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.

But if it fails, we will do it my way instead.”

I think I can work with this for a while, really lay it

are you talking

at me.

after a quick scowling

Julian laughed.

wasn’t wrong. I wasn’t sure I could trust Julian. But Nicholas? Even with the misunderstanding of betrayal looming between us, I knew I could

for something. A heck of a lot, actually

I told himn.

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

get her back to the palace.” Julian waggled his eyebrows. “Maybe I could carry you, Piper.”

Nicholas said at once.

between them. “I could try to walk…?”

turned so that his back was to me. “I will carry

arms over his shoulders, and he

giving me

especially after Julian gave me a knowing look. I couldn’t deny the position was nice though, pressing into the long expanse of Nicholas’s back. His strong hands pressing hard

thighs.

much about it. Nicholas was only doing this for my

the palace. Romance had

wanted

I had to let those thoughts go. Nicholas no