The Luna Choosing Game

I took another step. “I don’t want anyone to get in trouble.”

Mark’s eyes went wide again. He looked to Nicholas.

Nicholas’s jaw was clenched, a hard line. He stared at me like he wanted me to take back my words.

When I didn’t, he said, “No one will get in trouble.”

“Thank you,” I said.

He seemed even more annoyed by my thanks, eyes hard.

Mark quickly excused himself.

Nicholas also backed to the door. “If there is anything else you need…”

“Wait,” I said. I glanced over my shoulder, at Elva’s legs kicking out from the comforter.

Nicholas followed the length of my gaze but didn’t otherwise move an inch.

I approached him. Voice soft, I said, “Elva has a few health issues. Lately, she’s been suffering from

recurrent pneumonia..

a doctor for Elva would be a

dour expression, I felt nervousness bubble

a

have one.” His reply

our differences, he was

three years, then.

Thank you,” I said.

then left

gone, I returned to Elva and found her fast asleep in her blanket Jon. It had been a long, tiring day, and she was still recovering. She needed all the sleep she could

some while Blowered her down, but the minute

sat on the edge of the bed and watched her

staying here, but… if she could get a regular doctor to check her over, and without the burden of medical bills… how could I deny her

winning the selection. If the royal family only wanted me here for good publicity, was there really any harm in me staying and benefiting

generosity?

seemed a

hadn’t told Nicholas or Mark about Elva’s many allergies.

Elva safe and sleeping soundly, I crossed the room and stuck my head

voices. One sounded like Nicholas,

to a servant’s room at the

cater to the whims

voice as Lena,

voice sharp with anger, “Now we are allowing illegitimate children, born in