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

eyes narrowed. “Do you not see the games that

the child was never in any danger? This whole farce was orchestrated to ruin your

had just heard. Surely, she couldn’t be

like I was

endanger my child! And for such a petty reason!” I couldn’t keep the incredulity from my voice. It never occurred to me that I should maybe keep my voice down when speaking to the

insinuating such a terrible

who had moved a little closer to me and Elva. All too quickly,

the closeness of Nicholas to

Now.” The Luna’s voice held ultimate authority. Nicholas wouldn’t be

Once he was out of the Queen’s line of

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

into my shoulder

you.” The Queen returned her attention to me. “I have been patient with you. I have been kind. I have waived punishment

to disrespect me.”

raised voice, as well as your previous incidents, I would be well

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,

She couldn’t mean….

you will kneel in the rain from dawn until dusk, and