The Luna Choosing Game

When he found the truth of what happened here, he would act accordingly. Seeing his anger, I could trust

that.

Yet whatever happened, from now on, I would be much more careful who I left my child with.

“Prince Nicholas?” came a soft feminine voice from behind us. His date stood there. She twisted her

fingers together like she was shy, but annoyance marred her face. “Are we continuing our date?”

Nicholas turned to her. “I’m sorry, but –”

“Nicholas.”

The Luna herself approached us then, her own features sharp with anger. At first, I thought she might be

upset on Elva’s behalf, but she only glared at the child in my arms before looking again to her son.

“You will return to your date.”

Nicholas straightened. A direct order from the Queen wasn’t something to be taken lightly, even, I

you

you not see the games that are at play

child was never in any danger? This whole farce was orchestrated

had just heard. Surely, she couldn’t be

like I

And for such a petty reason!” I couldn’t keep the incredulity from my voice. It never occurred to

she was insinuating such a terrible

a little closer to me and Elva. All too quickly, the Queen recovered, glaring again. This time her glare

of

Luna’s voice held ultimate authority.

toward his date. Once he was out

his face was emotionless, I could have sworn I saw

into my shoulder

her attention to me. “I have been patient with you. I have been kind. I have waived punishment which would have otherwise been perfectly reasonable.

to disrespect me.”

hand toward my window. “Between this debacle and your raised voice, as well as your previous incidents, I would be

sighed, like her next words weighed on her heavily. “As your presence is… a necessity, presently. I shall not be able to execute the deserved punishment. Instead, you will sustain the one previously suggested, that

She couldn’t mean….

and reflect on all the