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

when you

you not see the games that

was never in any danger? This

was so shocked, I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. Surely, she couldn’t be

at me like I was the

keep the incredulity from my voice. It never occurred to me that I should maybe keep my voice down when speaking to the

she was insinuating such a

wide–eyed gaze, except Nicholas, who had moved a little closer to me and

the closeness of

voice held

date. Once he was out of the Queen’s line of vision,

me. Though his face was emotionless, I could have sworn I saw

into my shoulder

returned 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.”

as well as your

shall not be able to execute the deserved punishment. Instead, you will sustain the one

She couldn’t mean….

from dawn until dusk, and reflect on all the atrocities you have committed here.