The Crow Queen by Melanie Karsak

Author:Melanie Karsak [Karsak, Melanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mythology, Romance, Retellings, Celtic History, Magic, Greek & Roman Myth & Legend
Amazon: B0CC9XMDDD
Goodreads: 193484382
Publisher: Clockpunk Press
Published: 2023-12-05T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

“Prince Cormag. You are welcome in these newly Brigantes lands,” I said, willing my hands not to shake as I buried a hundred emotions.

“Queen Cartimandua,” he said, setting his hand on his heart and bowing to me. He then turned his attention to the chieftains behind me. “Honored chieftains. I come bearing news…and my mother’s answer. A crow always brings his intended gifts. What better gift for the queen of the Brigantes and my future wife than a warband? I have ridden south to protect those whom I will serve as king consort. In tandem, my mother rides west with her own warriors. You have trouble on your western border, my queen.”

“I have troubles everywhere, it seems,” I said, then turned to Conall. “Will you see to the warriors?”

He nodded.

With that, Cormag and two of his men joined us.

“Come,” I told him. “You’ve just missed King Cuneda and Lord Alistair.”

“Prince Cormag,” Andoc said, bowing to him. “You’re welcome here. Let’s have an ale and get you to work.”

Cormag laughed lightly, then nodded to the chieftain.

With that, we all made our way back to the tent.

Eddin, however, lingered in the shadows. His pallor had turned white as snow.

In an instant, all hope for a union between us was lost.

I met his gaze. I held it for a moment, feeling that pain with him, then motioned for him to join us.

He nodded to me.

My heart ached.

I would wed the Votadini prince.

Any hope Eddin had been clinging to was done. But there was still a future before him. If we won, Eddin could be king. I could not give him my hand, but I could give him his crown. There was no reason for me to hold back now. The war with the Carvetti had already begun.

We entered the tent. The serving boys quickly delivered tankards of ale to Cormag and his attendants.

We went to the table where we unfurled the map.

“Prince Cormag, what news?” Andoc asked.

Cormag eyed the map closely.

“The Priestess Môd arrived yesterday with the news of the Parisii attack and the underhanded dealings of the Carvetti. The priestesses became aware of the elder Carvetti Prince Vortigiux’s movements. Vortigiux is building up his warriors on his southern borders. My mother and I split our warband, half riding south to support you here. The remainder of our forces will ride to your borders with the Carvetti.”

“What is happening on that border?” I asked.

“The Carvetti forces are rallying to the south in old Dardani lands,” Cormag said, then lifted his gaze toward Eddin. “Although their king stands before me now.”

“I took Eddin as a prisoner to vex Cuneda,” I said. “But Cuneda has changed the game. When we turn west, we will do so with a Dardani king amongst us.”

Cormag nodded slowly as he considered. “Then I am glad to see you here, Prince Eddin.”

“As we are glad of your arrival, Prince Cormag,” Eddin replied, but his eyes were on the map.

“I am bound to protect my queen and her lands,” Cormag said, looking shyly at me for just a moment.

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