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“Well, you are welcome to speak openly of your reasonings, if you wish.” Valerie took another sip of wine before frowning into her chalice. “You do not usually speak to me about such matters. Why now?”

“Because you are in the same boat as I am.” Savannah continued to push food around her plate before looking at her through the corner of her eye. “I am unsure if I should trust you, and yet I admire you. I would not be willing to speak of my reasonings with the other ladies.”

“Then you must either gather the courage or allow me to retire to my room.”

Savannah nibbled at the corner of her lips. “Would you be willing to allow me to speak with you privately?”

Valerie was surprised by her request.

Usually, Savannah could be quite rude, and she often gave the other ladies the cold shoulder. Not just Wyetta, Charlotte, or herself, but also the other women of the court. She preferred the company of men.

She has no one to speak to about her thoughts.

Now that she knew this woman felt alone, she couldn’t help wanting to listen. Valerie often gave her guidance to her sisters.

She nodded, then slid her chair back and waited for Savannah to do the same.

They left the dining hall side by side.

After they had walked for quite some time and the woman didn’t say anything, Valerie tried to open the dialogue. “If you wish to go to the king’s chambers, why have you not tried?”

“I do not have any sisters, Lady Cecily.” Savannah looked to the ground. “I have never been with a man, and I do not know what it is I am to expect.”

Valerie’s eyes widened in shock – how could they not? This woman, who had one of the most flirtatious, provocative stares she’d ever seen, was a virgin?I can barely believe my ears.

“Is that why you are hesitant?”

“Yes. I am inexperienced, and I would not know what to do. I do not want his Highness to catch me stumbling my way through it, not when it appears Lady Charlotte and Lady Wyetta may have experience.” She turned her eyes to Valerie. “Even if they do not, they were confident enough to go there.”

Out of all the ladies, Valerie wanted Wyetta to be the one joined with King Bradwick.But I cannot stand by while a woman does not do what she wants because she is afraid.

“Are you not concerned that even if you give your ‘purity’ to him, he may not choose you, regardless?”

Savannah laughed. “If I am not successful, would any man really think less of me if I tell them my first time was with the king? I could spin a tale that I felt pressured because of his status.”

“That is very true.” Valerie tried not to smile at her words.

She can be quite cunning.

“Why haveyounot?”

Do I tell her the same lie I told Wyetta, or do I change my answer so I may help her?Valerie looked forward as they walked, trying to make up her mind.

“I will tell you if you swear not to speak of it with another.”

“I would much rather my secret not be shared,” Savannah said. “I took a risk telling you of my hesitation. I may never find myself in his chamber, even after this conversation.”

“I do not wish to go to his bed,” Valerie admitted. “My reasons are my own.”

“I see. No wonder you did not wish to share this with me.”

“Exactly, but” – Valerie turned to her – “I am experienced, and I am able to explain it to you, in rather great depth, if you would permit me to do so.”

A spark lit in Savannah’s honey-brown eyes. “You would do that for me?”

“Yes. No woman should be in the dark about what they should expect.”

With a squeal, Savannah interlocked their arms. “You must come to my room. We can speak of this there.”