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.

to relieve the nanny. Elva was getting

I noticed a change in the guards stationed around me. Gone were those that were kind and understanding to Elva and me. Now, we were glared at

was afraid of them. She would try to

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

was met

to be kind “I know it’s a bother. But I haven’t heard

my door just stared ahead,

retumed

wouldn’t forget, though. My maid had been someone almost like a friend, and I wasn’t about to let her wither away

certain the guards were different

about my last maid? Or do you know where

her if I could.”

entirely, but the other

a passing glance and a handful of

the sake of you and your child, you should

mean? Was

I said, but by