Page 38 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

He kissed me, his breath and skin hot, the sweet scents of the oil and soap perfuming him. I fell into the moment, then tugged him closer, giggling lightly.

“I’m soaking wet now,” I told him.

“And I’m freezing.”

“Then best get to bed.”

“And you best get that wet dress off.”

“Big as I am? You’ll not be able to find your way around.”

Cormag laughed. “Let me worry about that.” Taking my hand, he led me to the bed and slipped under the coverlets. “It really is cold. Come here, Wife, and warm me up.”

Pulling off my gown and laughing at my huge size, I settled onto the bed beside him. “As my king commands.”

A week later,I went down to my work chamber, feeling exhausted and hungry. My ankles were swollen, and I was annoyed that Corva had not yet returned. But at the very least, I found notes from the first of the riders. News came from my chieftains, including Venu.

Venutiux reported the Carvetti were well in hand and that the winter had been quiet. He assured me he would ride to see me soon. Venu made no mention of my impending birth in his reply. Granted, his note had only been a few lines long. But still, nothing…

From the others, I had some reports of winter illnesses, low supplies, and Chieftain Maelgwyn had a tension with a neighboring Selgovae chieftain over hunting lands, but that had been peacefully resolved. Nothing yet from Ystradwel, but her lands were the furthest ride away.

From Aedan, however, came a request. With the oncoming of spring, he worried about the flatlands near the river, which had flooded many farms the year before. To that end, he asked for Cormag’s help.

“Chieftain Aedan has asked for you,” I told Cormag, who joined me later that morning. I was unsure where he had been, but he smelled of wood smoke and hay. “He seeks your advice and help building a levee.”

Cormag frowned and then looked at my swollen belly. “After.”

“Onnen has said?—”

“My apologies to the priestess, but she’s wrong. Carti, the children will come at any moment.”

“It’s only a day’s ride away. There is time.”

“But, Cartimandua?—”

“Would you have my farms flooded this spring, King Consort? Aedan knows as well as I do that you have a mind for such things, or would you have the Brigantes think you are only here for your good looks and heir-making capabilities?”

Cormag frowned at me.

“If my labor pains come, I can send a fast rider to fetch you immediately. It is not a long ride. This friendship with Aedan strengthens your place here.”

Cormag sighed heavily. “Very well, though I do not like it. Let me fetch Damhan and go at once. I will leave Brodi here to wait upon you if needed.”

“Oh, he will love that.”

“You have already stolen Fergus from me. I trust you will not use your beauty and wiles to steal Brodi as well.”

“Well, if you leave him here alone too long, I cannot promise anything. Especially when I look so enticing,” I said, gesturing to my round belly.

Cormag laughed, put his hand on my belly, and kissed me. “You have never looked more enticing to me. I will make ready,” he told me then departed.

With a sigh, I continued sifting through the correspondence.

No matter how many times I shuffled the papers, I did not find what I was looking for. Finally, I rose and went to the door, where one of the boys waited outside.

“Queen Cartimandua?” he asked, rising quickly.

“Are these all the messages?” I asked.

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