Page 64 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

Corva stroked Regan’s hand. “I am sorry to leave you so long. You have had troubles here while you should be resting with your little ones, and I have not been here to help.”

“You traveled to Gaul to keep us safe, Corva. I cannot chide you for that. After all, you did leave me Fabius.”

Corva chuckled, but then reached out for a chair to steady herself.

“You are swaying on your feet. Go. Rest. I will send for you when the priestesses arrive.”

“We have much work to do and much to catch up on. This news from the Setantii has me concerned.”

“Concern yourself with your bed. The rest can wait.”

“It cannot, and we both know it, but I will go all the same. Call for me when they arrive.”

I nodded.

Corva departed.

Gently taking Regan from the sling, I lay her down beside her sister. She fussed a little, then cuddled in beside Aelith, her hand on Aelith’s cheek. I set my hands on the side of the bassinet as my mind whirled. Rome was coming, and the south was sleeping.

What to do next…

The Catuvellauni had torn the southern kingdoms apart. They warred with one another and were blind to everythingcoming their way. Was I, one queen far to the north, responsible to save them from their folly? But it wasn’t them who needed saving, because if Rome managed to get a single foothold on this island, the past told what would become of us. Like pegs in a row, if one of us tumbled, we could all fall.

And I would do anything to keep the Brigantes safe.

Anything…

I looked down at my daughters.

Anything but endanger those I loved the most. And to keep them safe, I would risk it all.

Leaving them, I went to Greer’s chamber.

“My queen?”

“Will you keep an eye on the girls for a time? There is something I must attend to.”

Greer nodded. “Of course. Heather just went down for a nap anyway.”

I smiled and set my hand on her arm. “Thank you,” I told her, and then I departed.

Making my way from my bedchamber, I went to Fabius’s room at the end of the hall.

“Fabius?” I called, knocking.

He opened the door, revealing that he was wearing nothing but a robe and some odd cap with a tassel hanging over his ear. “Queen Cartimandua?” he asked, looking confused. “I was about to take a bath. Is anything the matter?”

“I need you to tell me everything you know about Caligula.”

Fabius paused, reading my expression. “Come in,” he said, stepping aside. “I think better in the water anyway.”

“Fabius,” I said as I entered.

With that, he merely laughed and then closed the door behind us.

CHAPTER 18

The return of Corva and her news stirred the world around us. By luck, Cormag arrived a few hours later, covered in mud and looking exhausted. When I told him Corva’s message, he became as still as stone.

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