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.”

hardened when he gazed up at me. “Children are separate from

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

that I wasn’t here to chase a crown or rekindle what

as a publicity stunt, then surely Nicholas

for me, and wrapped it around himself like an impenetrable

me. I had to

I had bigger things to worry about

were leaving, one of them

for herr

sald that

harm Elvar

I thought of the flash of Lena I had seen leaving the hallway just as

that be enough reason to

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

Elva stirred. “Mommy?”

honey.” I inched closer. “How are

curious eyes shifted from me to Nicholas.

his chest. “I’m Prince Nicholas.”

“Nick–lass?”

“Oh, no, no, Elva.