The Luna Choosing Game

He watched me but he didn’t say anything.

“Thank you, Your Royal Highness, I

1 didn’t do it for you.” His gaze fell to Elva, who looked so small in her hospital bed. “No harm will come

to any child in this palace.”

“I

“Even so.” I was grateful for his help, no matter the reason he gave it. “Thank you.”

The doctor glanced between us. “If you will excuse me, I will personally take Elva’s prescription to the

pharmacist. It seems safer that way.”

“I

“Thank you,” I said, as Nicholas said, “That would be best.“.

When the doctor left the room, Nicholas kicked off the bookcase and came closer. He peered down at Elva from her bedside, a soft look on his face.

I remembered his interview. Nicholas loved children. He wanted a big family. That kindness must have extended to Elva.

“Truly.” I said, “I don’t know how to thank you for this.”

are separate from our situation, Piper. Elva is innocent

to take this gesture personally. He wanted to maintain distance from me. But he was still willing to help Elva, and that

that I

Julian knew I was only here as a publicity stunt,

held onto his anger for me, and wrapped it around himself like

likely never warm to me. I had to just

at Elva, I knew I had

room. When they were leaving, one of them said, “Perhaps

for herr

sald that

to harm

I had seen leaving

hated me. Would that be enough

tend to her,” Nicholas said. The gold in his eyes flashed dangerously. It might have

Elva stirred. “Mommy?”

inched closer.

now,” Her curious eyes shifted from me

hand on his chest. “I’m

“Nick–lass?”

me. “Oh, no, no, Elva. We address