Boudicca

Chapter XXXV

Phaedra seemed completely unsurprised when she entered my bedchamber and found Rhan and me naked and entwined.

“My queen, the lead warriors have begun to arrive. Shall I tell them you are indisposed this morning?” Phaedra asked as she

began tidying our discarded nightdresses and gathering the empty mugs.

“No, have Wulffaed begin serving breakfast, then return to help me dress.” Phaedra bowed and hurried from the chamber, and

I turned to see Rhan watching me with inscrutable dark eyes. “Good morning,” I told her before I kissed her.

Her eyes changed then, softening with her smile. “Good morning.”

I was already standing and stepping into one of my heavy winter underdresses when Rhan sat. The pelt slipped from her shoulders

to expose the plump beauty of her breasts. I went to her then and kissed each mound, lingering when she arched to meet me.

A wave of desire crested over me, heavy and alluring, and I reveled in the pleasure it promised.

“Ahem.”

Rhan startled at the sound of Phaedra behind me, but I did not release her. Instead my lips moved from her breast to her lips

and I kissed her lingeringly. “Later,” I whispered as she shivered.

I dressed quickly and Phaedra hastily combed my tousled hair and braided it into a single thick plait. Then, while she helped

Rhan dress, I joined my lead warriors, who were already in the middle of a lively discussion about some kind of contest.

“Contest?” I asked as I sat at my usual place across from Maldwyn. I smiled and nodded to him, finding it interesting that the night I’d spent with Rhan had not diminished the attraction I felt for him. Actually, my body was extra sensitive and it was easy to imagine his rough hands on my naked hips as he slid into me.

“Aye!” Cadoc boomed. “And it is an excellent idea, my queen.”

“Aye,” agreed Abertha and Maldwyn together, though Maldwyn’s gaze on mine sparkled with more than just amusement over a contest.

Wulffaed filled my mug with rich winter beer, which I decided was a better choice than more of her heady mulled mead. I was

ravenous and spooned several fried fish and a hunk of warm bread onto the wooden plate waiting for me. Around a mouthful,

I said, “What is this contest you’re discussing?”

“One between the chiefs and queen .” Cadoc waggled his bushy gray brows. “We know who will win such a contest.”

I swallowed quickly. “Me?”

“Of course you!” Briallen said as she reached for another fish.

I looked at each of my lead warriors. “I still don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Adminius started it with his boasting,” said Wulffaed as she placed a full pitcher of beer on the table.

“Does everyone in camp know about this except me?” I asked.

“And me,” Rhan said as she sat in the space beside me, the decorative pebbles I’d braided into her hair clicking musically.

“Tribe Trinovantes has issued a challenge,” said Maldwyn. “They boast that no other chief can best Addedomaros in a contest

of speed.”

“Speed? Like a horse race?” I frowned at my warriors. “The Trinovantes have the fastest horses. What makes you think I can

beat him?”

Cadoc snorted a laugh. “Because young Adminius was brash enough to be baited into more than just a horse race. The challenge

is now a test of battle skills as well as a footrace that concludes with a horse race, and the Trinovantes’ pup has wagered one of their prime broodmares, heavy with a foal out of Addedomaros’s

own stallion, as a prize.”

I sat up straighter and grinned. “I can beat all three chiefs in a footrace.”

“As well we know,” said Abertha happily.

“You will accept the challenge?” asked Briallen.

“Of course she will!” said Cadoc. “Our queen will accept and win.”

“I’ll accept.” That morning I felt as if I could do anything. “I want that mare and her foal.”

“Aye!” Looking like an excited boy, Maldwyn rubbed his hands together gleefully at just the thought of such spectacular horseflesh.

“What prize are we wagering?” I asked.

“Does it matter? You will not lose,” said Cadoc.

“Your faith in me is appreciated, but it does matter,” I said.

“What if you wager a length of Wulffaed’s finest cloth? She is revered in all the tribes for her dye work,” said Rhan.

My gaze went to the Mother of Twenty, who seemed to swell with pride. “Wager it, my queen, though I do not plan on losing

it.”

“Have Comux and Leofric accepted the challenge yet?” I asked.

“Leofric has,” said Abertha. “He has wagered one of their prize Catuvellauni bulls.”

“Comux has not answered the challenge yet,” said Cadoc, the amusement draining from his voice. “He mourns his wife and daughter.”

“When the Dobunni chief hears that Boudicca has accepted the challenge, he will, too,” said Briallen. “And that will be a

good thing.”

Cadoc nodded soberly. “Comux’s camp feels heavy with sadness. Not even Arianell’s Day lifted the pall of gloom that hangs

over them.”

“Though it helped,” Abertha said with a smile. “It helped the whole camp. I’ve missed those days with your mother and the

other elders.”

“Yesterday was special.” As I spoke, my gaze went to Rhan and we shared an intimate smile. When I looked from her to Maldwyn

I saw that he was watching us, his cheeks pink and his expression guarded. I met his gaze steadily and included him in the

warmth of my smile, and saw the worry lines that creased his eyes smooth as he relaxed. “So, explain to me exactly what I

must do to win this contest.”

***

The training field was a huge oblong area. It needed to be huge to accommodate our thousands of warriors. It was situated

in the middle of the valley, the area that was least protected against the elements by the giants that framed our home. By

now, the middle of winter, it took daily effort to keep the enormous field free enough of snow that the army could train,

which was good. An idle army was a dangerous thing, but between plowing the training field, drilling, gathering peat, and

caring for the extensive herds we’d brought with us, our warriors were being kept active and engaged.

“There is where you will begin.” Maldwyn pointed to the distant end of the field that was closest to the snow-packed entrance

to the valley.

“See how they’re already building the tournament course?” Cadoc gestured to the warriors who were setting four rows of straw

targets about midway in the field.

“Oh, now it’s not simply a race or a contest but a tournament?” I raised a brow at my shield.

The old warrior grinned at me. “Aye, my queen! When the Catuvellauni chief accepted the challenge, it became a tournament.”

I put my fists on my hips. “Well, one of you better explain what you’ve gotten me into.”

“Here’s what has come from Adminius and his boasting,” said Maldwyn. “The beginning is a footrace to there.” He pointed to

a spot about a third of the way up the field, where the warriors were setting four rows of straw targets. “Where your chariot

will be waiting. You’ll weave your chariot around six targets, striking each.”

“And you will be driving my chariot?” I asked Maldwyn.

Cadoc snorted. “No. Adminius boasted that his father was the best chariot driver of all the tribes, so each chief—”

“And our queen,” Maldwyn added.

“Of course,” Cadoc said, nodding. “Each will have to drive their own chariot and strike the six targets.”

I shrugged. “I can do that.”

“With more accuracy than Addedomaros,” added Maldwyn.

“Aye!” Cadoc agreed.

“It was foolish of Adminius to boast about something so easily disproven,” I said. “Maldwyn is by far the best chariot driver in all the tribes.”

“He is indeed,” said Cadoc.

Maldwyn’s cheeks flushed, but he nodded. My horse master’s skills were no secret.

“So we conclude the contest with a chariot race?” I asked.

“No,” said Cadoc. “After you strike all of the targets, you’ll leave your team at the end of the row and race on foot again

to there, where your horse will be waiting.” He pointed at the other end of the field. “You’ll mount, and it’s a horse race

all the way back across the field to the starting line, which will also be the finish.”

I grinned. “Two footraces. That is very good for me.” I shook my head. “I can’t imagine what Adminius was thinking. Does he

really not know how fast I am and how much older and slower his father is?”

“I do not believe Adminius pays attention to anything except himself,” said Maldwyn.

“When his boasting became offensive, Mailcun tried to quiet Adminius,” said Cadoc. “But the foolish pup wouldn’t listen to

his father’s shield. Instead he kept blustering and making outlandish claims.”

“Like Addedomaros being the best chariot driver in all the tribes,” I said sardonically.

“Exactly,” said Cadoc.

“You were there, weren’t you?” I asked my shield.

The old warrior didn’t even attempt to hide his grin. “I was indeed. Which is why the Iceni was the first tribe to accept

the Trinovantes challenge.”

“Oh, so I accepted before I accepted?”

Cadoc did manage to look a little chagrined. “Would you really have stood by and let that spoiled boy spout lies?”

“No, I don’t suppose I would have. I am surprised his father didn’t step in and put an end to it, though.”

“Addedomaros wasn’t present,” explained Cadoc. “By the time Mailcun had fetched him, Leofric had accepted the challenge as

well.”

“And Addedomaros couldn’t back out without looking cowardly,” I said.

“Aye,” said Maldwyn. Then he shrugged and smiled. “The tournament will be good for the army. It will give each tribe something

to cheer about.”

“And all will cheer when the queen who leads the army wins,” said Cadoc firmly.

Abertha jogged up to us, her face flushed. “Comux has just accepted the challenge!”

Maldwyn and Cadoc shouted and clapped each other on their backs like youths.

“What is he wagering?” I asked.

“A barrel of Roman wine he pillaged from Verulamium,” said Abertha.

I was unable to hide my smile. “I look forward to toasting my victory with Roman wine.”

“Yes!” Abertha’s fist shot skyward.

“I prefer Wulffaed’s mulled mead, but I will make an exception,” said Cadoc, his eyes sparkling mischievously.

“When is the tournament?” I asked.

“Tomorrow,” said Cadoc. He glanced at the low gray sky. “Though I’m afraid the weather is going to be miserable.”

With a sly grin I said, “Then it is good that I am the only chief who’s young enough that my joints won’t be affected by the

cold and wet.” I turned to Maldwyn. “Walk the course with me and let’s discuss horses.”

“Always a pleasure, my queen,” said Maldwyn.

“And I’ll go be sure no Trinovantes bastard sets your targets incorrectly,” said Cadoc.

“I’ll get the queen’s armor ready,” said Abertha. “Queen Boudicca, will you be using your spear or bow for the targets?”

“My spear,” I said. “It would be too awkward to drive the chariot and shoot a bow.”

“Aye,” said Maldwyn. “Good choice.”

As my shield and spear master hurried off muttering to themselves, Maldwyn said, “Perhaps seeing his father thoroughly beaten will temper Adminius and his boasting.”

Sounding much like my shield, I snorted.

***

“You’re sure I can’t talk you into changing mounts?” Maldwyn asked for the third time.

We’d walked the racecourse and then circled around to our herd. Ennis and Finley were in fine flesh. Maldwyn proclaimed them

ready for the tournament. Then I’d called Tan to me. I noted that she, too, looked ready to run, which is when Maldwyn objected.

It wasn’t that my mare wasn’t fit, but that stallions are larger and usually swifter than mares. The other chiefs would almost

certainly be riding stallions, and Maldwyn thought I should be, too.

“I’m sure.” I caressed Tan’s flank. Her winter coat was thick and a lighter red than her sleek summer coat. She reminded me

of a fox, and I laughed when she nuzzled me. “Stallions are bigger and faster, and they need to be if they’re going to carry the weight of the other chiefs. Maldwyn, I’m tall, but I’m

also lean. I weight several stones less than even Comux, who is the smallest of the three chiefs.”

Maldwyn sighed and nodded. “You do have a point. The weight of the chiefs will be an equalizer.”

“It’s about more than just weight and speed. You saw the icy patches and the roughness of the training field. Racing over

that ground will be treacherous and I’ll need a horse I trust completely.” I patted Tan’s soft muzzle. “That is Tan. She’ll

keep me safe and bring me across the finish line victorious.”

“I cannot argue with one who knows victory so well,” said Maldwyn.

I smiled up into his eyes and took his hand. I knew I needed to talk with him, and the sooner the better. The last thing I

wanted was for jealousy to fester between us. “Maldwyn, Rhan and I have become lovers.”

He did not look away as he nodded. “Yes. I thought so. What does that mean for us?”

I answered him with the honesty he deserved. “My heart is big enough to love the both of you, so my preference is that it change nothing between us, but that is not up to me. A queen who tries to command love is doomed to fail. It is your decision whether you continue to welcome me to your bed—and I mean me, Boudicca, and not your queen.”

Maldwyn cupped my cheek with his hand. “I could never turn from you, not the queen and not the woman. I am yours completely

any way you will have me.”

I stepped into his arms and let my kiss be my reply.

***

Maldwyn remained with the herd, insisting he check and recheck the chariot and harnesses for tomorrow’s race, so I walked

alone through camp back to my cave lodge.

“The goddess be with you tomorrow, Queen Boudicca!”

“Aye, we’ll be cheering you on.”

“Show those chiefs what a warrior queen can do!”

My people waved and shouted encouragement to me as I passed campfires burning brightly. I paused frequently, accepting a cup

of mead at one fire, a steaming chicken thigh at another, and a hunk of roasted pork at yet another. By the time I made it

to my lodge, it was dark and I was sated and warmed by the enthusiasm of the Iceni.

Rhan was seated before the central fire, working black raven feathers into an elaborate silver necklace. She looked up as

I entered, and her smile lit the room.

“There you are!” said Wulffaed. “Your girls have already eaten and just took themselves and their wolves off to bed. Shall

I bring you a plate of stew and bread?”

“No, I ate with the army. You may retire for the night, Wulffaed.”

The older woman bowed. Before she left the room she looked over her shoulder and grinned at me. “Teach those chiefs a thing

or two tomorrow, my queen.”

“I shall.” Then I called, “Phaedra?”

Phaedra’s head popped out of the blanket that curtained her small room from the rest of the lodge. “My queen?”

“I’d like a bath.”

“Of course, my queen.” Phaedra bustled around the lodge collecting cauldrons before she called for several of Wulffaed’s daughters

to help her fetch water to warm. While I waited, I sat beside Rhan, content to watch her long, slender fingers expertly wrap

the raven feathers with silver.

“Are you nervous about the race tomorrow?” she asked without looking up from her work.

“No. I’m looking forward to it.”

“You’re riding Tan.” She didn’t frame it as a question, but I answered.

“Yes.” I paused and added, “How did you know?”

“It’s the right choice. You trust her. She trusts you.”

“Exactly,” I said.

“My queen, your bath is ready,” called Phaedra from my bedchamber.

I stood and held my hand out to Rhan. She looked up from her work then, smiled, and placed it on the stool beside her chair

before she took my hand. Fingers entwined like silver and feathers, we retired to my bedchamber and the copper tub that was

just big enough for two.