Page 17 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

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 aman, my queen, she sees none of them. She was quite clear about that. The winter may mellowher, 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.

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