Page 53 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

The door flung open. Cormag appeared silhouetted by torchlight.

“Cartimandua,” he said, breathless.

He was a rumpled sight, mud-splattered, his cloak fastened crooked, tunic untucked.

Eddin’s stance relaxed. Smiling, he went to Cormag, who stood frozen in the doorway. “Cormag,” Eddin said with a smile, slapping him good-naturedly on the shoulder. “Come, my friend. Meet your daughters.”

“Daughters?” Cormag whispered, staring at me.

Eddin laughed, took Cormag by the arm, and led him across the room.

Brodi and Damhan stood in the hallway, both watching with smiles on their faces.

“The twin goddesses bless you. You have two little maidens,” Eddin told Cormag.

My husband stared.

Chuckling, Eddin added, “Speak to him, Carti. He’s half-frozen from cold.”

“Come meet your girls, Husband.”

Eddin led Cormag to me, patting his back again, then quietly went to the door. Giving me one last smile, his gaze going to my daughters, Eddin closed the door behind him, but not before I saw it…a flicker of someotheremotion on his face. He was all smiles and friendship, but I had seen that shadow of sorrow and pitied him for it.

“I tried, Carti. I tried so hard to reach you. Shade may not forgive me. There were moments that I felt like I was flying, but I was still too late,” Cormag said.

“Perhaps it was better you were not here. I am told it was harrowing. You can experience the joy without the mayhem.”

“Have you brought mayhem, my girls?” Cormag said, looking from them to me.

“Regan,” I said, looking at my dark-haired girl. “And Aelith.”

Cormag smiled. “You decided on names.”

“Verbia named them. I have been grateful to have her here. The delivery was very difficult. I am told I must rest.”

“Carti,” Cormag said, aghast.

“I’m all right now. I just need rest. They’ve brought a wet nurse, but I have not yet met her.”

Cormag nodded, then stroked Regan’s hair. “I am glad for Verbia’s help. And it is fortunate King Eddin was here as well.”

“Yes.”

Cormag said nothing more, but he did not need to. He knew Eddin cared for me and would have ensured I was well cared for. But Cormag also knew my heart was with him. Cormag’s gratitude for Eddin’s help—rather than some misspent jealousy—moved me.

Regan stirred lightly in her sleep, fussing a little.

Cormag took her from my arms and rocked her gently, coaxing the baby back to sleep. When he did so, I shifted Aelith, getting a better look at my small daughter.

“Didn’t want to come out, did you, dear Aelith? Well, your father is here now. No more hiding.”

“How fair she is compared to her sister.”

“And was stubborn to leave the womb,” I said, stroking her tiny hand. “But we are all together now. May the twin goddesses be thanked.”

“May Brigantia and the Cailleach be praised and blessed,” Cormag said, smiling at Regan, his cheeks wet with tears. “I am a father twice over. May all the gods keep you and my little ones safe.”

The restof the night was a blur. Cormag stayed beside me, falling into an exhausted sleep. The babies slept soundly in their basinet. I could hear others moving in the room but did not wake.

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