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.

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

then on, I noticed a change in the guards stationed around me. Gone were those that were

was afraid of them. She would try to hide behind me

I tried to approach one to ask for information about

met with

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

at my door just stared ahead, looking straight through me

retumed into my

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

the next morning, after making certain the guards were different this time,

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

her if I could.”

other gave me

for a passing glance and

of you and

did that mean? Was

is okay,” I said, but by then