Page 71 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

“If you think that was pretty, you should have heard her play with King Eddin,” Aedan’s housecarl told me. “By Brigantia, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.”

A knot formed in my stomach once more. “Yes, King Eddin is quite gifted in song as well.”

“He plays the lyre beautifully,” Amma said, a wistful smile on her features as she looked into her cup.

I swallowed and drank again, trying to drown the wave of jealousy rising in me.

Petty, Cartimandua. So very petty. Don’t you want Eddin to be happy?I chided myself.

“So he does,” Aedan said, giving Amma a grin. “And I suspect he’ll return with a different gift very soon.Will you agree to hear him, Amma?”

Amma’s cheeks turned red while I felt mine drain of color.

“We do not know King Eddin’s mind, Brother, and it is unseemly to presume anything,” Amma told him, her gaze flicking to her son again. She gave the boy an apologetic smile, then gave Aedan a warning glare.

Aedan merely laughed.

Feeling like someone had pulled all the muscles in my back into a taut bow, I shifted in my seat and drank once more.

Corva leaned forward. “While the food, song, and company have been very pleasing, the hour grows late, my queen,” she said. “We do not know when Môd will call for you. Perhaps, given the long ride, you should take your rest.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.”

Aedan rose, gesturing to one of his servants. “Taryn will see you to your room, Queen Cartimandua. Priestess Corva will be lodged beside you.”

“Shall I send my maid to attend you, Queen Cartimandua?” Amma asked, rising.

“I am well. Thank you for your care,” I said, giving her a grateful smile.

“I will send someone for you when there is word,” Aedan told me.

“Thank you,” I said, giving the others in the hall one last smile and patting young Aerin on the shoulder as I went. I then left the hall, following behind the servant. Two guards trailed Corva and me.

When we were finally away from the others, I flicked my gaze to Corva. “Thank you,” I whispered.

She nodded but said nothing more.

The servant led me to a small but well-appointed chamber where a fire had been lit, and braziers burned brightly. Sighing heavily, I sat on the bed and stared into the fire.

I told myself to think of my girls, Cormag, the priestesses, or even Rome…but my thoughts were fixed on one idea only: Aedan expected Eddin to propose to Amma.

I closed my eyes, remembering the night Eddin had confessed his love for me, promising to love no other. Ididn’twant that for him. Iwantedhim to be happy. I loved my old friend and would never wish him a life of loneliness and longing. Amma was lovely, kind, bright, and skilled in song. She was perfect for Eddin. A match between the Dardani king and a Brigantes lady was a good thing for my people. It was a good thing for everyone involved.

But if so, why did I feel so…

I shook my head.

I will not think about it again. I will set it down. It is not my business except as a friend and ruler. I love Eddin, and if he chooses to marry Amma, I will be happy for him. This is good for the Brigantes, who are first before everything else.

My people—they are first.

I love Eddin and want him to be happy.

I want him to be happy.

I love him and want him to be happy…

I love him…

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