapped the bottle she’d set on the table, then departed. Nettle mewed at me once more before slipping out the door.

Feeling exhausted, I sat down on the side of my bed.

Just an hour…

I wanted just one hour before I had to return to the others.

Just one hour…

I woke to the sound of Corva sharpening her knife on a whetstone. I opened my eyes slowly to find her sitting at the table near my bed.

“What’s that?” she asked, gesturing to the decanter.

“Verbia gave it to me.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m… Well, because I’m?—”

“With child.”

I cocked an eyebrow at her. “You knew?”

“It’s my job to watch you, my queen. Of course, I knew. I was just waiting to see how long until you knew.” Corva slipped her knife into her belt. “They are gathering below. Conall was just here to fetch you. Your husband returned from the city along with Chieftain Aedan, the pair covered in mud and laughing. They are drinking below.”

I smiled, happy to know Cormag had been accepted by the young chieftain. I wanted my husband to feel like he had a place here. “Good.”

“I want your approval on something.”

I studied Corva. “Go ahead.”

“There is a girl, the daughter of one our priestesses. She was raised amongst us until her moon blood came upon her. Afterward, she chose to stay with her father and does not walk our path, although she honors the twin goddesses above all. She is trustworthy beyond a doubt and very skilled at sewing, fixing hair, and all ladies’ things.”

“I have no need for a maid. I have Hilda.”

“Not for you, my queen.”

“Then, for…”

“I spoke to Lady Flora. She said Princess Alys lamented offhandedly that no one at Luguvalium was skilled enough to attend her. Alys was looking for a girl in Rigodonum to employ. With your permission, I will ensure that Princess Alys finds Merda.”

“A spy.”

Corva nodded.

I paused for a moment. A ladies’ maid knew everything about her lady—including the more intimate details of a woman’s marriage. To spy on Alys was to spy on Venu. If he ever learned… I exhaled slowly. “Yes. See it done.”

“She is not the only one I have identified for such tasks. You were wise to send eyes to Gaul after your vision. But Gaul and the Carvetti are not your only concerns. My queen, I advise you to build a network of eyes—everywhere.”

“My own murder of crows?”

“In every court, friend or foe, north and south. Know what the other tribes are doing— all of them . Know who loves whom, who hates whom, weaknesses, and loyalties. Know it all. M?d and Onnen have a far reach, but in those courts where druids rule, we are blind. Do not be blind.”

“You advise me rightly.”

“Do not tell your chieftains. Even those most loyal to you must be watched. And when spring comes, the Brigantes should establish trade with the Romans in Gaul. Send ships and men, the same names and faces, repeatedly, so our people become unremarkable—just another group of traders from the far-flung island across Ocean.”

“That will take considerable silver.”

“You are wealthy, Cartimandua. What better use for silver than information and protection? And haven’t you recently acquired many new lands and people? Levy an increase of taxes here and there, not so much the people complain, but enough to pay for that murder of crows.”

I smirked at her. “Very well. See it done.”

Corva nodded. “And you should know, my queen, you are not the only ruler keeping watch. The Votadini have a spy serving as a groom in your stables.”

“Are you certain?”

“I am your chief crow.”

“Who?”

“Kenneth.”

“But he’s been with my family for years.”

“Which means Queen Mael Muire plays this game very well.”

“Does Cormag know?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Perhaps I should take time to learn from my husband’s mother.”

Corva laughed, and then her gaze went to my stomach. “I have filled your ears with tales of cloaks and daggers but not congratulations. I am happy for you. May Brigantia bless and watch over you and your little one.”

“Thank you, Corva. For everything.”

A knock at the door interrupted us there. “Queen Cartimandua?” Hilda called.

“I will see to Merda now. Alys will be so relieved to find the perfect maid,” Corva told me with a grin.

I chuckled. Turning back, I called, “Come,” to Hilda.

Hilda blustered within. “My queen,” Hilda said, sounding winded. “I’ve been looking for you all over. You should change before dinner.”

I looked down at my dress. “But I’m perfectly content with this gown.”

Hilda stared at me. “But you have the full court here, my queen.”

“Well, I don’t think that the laundry?—”

“Queen Cartimandua,” Hilda said, using the same exasperated tone she used when I was a girl. “The other ladies will change their gowns and be pretty as roses tonight. Ystradwel saw you properly dressed, but you were just a girl and paid it no mind. Now, you are queen. The musicians play in your hall, and the richest food is being prepared. I’ve just sent Kamden to fetch your husband, who had mud to his knees from chasing after dogs. I know little about ruling, my queen, but I know pageantry. And tonight, you must remind them you are queen. Now, which gown shall we choose?”

Corva smirked at me. “I’m leaving.”

“Abandoning me in my time of need? Some help you are.”

“Oh, I think you have all the help you need here,” Corva replied with a wink, then departed.

“Well, let’s get started,” Hilda said, and then, after eyeing me up and down, attacked.

The maid was busy lacing me into a scarlet-colored gown when a mud-splattered Cormag appeared.

He eyed me over, then smirked. “Your guard sent me up,” he told me.

“We are to primp,” I replied.

Cormag huffed a laugh.

“You need a proper attendant, King Consort,” Hilda scolded him, leaving me for a moment to go to Cormag’s trunk from which she withdrew a shirt, vest, and trousers—after huffing in frustration after going through and discarding several shirts before finding one suitable. “And a tailor,” she added. “Old Ulixes looked after your father, Queen Cartimandua, but I have no place to look after the consort. Kamden is doing well enough, but he has no experience looking after a king. With your permission, I will find you someone,” she told Cormag, who looked like a wild thing caught in a trap. He looked to me for help.

“Either we find someone or you can let Hilda assist you. She is very deft at scrubbing behind one’s ears.”

Cormag shifted. “I will arrange it.”

“Good,” Hilda said as she shook out a doublet. “Those buckles need polishing,” she told him, gesturing to his clothing, then rejoined me, pulling the strings on my bodice. “Too much on your plate at dinner. You’ll need this let out by midwinter if you keep at it,” she said, then tied the bindings tight, leaving me gasping. “Now sit, and I’ll put up your hair.”

Knowing when Hilda was not to be trifled with, I sat and let her work while Cormag redressed. Hilda pulled my long black locks in a fanciful bun and trimmed them with a silver comb with red stones.

She stood before me, looked me over, then nodded, satisfied with her work.

Cormag appeared again, tucking in his shirt as he came around from his dressing curtain. Like a mother hen, Hilda went to help him, tucking in the tail of his shirt and adjusting the laces on his doublet.

The expression on Cormag’s face was priceless. I smothered a laugh behind my hand.

When she was done, Hilda nodded. “Now, be off with you.”

At that, Cormag joined me and quickly ushered me from the room.

“Did she do that just to ensure I obtained a footman?”

“I have no doubt.”

We both laughed.

“Then make haste, Husband,” I told him. “Or Hilda will be at you for a shave.”

“May the gods come between me and her blade.”

The great hall was festively adorned. Tapers had been lit, and colorful bundles of late autumn wildflowers decorated the table. Musicians sat in one corner of the room playing. A feast was being set out. I smelled roasting boar and venison, and my nose also picked up the scents of blackberries and honey. Had the kitchens made cakes?

Kamden met Cormag and me at the door. “All is ready, my queen, King Consort.”

“Thank you, Kamden.”

Cormag whistled to the dogs, motioning for them to take their favorite spot out of the way. Fergus went reluctantly, giving me long, sorrowful looks for being banished.

“Poor pup,” I said with a laugh.

“You stole my dog as you stole my heart.”

“Perhaps it is not me he’s looking after,” I replied, setting my hand on my stomach and giving my husband a knowing look.

“He is Votadini. Of course he has the foresight to watch over you both.”

“Cormag.” Aedan, who was also cleaned up, waved for my husband to join him. “Come. Let us tell Andoc of our misadventures .”

“Misadventures?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at my husband.

“There was a bet. I lost. I may need to go to Isurium Brigantum to pay my dues. I’ll tell you later,” he said.

I chuckled but then noticed Lady Flora coming my way.

Cormag gave me a knowing look then departed.

Lady Flora, prettily dressed in a plum-colored gown, joined me. “Everyone whispered that the so-called ‘Bastard Prince’ was a sullen man, but he glows like a new bridegroom at your side, Queen Cartimandua.”

“You think?”

“I know.” She smiled, linked her arm with mine, and guided me away from the others, making it like we would go closer to the fire. “Permission to speak frankly, my queen?”

“Of course.”

“The day was a success. As you suspected, Princess Alys has the ears of a hare. She is not to be trusted, my queen. Perhaps if her marriage was one of love, then maybe, but the princess has little good to say about her husband.

“Oh?” I asked, feeling a hard knot form in the pit of my stomach.

“She thought she was marrying a prince. Now, she has wed a man beholden to her father’s enemy.”

“But Venutiux is?—”

“No matter his qualities as a man , my queen, she sees none of them. She was quite clear about that. The winter may mellow her, but if you trust Venutiux, advise him not to confide in his wife. And if you do not trust him…”

“I understand. Thank you, Lady Flora. I appreciate your loyalty.”

“I am glad to be of service, my queen.”

“And the other ladies?”

“They are Brigantes through and through, my queen. For the most part, we mourned your mother together. She was popular with the ladies and much beloved.”

“I am glad she is well-remembered amongst them,” I replied, feeling the pinch of my conflicted feelings.

“The blame falls on Gallmaul, not on dear Morfudd,” Lady Flora told me, seemingly reading my expression.

I gave her a soft smile. “Thank you.”

“My queen,” she said, giving me a light curtsy, then rejoining her husband.

I made my way through the room, pausing to meet with all the other chieftains and their wives before finally returning to Cormag. I felt exhausted. All I wanted to do was eat and go to bed.

I gestured to Kamden.

The housecarl signaled to the musicians and footmen, and soon, everyone was ushered to the table to dine.

I slipped into my seat, Cormag joining me. He eyed me carefully.

“Are you all right?” he whispered.

“Only tired.”

“It will be done soon.” Cormag took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“So, what have you and Aedan been up to?”

Cormag gestured for Aedan to join us, and soon, a tale unfolded about a cross-eyed puppy, a pile of fish guts, and a race, which Cormag lost.

“Unfortunately, Brodi and Damhan were part of the deal as well. So, now we are all beholden to aid Chieftain Aedan with his building at Isurium Brigantum,” Cormag said, giving his friends an apologetic look, “if that is agreeable to you,” he added, turning to me.

“I would not deny the chieftain his win of cheap labor,” I replied. “But don’t be gone too long. It grows cold, and I’m told a husband is a good bed warmer,” I replied with a wink, making the others laugh.

Down the table, however, I saw Venu frown.

The night passed pleasantly enough. The chieftains talked of the winter to come, but their worries seemed quelled. Alys and Venu did not speak to one another, each keeping company with others around them. I felt sorry for Venu. Alys had never wanted him , and now that she had him, she was not interested in learning who he really was. My heart ached for him.

Late that night, when the hall was beginning to quiet and the others looked ready for bed, I rose. “Brigantes,” I called. “Our festivities have come to a close. I wish you all safe travels and a quiet and peaceful winter. May the twin goddesses watch over you all and all the Brigantes.”

The others gave a cheer and then slowly prepared to depart, wishing one another farewell one last time.

I turned to Cormag. “I will take the servants’ way up to the chambers. I am tired beyond reason and do not wish to make conversation.”

“Should I come?”

I glanced at Brodi, Damhan, and Aedan, who were gathered and looking like they wanted to drink and talk late into the night. “Linger with the others, if you wish. I will be asleep as soon as I close my eyes anyway.”

Cormag chuckled. “I’ll find you soon.”

“Don’t let Aedan talk you into another bet. He’s been known to cheat,” I said loud enough for the young chieftain to hear.

“My queen!” Aedan said with mock offense.

I chuckled and turned back to Cormag. Setting my hand on his cheek, I smiled, then turned and made my way from the hall, glad that the night was over. As I went, I looked over my shoulder at Venu. He was leaving the hall, his men with him. His wife walked before him with the other ladies, laughing and joking and ignoring her husband completely.

With a heavy sigh, I scanned the room for Corva. Not seeing her, I set off.

My hand went to my stomach. The ceremony and pageantry were finally done. It was time for me and the future of the Brigantes to rest.