The Luna Choosing Game

If I wanted to help the people, I would have to do it on my own. As for the border, I could only hope. Terry’s arrogance didn’t lead us into full–scale war.

“I’m not sure it’s wise to send that many troops north,” the King said. “If this is an innocent endeavor on their part, we might then look the part of the aggressor.”

Rather an aggressor than a coward,” Terry said.

“We should listen to my brother,” the Queen said.

The King frowned deeper.

“Why don’t you run along, Nicholas? Terry called to me again. “If you truly care so much for the welfare

of the people, perhaps you should start with that pretty little commoner and her daughter. They’ve been very… vulnerable lately.” He smiled. “We wouldn’t want anything to happen to them.”

Red hot anger burst in my mind and my wolf snarled under my skin.

Was he just threatening Piper and Elva?

But if he was, what could I do about it? He had my parents‘ favor. A seat at the right hand of the King.

I raged in my mind, desiring to jump over the table and throttle him.

As it was, I turned on my heel and stormed to the exit of the room.

the hallway, then startled to find Julian jumping away from the door. He had clearly

eavesdropping.

I didn’t even mind Julian’s presence. In fact, I

the door behind me, then grabbed Julian by the shoulder and roughly dragged him down

into my

inside, then closed the door behind us.

on me, brother,” Julian said. His smile took on an edge. “But if you want to

our dear uncle Terry,

I

I was never good at subterfuge.

a

there, and had nothing to do with what I wished to speak to Julian about

need to take Piper on

went high on his forehead. I’d surprised him.

change

something I thought I’d hear you say,” Julian

I’d say. But for Piper’s safety, I was

“If you

as your favorite, it will help protect her against whatever Terry

family has planned for her.”

the King and Queen are in

fully submissive to the rest of