The Luna Choosing Game

“I don’t care what the King thinks of me,” Nicholas said. “I will see justice done.”

“That’s incredibly noble of you, brother Julian rolled his eyes. “But I have a different scheme. It would provide the same result, with less mess.”

Nicholas shook his head like he didn’t even want to hear him out. But I disagreed. We should hear every

option before acting, especially if Nicholas’s plan would hurt him in the long run.

“Please explain, Julian,” I said.

Nicholas shot me a look, which I pointedly did not acknowledge.

“If we call out the bullies directly, we could back them into a corner and make things worse. It would be

so much simpler if we lifted up Piper instead. We could make her untouchable.”

Nicholas thought a moment, then asked, “How?”

I had the same question.

Julian nodded toward the boar carcass that the wolves were protecting.

Understanding crossed Nicholas’s face. I still wasn’t sure.

well,” Nicholas said. “We can try it. But if it fails, we will do

a couple days, anyway. I think I can work with this for

talking about?”

me.

after a quick scowling glance

Julian laughed.

could trust Julian. But Nicholas? Even with the misunderstanding of betrayal looming between us, I knew I could still trust him with my life.

something. A heck of

trust you,” I told himn.

didn’t change, but he seemed satisfied with the way he tapped

to the palace.” Julian waggled his eyebrows. “Maybe I

Nicholas said at once.

glanced between them. “I could

his head. He turned so that his back was to me. “I will carry you.”

guidance, I draped my arms over his shoulders, and he hoisted me up onto his

me

cheeks burned a bit, especially after Julian gave me a knowing look. I couldn’t deny the position was nice though, pressing into

thighs.

it. Nicholas was only doing this for my

swiftly back to the palace. Romance had nothing to

explain why he hadn’t wanted Julian to carry

go. Nicholas no longer cared for me like