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.

wouldn’t let this go so easily. “About

added, “And Bridget.”

able to stop the 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 hair and was now sitting on the

himin _ § the eye. “Was she telling the truth?” “I haven’t made any decisions,”

the truth, but I also could tell there was much more to the story than simply that. I waited patiently for him to continue. I

parents are convinced Bridget is the best choice for my

to Bridget about it, which is why she’s so confident.” He sighed again, and this time it

but she is suddenly demanding more of me. She wants promises I'm not ready

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

either.

stung, though. Somedays I half- wished Nicholas would throw it all aside and choose me over everything else, but that was an entirely selfish notion. And Nicholas

I could of him, and tried to enjoy him for as long as I could