Page 84 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

“No. I have not permitted it. There will be a feast in our daughter’s honor at midday, but that is all. And we do not have to attend.”

Moving off with our guard, we made our way away from the field where the girls were buried to the plain above. There, I saw that many tents had been erected. This was where the chieftains and others had come to make camp.

Feeling empty, we made our way to the tent that flew the black-and-white banners of the Brigantes. Cormag led me inside, away from the crowd, and to a chair by the fire. “I will find us something to drink,” he told me, then disappeared.

Corva appeared a few moments later. I looked up at her, realizing she had dark circles under her eyes. “Cartimandua, what do you want me to tell the others? Many wish to give their condolences.”

“I will join them midday,” I said flatly.

Corva nodded. “Very well, my queen,” she said, then departed.

Cormag returned a few moments later, ales in his hand. He handed me a mug, then moved his chair beside mine and took my hand. We sat in complete silence, feeling like our world had shifted from under us.

Feelinglike little more than a ghost, Cormag and I joined the others in a massive tent on the game fields. There, all thechieftains and royals had joined together. The scent of roasting meat made my stomach feel nauseous. When we entered the tent. The servants stilled, and those gathered grew silent.

Cormag and I walked to the front of the space.

I rolled my shoulders back, cleared my throat, and then met Cormag’s gaze.

He nodded to me.

I turned to the crowd. “Brigantes and dear friends. Thank you all for coming today to honor Regan and Aelith. Cormag and I thank you for joining us at this difficult moment. To see your faces, here to give love and support… We are truly honored by your enduring friendship. We have lost and the wound is deep, but the stars still shine overhead. We will grieve, and we will carry forth. And we do in gratitude for your love and honor. Thank you.”

The crowd called out to us…

“Condolences, my queen, king consort…”

“Our deep sorrows, Queen Cartimandua and King Consort Cormag.”

“May the goddesses be with you both.”

I gestured for the servants to serve the meal, then took my seat at the head of the table. Cormag sat at my side, his mother beside him. Mael Muire took his hand, then leaned toward him, kissing him on the side of his head.

Taking a steadying breath, I turned and looked at Eddin, who sat on my other side.

Eddin met and held my gaze. Saying nothing, he reached for my hand but paused when he saw the bandages. Instead, he set his hand on my forearm. “May Brigantia bring you comfort,” he whispered to me.

Swallowing hard, I nodded, willing the tears welling in my eyes not to fall.

But I failed.

I dashed the hot tears from my cheeks, lifted my goblet, and sat back in my seat, half-listening as the others spoke. Finally, my eyes settled on Ystradwel. She looked far thinner than the last time I had seen her but was still as beautiful as ever. She was deep in conversation with Lord Gregor. The lord, noting my gaze, whispered to Ystradwel, who turned to me.

“Cartimandua,” she said softly.

“I am glad to see you again after all this time, Lady Ystradwel.”

“I am sorry I could not come sooner,” she said sincerely. “My queen… I have no words for your loss.”

“Nor I, Ystradwel, but I am glad to see you,” I told her, then looked at those closest to me. “All of you,” I told them, my gaze settling on Venu.

The others lifted their cups in toast, answering me in kind, but Venu smiled softly at me, his glance warm and full of sympathy.

I sat back in my seat once more and remained in silence, watching as the others ate and drank. The servants filled my plate, but I could not eat.

“Cartimandua, will you not try something?” Corva, standing protectively behind me, whispered in my ear.

I shook my head. “My head aches.”

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