The Luna Choosing Game

“You would deny the direct command of your prince?” he asked, voice firm. It was an act, I knew him enough to be able to tell. But he was giving me the reason I needed comply with his wishes if I so chose.

And I desperately wanted to.

“Okay,” I said at last. He utilized his servants to draw attention away from us. When he was certain we were safe, he whisked me away, out onto the balcony where we were alone

Night had set in. The moon was bright above us, illuminating the spacious balcony more than the

candlelight could.

Nicholas maintained distance, not touching, though he stayed close enough to reach for me if I faltered. My twisted ankle felt much better now, though, so I walked steadily. It was only my hands that were

shaking.

We stopped at the railing, and together looked out over the darkness. I thought the gardens might be

below, but I couldn’t be certain.

He stood beside me, looking at me rather than the view.

“Piper,” he prompted.

“Your father knows about us,” I said.

He froze

hands together.

small of my back.

his closeness was the comfort I

I didn’t want to die. A tear escape my eye

hint of desperation marred Nicholas’s voice, tightening it a

me you keep my picture in your wallet.

Elva had

much Hed she recognized him from the start? Was that wh

decide whether or not to deny it. “I can tell just

him. I’d purged everything

be together but I didn’t want to let him go, not all the way. I wanted

sounded almost as broken as I felt. “Why would you keep

picture?”

don’t know.” I didn’t have

how could you leave me for another man?”

words came out in my grief and my upset. I hadn’t meant to say them.