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.

can try it. But if it fails,

enough.” Julian shrugged. “But give me a couple days, anyway. I think I can work with this for a while, really

are you talking about?” I

winked at me. “You’ll

quick scowling glance at his brother, amended, “Trust me.”

Julian laughed.

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

A heck of a lot, actually

trust you,” I

didn’t change, but he seemed satisfied with

Julian waggled his eyebrows.

said at once.

“I could

shook his head. He turned so that his back was to me.

arms over his shoulders, and he hoisted me up onto his back.

me

was nice though, pressing into the long expanse of

thighs.

about it. Nicholas was only doing this for my sake,

back to the palace. Romance had nothing to do with it.

explain why he hadn’t wanted Julian

I had to let those thoughts go. Nicholas no longer cared for me like