Page 24 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

“We crows love our trinkets,” Cormag told me. “It is the tradition in Din Eidyn to gift small goods to the children. Would you mind if I arranged such a thing in Rigodonum as well? As a child, I remember it being my favorite part of the holiday.”

I set my hand on Cormag’s cheek. “I love that idea.”

Cormag kissed my forehead and then nodded. “I will ask Kamden to help me see to it.”

“And I will go rest unless I am needed otherwise,” I told Corva and Cormag.

“We have things well in hand, my queen,” Corva reassured me. “I even saw Hilda hurrying off with new fabric, Fabius right behind her, chattering on about scarves or bells or something. I am not the only one spending your silver.”

At that, I laughed then went on my way.

Fergus followed along beside me. Since the arrival of the new residents in my womb, the dog had become my constant companion, which wasn’t a problem unless Nettle was around. This was why, when I reached the door to Verbia’s door, I left the dog behind with guards.

I found Verbia sleeping inside, Nettle curled up on the bed at her feet.

I paused momentarily, waiting to see the rise and fall of her chest. She looked so tiny in her bed. She had grown so frail, so small. Winter was hard on us all, but Verbia… No one remembered a person living as long as she had.

Going to her bedside, I sat gently, patting Nettle’s head and watching Verbia sleep. When she did not wake, I went to the fire,added more wood, and lay another skin on her, pausing to kiss her cheek on my way from the room.

Still, she slept soundly. Nettle stretched out, her sleek black coat only interrupted by the briefest glimpse of her pink toes.

I slipped out of the room, finding Fergus and my guard waiting. We returned to my bedchamber, Fergus following along protectively as I went to the bed and pulled off my boots.

“Planning to watch over me, eh? Don’t mind the little people of the hollow hills. They do seem to creep about more these days,” I said, giving the dog a pat and lying down, my hand on my round stomach.

I closed my eyes, my mind whirling with all that still needed to be done for the Yule festival. But soon, those thoughts grew quiet. The children in my womb stirred softly, the same sensation much like when I carried butterflies in my hands as a child.

As I drifted off to sleep, an image came to my mind.

In Dardani lands, Eddin would hold Yule court for the first time in ages. I imagined him there, dressed in furs and an emerald-green tunic, his red hair like a holly berry, making him look like the god Cernunnos himself. He would sit on his throne, laughing merrily and playing his lyre…summoning the fertile queen of spring, a fair maiden dressed in violet, flowers decorating her long, black tresses.

I woke laterthat night when Cormag joined me.

“Cormag?” I whispered softly.

“I’m sorry, my blackthorn queen,” he whispered, pulling me close and setting his hand on my stomach. “I did not mean to wake you.”

“Your hands are cold,” I whispered. “Would you turn our children’s hair pale with frost?”

Cormag chuckled, pulled his hands back to blow on them, then pulled me close once more.

“I should get up. There is work to be done,” I whispered.

“No, my queen. Everything has been attended to, and it is very late.”

“What have you been busy with?” I asked.

I could feel Cormag smile as he burrowed his face into my hair. “Buckles and ribbons for girls, and whetstones for boys.”

“And if a girl wants a whetstone and a boy a buckle or ribbon?”

“I do not discriminate.”

I chuckled. “That is very good of you,” I said sleepily.

“Fabius is planning to put on some sort of performance for us. He would not tell Corva or me what he was about, but Conall looked worried.”

“I can’t wait to see…” I said, feeling myself fall back to sleep.

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