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

meant that, I’m sure, as both a claim over him and a

her. Pity, it only manifested in such a contemptible

you quite fortunate,” I agreed, just to

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

I continued, showing even

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

you, as Nicholas did.”

was as stout–hearted as Nicholas. I wondered

they chopped off my head, maybe. Whenever

likely.

415 BONUS

Lilliana interacted with Nicholas, with her constant agreeing and complements, I felt more and more terrible for

wish to tie himself so permanently

for the sake of

ways I didn’t and

that.

his

been for a long time. But I could never

life forever knowing how miserable he would be.

save

in the gardens, we were alerted that the kitchens were