The Luna Choosing Game

Unfortunately, Lene also had the Queen’s favor, I had to be careful here, lest I risk offending my own

mother.

-I

“I have questions,” I said.

Lena dipped her head. “Of course. I live to serve, sir.”

Behind me, Mark quietly snorted in disbelief. He quickly covered it with a cough.

Lena glared at him.

I cleared my

own throat, drawing her attention back to me. “The traditional punishment has not been

implemented in many years. Why would you believe that it is appropriate in this case, with Piper?”

The palace has not allowed guests in a long time,” she said. “That is the only reason the punishment

has not been used.”

She was being misleading. The palace had accepted guests, even when the royal family had maintained

its anonymity. No cameras had been allowed. Everyone was searched.

“There have been balls over the years,” I said.

“Which were strictly for the nobility, sir. The guests I’m referring to are…” She seemed to think her words through now, and didn’t say whatever she had been about to.

I finished

“This was no mistake. That girl

disrespect”

another girl made the same mistake…?”

offspring do not belong here, Prince Nicholas. She’s

is what would happen if she is selected. Nothing would ever be the

again”

change if attitudes like Lena’s

is a guest in this house, and will be treated the same as

gall so try to stand against me. “If you could hear

know you are not attempting

mouth. She paled a little, then lowered her head. “Apologies,

said. “But not something deserving

had done was much worse than Lena’s. Could she not understand why leniency was important

jaw left me doubting. As I

and Elva’s distress had been Lena’s

could I

didn’t have time to think of the answer. No sooner had I returned to the ballroom, than

smug smirk

you are, brother! I’ve been looking for

only wished to see me when he meant do to me harm–likely a

my eyes at him. “What do

It’s shameful.” His smile only

you

crossed my arms.

me. Without another word, he spun away and