The Luna Choosing Game

As Linda dived at me, knife first, both Julian and Nicholas moved at once.

Nicholas ran at me. He grabbed me around the waist and pulled me toward him, shielding me behind his body.

Julian, meanwhile, went straight for Linda. He grabbed Linda’s wrist and twisted. The knife clattered

down onto the floor.

“Someone get Joseph the hell back in here!” Julian shouted at one of the guards. They ran out of the room, doing as commanded. The others closed in around Linda.

Disarmed, she shrank in on herself, seemingly realizing what she had done. Her eyes were wide and vacant. Tears streamed down her face.

Nicholas eased me back, though he kept his hands on my shoulders.

“Are you okay?” he asked me.

“Yes.” That knife never had a chance to reach me with both brothers moving as if in tandem.

Still, Nicholas checked me over, dropping his gaze down the length of my body.

to actually try to kill her?” whispered one

far,”

passed, and Nicholas released me,

“Piper!”

okay,” I promised her. I waved out my arms

Nicholas. “Why would

set his jaw. “Some nobles don’t

was unusual to see

furious, glaring down at where Linda whimpered. “For attempting

candidate, you are disqualified

known that she had no defense. Everyone

in the act.

the room, his eyes sunken in rage, Julian directed him to escort Linda

charges,” Julian said, looking at me. “What she has done is worthy of

I wished to press charges, it would extend into a court hearing. Even though I would likely win, I really just wanted this

I shook my head a little.

Julian said to the guards.

to be a weak–willed little mouse. You can dress yourself up in silks and satins, but you will always be common

the guards, forcing them to stop, and