Page 100 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

To my north, all was quiet, and Eddin was about to be happily married.

Everything in my head told me to feel happy for him. But my heart, like the sap in trees, was slow to move. I was pleased for him. It was just…

I shook my head.

He is happy. What more can I want?

I was about to go upstairs when Kamden called my name. “Queen Cartimandua?”

“Kamden?”

“My queen. Good news.”

“Good news?”

“The trader in the village said they had word of a cloth vendor with purple fabric in Gaul. As much as you want. They will be sure to send word when they hear more.”

I felt the blood drain from my cheeks.

“Thank you, Kamden.”

“My queen,” he said, then went on his way.

I reached out and set my hand on the stone wall to steady myself. Again? Was it possible? Was all this trade and development of Roman power in Gaul something more? Something bigger? Of course the southern tribes would not see it. Caratacus and Togodumnus had everyone distracted.

Corva, where are you?

I inhaled a long, slow breath.

The last time Rome had come, it had cost me my daughters’ lives to stop them. No one knew of that sacrifice but those closest to me. It didn’t matter how many times people told me that it was a coincidence, that children die sometimes, I knewdifferently. The girls I had saved from sacrifice had cost me my daughters.

If Rome was marching north, I would handle it differently. This time, I would wait and see. I would listen and think. This time, I would not be the one to bleed to protect this island.

But I would protect the Brigantes.

May the mountains themselves be with me.

CHAPTER 28

Islept poorly that night, wishing that Cormag was there. I clutched his pillow, feeling a deep loneliness in my chest. It was good that he’d gone to assist his mother and see to Damhan’s family. His people needed to see him there, remember that he was still Votadini, but now… Once more, the weight of the Brigantes was on me. I did not want to make a mistake again. I needed his help.

When the sun rose, I dragged myself out of bed and prepared for the day.

Hilda had set out my riding gear.

“You are riding for Isurium Brigantum?” Hilda asked, a nervous tremor in her voice. “Is all well, Queen Cartimandua?”

“For the moment, Hilda. But we must be watchful. The seasons are shifting again.”

“Those winds. Ill-omened. I swore they carried with them bad news.”

I paused. “Small fires will always need to be dampened. That is how we ensure the invisible wall around Brigantes lands remains intact.”

“You’re right, no doubt. Your father enjoyed a time of peace, but when I was a girl, Bellnorix led the Brigantes through manydark times. It’s only a shame that it has to be so again for you. I would see you and the king consort know a reign of peace.”

“As would I.”

“Are you sure you don’t need me to come?” Hilda asked for the hundredth time.

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