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.

nanny. Elva was getting ready for bed. I hugged her extra tightly

around me. Gone were those that were

was afraid of them. She would try to hide behind

toward the end of the day, when I was feeling bold, I tried to approach one to ask

was met

know it’s a bother. But I haven’t heard anything about her, and I’m

ahead, looking straight

retumed into my

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

the next morning, after making certain the

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

her if I could.”

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

glance and a handful of

you and your child,

did that mean? Was that

I said, but