The Luna Choosing Game

“I have no intention of backing away from the choosing game,” I said,

He stepped closer. “Do as you wish, but know this. I will uphold my duty to protect the royal family from any and all threats. No matter in what form those threats appear.”

His words sent a chill up my spine.

I had thought that the guards were sympathetic of me and Elva, but now I wasn’t as certain. If their leader was someone who wanted me gone, maybe the guards were only pretending to be nice.

“I’m not a threat.” I said. “Neither is my daughter.”

at

“We’ll see.” He glanced around. “You should go inside now. It’s dangerous out here.”

The only danger out here was him, but that was enough for me. I stepped around him and headed inside without another word.

During the banquet, I struggled to keep up conversation, too distracted by Joseph’s words. Julian gave me curious looks across the table, but I avoided returning them. Just as I avoided glancing down the table to Nicholas at all.

I kept my gaze fixed on my food, replying only when necessary, and couldn’t wait until the banquet was finished.

my room to relieve the nanny. Elva was getting ready for bed. I hugged her extra tightly when I

then on, I noticed a change in the guards stationed around me. Gone were those that were kind and understanding to Elva and me.

was afraid of them. She would try to hide behind me when we got too

end of the day, when I was feeling bold, I tried to approach one to ask for information about

was met

it’s a bother. But I haven’t heard

at my door just stared ahead, looking straight through

I retumed into

had been someone almost like a friend, and I wasn’t about to let her wither away wherever she was, if there was

certain the guards were different this time, I asked

heard anything about my last maid? Or do you know where she

her if I could.”

the guards ignored me entirely, but the other

for a passing glance

you and your child, you should stop

did that mean? Was that a threat?

said, but by then