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.”

so lucky to be your favorite,” she said, side–eyeing

sure, as both a claim over him and a slight to me,

any type of personality formulate in her. Pity,

make you quite fortunate,” I agreed, just to get her to

a half minute away from digging a hole in the ground just to bury himself

showing even more leniency, “I am Julian’s

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

for you, as Nicholas

stout–hearted as Nicholas. I wondered if Julian would have

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

likely.

415 BONUS

I felt more and more terrible for Nicholas. There had to

children, but… how could he wish to tie himself so permanently to someone like

for the sake

I didn’t and couldn’t comprehend. I tried to

that.

give up his whole

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

forever knowing how miserable

save him from

the gardens, we were alerted that the kitchens were ready for