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 simple task,

I felt nervousness bubble within

needs a

one.” His reply

was still a good

over the past three years, then. The thought gave

Thank you,” I said.

nodded, then

gone, I returned to Elva and found her fast asleep in her blanket Jon. It had been a long, tiring day, and

the king–sized bed. She stirred some while Blowered her down, but the minute her little body touched the plush mattress, she sighed

of the bed

on 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

didn’t have a chance at actually winning the selection. If the royal family only wanted me here for good publicity, was there really any harm in me

generosity?

seemed a fair

face, I remembered that I hadn’t told Nicholas or Mark about Elva’s many allergies. I needed to let them know, so

room and stuck my head

like Nicholas, though I couldn’t tell what he

of his voice to a servant’s room at the end

me to cater to the

as

with anger, “Now we are allowing