Page 15 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

“You advise me rightly.”

“Do not tell your chieftains. Even those most loyal to you must be watched. And when spring comes, the Brigantes shouldestablish trade with the Romans in Gaul. Send ships and men, the same names and faces, repeatedly, so our people become unremarkable—just another group of traders from the far-flung island across Ocean.”

“That will take considerable silver.”

“You are wealthy, Cartimandua. What better use for silver than information and protection? And haven’t you recently acquired many new lands and people? Levy an increase of taxes here and there, not so much the people complain, but enough to pay for that murder of crows.”

I smirked at her. “Very well. See it done.”

Corva nodded. “And you should know, my queen, you are not the only ruler keeping watch. The Votadini have a spy serving as a groom in your stables.”

“Are you certain?”

“I am your chief crow.”

“Who?”

“Kenneth.”

“But he’s been with my family for years.”

“Which means Queen Mael Muire plays this game very well.”

“Does Cormag know?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Perhaps I should take time to learn from my husband’s mother.”

Corva laughed, and then her gaze went to my stomach. “I have filled your ears with tales of cloaks and daggers but not congratulations. I am happy for you. May Brigantia bless and watch over you and your little one.”

“Thank you, Corva. For everything.”

A knock at the door interrupted us there. “Queen Cartimandua?” Hilda called.

“I will see to Merda now. Alys will be so relieved to find the perfect maid,” Corva told me with a grin.

I chuckled. Turning back, I called, “Come,” to Hilda.

Hilda blustered within. “My queen,” Hilda said, sounding winded. “I’ve been looking for you all over. You should change before dinner.”

I looked down at my dress. “But I’m perfectly content with this gown.”

Hilda stared at me. “But you have the full court here, my queen.”

“Well, I don’t think that the laundry?—”

“Queen Cartimandua,” Hilda said, using the same exasperated tone she used when I was a girl. “The other ladieswillchange their gowns and be pretty as roses tonight. Ystradwel saw you properly dressed, but you were just a girl and paid it no mind. Now, you are queen. The musicians play in your hall, and the richest food is being prepared. I’ve just sent Kamden to fetch your husband, who had mud to his knees from chasing after dogs. I know little about ruling, my queen, but I know pageantry. And tonight, you must remind them you are queen. Now, which gown shall we choose?”

Corva smirked at me. “I’m leaving.”

“Abandoning me in my time of need? Some help you are.”

“Oh, I think you have all the help you need here,” Corva replied with a wink, then departed.

“Well, let’s get started,” Hilda said, and then, after eyeing me up and down, attacked.

The maid wasbusy lacing me into a scarlet-colored gown when a mud-splattered Cormag appeared.

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