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..

made it seem like acquiring a doctor for

dour expression, I felt nervousness bubble within

needs a doctor

His reply came with

he was still a good

the past three years, then.

Thank you,” I said.

nodded, then left

returned to Elva and found her fast asleep in her blanket Jon. It had been

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

of the bed

could get a regular doctor to check her over, and without the burden of medical bills… how could

right. I 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 staying and benefiting

generosity?

seemed a fair

few stray hairs away from Elva’s face, I remembered that I hadn’t told Nicholas or Mark about Elva’s many allergies. I needed to let them know, so they could make the

and sleeping soundly, I crossed the room and stuck my head out the door. I heard

voices. One sounded like Nicholas, though I couldn’t tell

sound of his voice to a servant’s room

to cater to the whims of a woman

recognized that voice as Lena, the head

voice sharp with anger, “Now we are