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.”

look hardened when he gazed up at me. “Children are separate from our situation, Piper. Elva is innocent in all

to maintain distance from me. But he was still willing to help Elva, and that was what really

I could think of a way to convince him that I wasn’t here

only here as a publicity stunt, then surely Nicholas must have

anger for me, and wrapped it around himself like an impenetrable

never warm to me. I had to

I knew I had bigger things to worry

When they were leaving, one of

for herr

sald that

harm Elvar Hell

thought of the flash of Lena I had

be enough reason to endanger

tend to her,” Nicholas said. The gold

Elva stirred. “Mommy?”

I inched

curious eyes shifted from me to Nicholas.

on his

“Nick–lass?”

no, no, Elva. We address