The Luna Choosing Game

Piper and I both preferred monogamy. I doubted that had changed in the past three years.

Julian’s eyes sparkled with mischief. Tell her then. See what happens. She’s under my spell whether you

like it or not.”

“Fine.”

I walked Piper’s horse back to the stables, where a stable hand stood waiting to take over. After passing

him the reins, I continued on to the gardens where I knew Piper would be, with Elva, Susle, and Mark.

I found her quickly enough, playing tag with Elva in the grass. Piper would hurry to catch Elva, then slow

down at the last moment so Elva could make a daring escape! Elva giggled each time.

“Catch me, Mommy! Catch me!”

Piper laughed too, a bright and honest smile on her face that made my heart leap forward in my chest. I

it, willing

when I saw her with such a joyful expression, all I could think of were ways to keep it there.

bullshit, that idea held a ring of honesty.

about Piper and her happiness? I cared for Elva, but this ran deeper than that. I could care for Elva without worrying overmuch about Piper dating Julian. But

made my stomach

Someone who wasn’t my no–good

no. Would they deserve her? Would they treat her

for the

of Piper with anyone did not settle

it, Julian was right. Despite all reason, maybe I was jealous.

I needed to learn to control myself, quickly. I was in this

less than the full entirety of my heart I couldn’t be wasting portions of

after Piper.

to me, waving both arms.

nearly caught

I walked closer, until Elva ran to safety behind my legs. Piper

1. me.

from the tie at her neck. Her skirts had

never looked so

with Prince