Page 99 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

“How much grumbling?”

“Like old men reminiscing the wars of their youth. Chieftain Venutiux has proven loyal, my queen. The Carvetti chieftain has made it very clear that they live in a new reality. No word is spoken against your majesty in the halls of Luguvalium that is not met with forceful condemnation.”

“And outside Venutiux’s ears?”

“Grumbling, but no plotting.”

“What about plotting against Venutiux? Is there any move to remove him?”

“No, my queen. The man has a way with the people. He has done much to improve their lives. Of course, his father ignored all signs of famine and poverty, so the people would appreciate any move. But Venutiux has worked hard to better things for the Carvetti, so they are loyal to him—no matter how much his retainers grumble about how things used to be. The chieftain always credits your majesty for making the betterment of their lives possible—much to his wife’s annoyance.”

“And Princess Alys… what news of her?”

“Miserable creature. Waspish to her servants. Hates her husband and curses him to her maid whenever she has a chance.”

“Then there is no heir for the Carvetti?”

“No. The princess and the chieftain keep separate bedchambers, and…” He paused a moment.

“And?”

“Excuse me for saying it, but the lady prefers her groomsman to her husband.”

“I see,” I said, frowning.Aye, Venutiux. I am sorry for you.

“And news from further north? The Caledonians? My other northern neighbors?”

“Queen Moirin has her tribe under control after a time of hardship. And for once, the Caledonian lords are quiet and in agreement with one another.”

“And the Dardani?”

“King Eddin brought Lady Amma to Barrow. They will marry on Beltane. The king and lady get along well, and the people like her. The Dardani work hard to recuperate their fields and orchards. King Eddin has developed a trade agreement with the kings of Éire.”

“Very good. Thank you, Tree,” I told him, gesturing to Conall to hand the man a small bag of silver.

“I will ride north again soon, my queen. But I sense there is aught afoot here.”

“There are forces at work I do not see, so keep our eyes in the north watching everywhere. If there is any sign of something wrong, even something small, we need to hear it.”

“My queen.” The man bowed to me, picked up an empty crate, then departed.

After he left, I exhaled deeply.

“What is it, Cartimandua?” Conall asked.

“I am warned of troubles I cannot see, cannot find. Has Bors come?” I asked, referring to the man who saw to my eyes in the west.

“No, my queen. And I have not seen him these many weeks.”

“And Corva as well. And nothing from the south aside from the accursed Parisii.”

“It is early spring. Men, like the sap in trees, are slow to move. Perhaps what you are warned of has not yet taken shape.”

My chest grew tight, and a pounding in my temples took hold. “Maybe.”

“It grows late, my queen. You have been in your workroom all day. You ride in the morning. Sleep, Cartimandua. I will wake you if there is any news.”

“Very well. Thank you, Conall,” I said, then left the room.

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