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

his dour expression, I felt nervousness bubble within

needs a doctor

reply came with no

differences, he was

three years, then. The

Thank you,” I said.

nodded, then left

to Elva and found her fast asleep in her blanket Jon. It had been a long, tiring day, and she was still recovering. She

I lifted her from under the chair and carried her toward the king–sized bed. She stirred some while Blowered her down, but the minute her

the bed and

could get a regular doctor to check

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 staying

generosity?

a fair

Elva’s face, I remembered that I hadn’t told Nicholas or Mark about Elva’s many allergies. I

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

Nicholas, though

followed the sound of his voice to a servant’s room at

to cater to the whims of

as

continued, voice sharp with anger, “Now we are