Page 55 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

She curtsied to me once more, then disappeared, leaving me alone with Verbia again.

“Well?” I asked her.

She gave me a nod, crossed the room and picked up Nettle, then gestured with her chin that she was returning to her chamber.

“Verbia… Thank you.”

At that, she merely waved her hand at me and departed. Outside, I heard the guards offer to escort her back, but she must have rebuffed them as well, as I heard them muttering in her wake.

I chuckled lightly, then looked down at my sleeping babes.

“The future queen of the Brigantes… or queens, perhaps, if you wish it. May the Cailleach and bright Brigantia watch over you. And when the day comes, may my spear and crown pass to you to keep the Brigantes safe and strong until the end of your days.”

But even as I spoke, a thick cloud crossed the sun outside, bathing the room in darkness.

CHAPTER 15

The days that followed became a blur of caring for the little ones while trying to recover from the painful aftermath of birth. As I had feared, Onnen and the other priestesses of Brigantia had been far to the south attending to one of their shrines when the girls were born.

“I came as quickly as I could when the message finally reached me,” Onnen told me as she brewed me a healing draft. She had said very little while she examined me, but the pensive look on her face told me all I needed to know. “Violet did well, Cartimandua. I spoke with her at length this morning about the delivery, but…” Onnen said, then paused. “The midwife shared her concerns with me. My queen, this will be hard to hear, but you should know the truth. It is not wise for you to bear a child again. Violet and I agree. Another pregnancy may kill you, if you can bear again at all.”

I swallowed hard, then nodded slowly. “Yes, so she suggested.”

“Your recovery will be slow. And you must let it take the time it needs, even if you have a very attractive husband, if you understand my meaning.”

“Have you been ogling my husband, Priestess?”

“I have a heartbeat still, do I not?”

We laughed at that, but Onnen turned serious once more. “Ah, Cartimandua… Brigantia and the Cailleach have given you two children. Little though they are, they are strong and will grow quickly. Content yourself with that,” she said, then gave me a steaming tonic. “Three times a day until you are fully recovered. I will show Hilda how to prepare the brew,” she said, gesturing to a crock of dried herbs she’d brought.

“Thank you, Onnen.”

Onnen leaned over the bassinet in which the children slept. She smiled at them but did not wake them. “I have not seen Corva. She is usually close enough to be your shadow.”

“She went to Mydils and has not yet returned.”

Onnen frowned. “How long ago?”

“Some weeks,” I said, unable to hide the worry in my voice.

Onnen nodded slowly.

“What is it?”

Onnen pulled back then smiled. “Nothing.”

“Onnen, I know I am healing, but if there is something I must know…”

“Just…signs, my queen. Nothing solid to share. Now, I shall go find Verbia and needle her until she speaks.”

“Don’t let her fool you. That tongue of hers is still sharp as ever.”

“Oh, so I hear. They say she made Hilda cry,” Onnen said with a laugh. “Rest, Cartimandua,” she told me, then made her way to the door. When she opened it, she revealed Kamden on the other side.

“High Priestess,” Kamden said, bowing to Onnen. “My queen.”

I gestured for him to come inside.

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