The Luna Choosing Game

When our lovemaking was done, Nicholas held me in his arms under the covers of the bed. Despite the bliss running through my veins, now that the deed was done, I also felt a wave of... guilt.

I didn’t know if Nicholas and Bridget were together. Maybe they were, maybe they weren't. But probably should have clarified that before I jumped into bed with him like some kind of thirsty harlot.

My moral compass seemed to fly out the window when it came to Nicholas.

’d pretty much do anything to keep him in my life.

“you're quiet,” Nicholas said. He combed his fingers lazily through my

hair as I laid, half-draped, over his chest.

“I was just thinking...” I began, but lost my nerve to say more.

“About what?” Nicholas prompted.

this go so easily. “About you...” I

added, “And

words, now that the dam had been broken. “She said it would be for the best if I stayed away from you.” Nicholas’s hand stilled. It had just passed through my

to you?” @» “Yes.” I lifted my head, to look himin _ § the

tell there was much more to the story than simply that. I waited patiently for him

best choice for my Luna,” Nicholas

why she’s so confident.” He sighed again, and this time it

parents. But now to have Bridget in the mix? She is my friend. She always has been, but she is suddenly demanding more of me. She wants promises I'm not ready to make.” Not ready, he said. That didn’t mean he was outright refusing her or outright refusing any of it.

that I wanted, but... I always knew that Nicholas would choose the crown before anyone or anything else, including me. That he would need to think carefully was no shock. And that he wouldn't want to immediately dismiss Bridget when she was such a promising

either.

stung, though. Somedays I half- wished Nicholas would throw it all aside and choose me over everything else, but that

for now, I clung onto what I could of him, and tried to enjoy him for