He looks at me with those last words, and I see the same look he gave me all those years ago. Deep inside, he’s still the same boy who just wants to be outside and watch birds—nothing more, nothing less.

“Is that why you were in The Wood?” I ask.

His neck muscles tighten. “Yes.”

“I suppose I can understand,” I say. “My father did the same thing. Once we were home, it’s all he spoke of. Enemies, strategy, alliances, war, war, war.” I lift my hand to view the dirt caked beneath my nails and lazily begin to pick at it, anything to keep from making eye contact.

“Everything changed. I was rarely allowed to leave the castle, not even to play with the noblemen’s children as before. I couldn’t visit towns or wander the frosty fields. My Nurse, Lydia, was the only friend I could truly talk to. You’d think I was an enemy to Verdana; I was treated almost like a prisoner. All I was allowed to do was ride and train…”

I catch myself and bite down on my tongue. Too much, Idalia. You say too much around him! Slowly, I bring my head up; he’s staring at me with his head cocked to one side.

“Train?” His tone is light and playful. “For what?”

To kill any Baellilean I see on sight. I manage a laugh and wipe my dirty hands against my dress.

“Oh, to be a good wife and a patient queen. My father thought I needed work in those areas. He’s berated me about it for the last twelve years.” It’s only half a lie. My father certainly does think I could improve those skills.

Braizen laughs, and I silently sigh in relief that he’s bought this semi-truth.

“I don’t know why you’re laughing,” I say with a pointed glare. “One day, you’ll take a wife of your own, and you’ll regret it if her parents didn’t train her for the role!”

He snickers louder, then pauses briefly. I think I glimpse despondence wash over him, but he shakes his head, so his curly locks fly. He sends me a cheeky grin.

“I’m sure the woman lucky enough to marry me will be more than prepared. And if not, it just so happens that I’m a mighty good teacher. Across all aspects of marriage, of course. But particularly in one area of expertise,” he says with a broad wink. “If you know what I’m saying.”

I groan loudly. “I shall start praying for the poor girl now; may the gods bless her soon-to-be tormented soul.”