The Luna Choosing Game

“Right.” Nicholas tightened his jaw.

“Well, she certainly did in this case,” I said, inserting myself into their conversation. “I would never hurt

anyone.

Lilliana looked at me blankly.

1 believe that,” Nicholas said.

Then Lilliana added, “Yes, me too. Piper would never hurt anyone.”

I frowned. This conversation felt… odd. Like attempting to speak with a puppet, she only ever seemed to

emulate what Nicholas had said.

Secretly I wished Nicholas would say something outlandish, if only to see if Lilliana would agree. He was

too good of a man for that, however.

If only Lilliana had taken to Julian instead. He would have had a field day amusing himself with her

mindless compliance.

“The cooking challenge for Linda was very inspired, Prince Nicholas,” Lilliana said. “You are very

intelligent.”

Nicholas looked absolutely miserable standing there, frowning so deeply, eyes downcast and away.

Thank you.”

to be your favorite,” she said, side–eyeing me.

claim over him and a slight to

her. Pity,

you quite fortunate,” I agreed, just to

hole in the ground just to

recall,” I continued, showing even more leniency, “I am Julian’s favorite.”

sound particularly impressed. “Where is your prince? I am surprised that he did not

you, as Nicholas did.”

wondered

they chopped off my head, maybe. Whenever the situation stopped being funny to

likely.

415 BONUS

the way Lilliana interacted with Nicholas, with her constant agreeing and complements, I felt more and more terrible for Nicholas. There had to be some way I could

knew he wanted children, but… how could he wish to tie himself so

the sake

kingdom was important to Nicholas, in ways I didn’t and couldn’t comprehend.

that.

his whole sense of self…?

boyfriend. He hadn’t been for a long time. But I could never forgive

life forever knowing how miserable he

to save

after we’d eaten lunch in the gardens, we were alerted that the kitchens were ready