Page 14 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

“For the child?”

She nodded.

“Did you drink the same?”

Again, she nodded, tapped the bottle she’d set on the table, then departed. Nettle mewed at me once more before slipping out the door.

Feeling exhausted, I sat down on the side of my bed.

Just an hour…

I wanted just one hour before I had to return to the others.

Just one hour…

I woketo the sound of Corva sharpening her knife on a whetstone. I opened my eyes slowly to find her sitting at the table near my bed.

“What’s that?” she asked, gesturing to the decanter.

“Verbia gave it to me.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m… Well, because I’m?—”

“With child.”

I cocked an eyebrow at her. “You knew?”

“It’s my job to watch you, my queen. Of course, I knew. I was just waiting to see how long untilyouknew.” Corva slipped her knife into her belt. “They are gathering below. Conall was just here to fetch you. Your husband returned from the city along with Chieftain Aedan, the pair covered in mud and laughing. They are drinking below.”

I smiled, happy to know Cormag had been accepted by the young chieftain. I wanted my husband to feel like he had a place here. “Good.”

“I want your approval on something.”

I studied Corva. “Go ahead.”

“There is a girl, the daughter of one our priestesses. She was raised amongst us until her moon blood came upon her. Afterward, she chose to stay with her father and does not walk our path, although she honors the twin goddesses above all. She is trustworthy beyond a doubt and very skilled at sewing, fixing hair, and all ladies’ things.”

“I have no need for a maid. I have Hilda.”

“Not for you, my queen.”

“Then, for…”

“I spoke to Lady Flora. She said Princess Alys lamented offhandedly that no one at Luguvalium was skilled enough to attend her. Alys was looking for a girl in Rigodonum to employ. With your permission, I will ensure that Princess Alys finds Merda.”

“A spy.”

Corva nodded.

I paused for a moment. A ladies’ maid knew everything about her lady—including the more intimate details of a woman’s marriage. To spy on Alys was to spy on Venu. If he ever learned… I exhaled slowly. “Yes. See it done.”

“She is not the only one I have identified for such tasks. You were wise to send eyes to Gaul after your vision. But Gaul and the Carvetti are not your only concerns. My queen, I advise you to build a network of eyes—everywhere.”

“My own murder of crows?”

“In every court, friend or foe, north and south. Know what the other tribes are doing—all of them. Know who loves whom, who hates whom, weaknesses, and loyalties. Know it all. Môd and Onnen have a far reach, but in those courts where druids rule, we are blind. Do not be blind.”

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