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 my room to relieve the nanny. Elva was getting

around me. Gone were those that were

of them. She would try to

I tried to

met

sorry,” I said, attempting to be kind “I know it’s a bother. But I haven’t heard anything about her,

door just stared ahead, looking straight through me like I

retumed into my

I wasn’t about to let her wither away wherever she was,

the guards were different this time, I asked

you heard anything about my last maid? Or do you know where she is being kept? I’d like to

her if I could.”

ignored me entirely, but the other gave me a moment’s attention, even if

for a passing glance

and your child, you should stop

Was that

said, but by then the guard had gone back to pretending I didn’t