“I just get so bored, retracing every step I’ve taken since I was a child. I’ve counted every stone in the corridors. Every panel in the windows. Trained with every guard. What else is left but get married and escape this dull prison?”

“Women don’t marry because they’re bored, Idalia.”

“No? Pray, then, tell me why a woman gets married. I’m dying to know your thoughts.”

“If I tell you, will you get off the bed?” My simple nod is enough; she knows me well.

“There are a few reasons a woman will marry. Political alliance, an offer of peace, a rise in station…an heir. Things of that nature. As for women eager to marry, I’ve seen only two reasons. One isn’t boredom; it’s loneliness. Sometimes castle walls, and an old nurse aren’t enough for a girl with a wild curiosity. Sometimes, her heart leaps and yearns for something more, something new.”

She pats down her apron and then gestures for me to leave the bed. I shake my head. “The second reason,” I demand.

Her face is blank for a moment, then she smiles and gives a weak laugh.

“Love. If you believe in such a thing.”

We smile at one another, and I wonder if Nurse Lydia has ever loved.

But she cuts off my thoughts. “Up!”

As promised, I fly off the bed. I twirl around the room in my midnight blue chemise.

“Do you think that Lachlan will want to dance with me tonight?” A low grumble is her only response, but I continue. “You know how I love to dance! Oh, I hope he asks me. I hope he dances with me the entire night!”

I hear another annoyed noise before she hands me a gold gown with blue ribbons that tie in the back.

“Here, put this on. I believe if you want to impress the Aeradians, you’ll need to be dressed.”

I laugh, clutching the soft gown to my chest. “Can you believe I’m already eighteen? It feels like yesterday that you had to put my skirts on for me.”

“Indeed,” she mutters. “Now, you should be more interested in who takes those skirts off.”

“Lady and Guard! You shouldn’t speak so openly about such things!”

“Then you shouldn’t be so open with them. Sneaking into the stables late at night. Tell me, which horse do you wish to visit so desperately?”

My face heats, but I only flash her a sideways smile. “Are you living out your youth again through watching me?” I croon. “Because I know some older men and women in this castle find you very attractive.”

Nurse Lydia’s head knocks back, and she makes a rude noise. “Perhaps you’re right. We should definitely not speak of such things. Now, get dressed, and I’ll send the ladies to do your hair.”