The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0504 I With Nicholas’s arms wrapped safely I around me, I debated with myself \ whether to ask the questions I wanted or to go back to what I was sure would be the I world’s most comfortable sleep.

In the end, my desire for answers outweighed my sleepiness.

Nicholas could tell without me even saying anything. “I can hear you thinking.” I nearly rolled my eyes, but the effect would be lost as it was, with my back to Nicholas’s front. He wouldn’t be able to see my face.

Instead, I stuck to my questions.

«What happened with the King and Queen?” 1 asked. “Why did it take so long?” Nicholas sighed, his breath warm on my

ear. ‘My parents just wanted to lecture me for a while.” That was a non-answer if I ever heard one.

“Nicholas,” I said, pressing.

He sighed again, louder. “Okay, okay. I didn’t want to get into the details, but yes, they are absolutely furious about my rescue.” «Because it endangered you?” «Not exactly, though I’m sure that was part of it. NO. Instead, they were most upset about the optics.” Optics? In the eyes of the public? «Because of the speculation about what happened in the cave?” “No,” Nicholas said. «That was so grainy, thank God, that no one could tell what went on for sure. Even my parents, who had people analyzing the footage to see if they needed to make a statement about it,

confirmed the results were inconclusive.

We're in the clear there. I think. Though people will still speculate. Can’t help that.” “Then what optics are you talking about?” “My rescue was highly regarded among the public. It’s lifted my standing in their eyes,” Nicholas said.

[ was confused. “Isn’t that a good thing?” Wasn't that what this entire competition was about? To make the royal family look good? (yes. And no. Because I'm not the only one who's status just got lifted.” He kissed me again, this time pressing his lips to the shell of my ear. “I went for you, Piper, and the public knows it. They saw you fighting for survival. They were cheering for you.” [ couldn’t believe what Twas hearing.

Once Bridget showed up, my status in the

\ eyes of the public dropped substantially.

a \ superstar was around, especially one with

reunited childhood sweethearts, who were

Bridget should have been the couple to end

the kingdom was, once again rooting for

are

weeks trying to

knowing how much the King and Queen didn’t like me. I knew it wasn’t

to be justa publicity stunt to draw ratings and open the hearts of the wary public to the good of the

and again annoyed them to no

still hurt. Maybe because-tcared about Nicholas so much. If the King and Queen weren’t so against

Or maybe not.

best for his kingdom. The throne took precedence

unfortunately, would never make the best Luna and Queen. After leaving the Academy in shame, I'd spent most of my time working low paying jobs just to survive. What did I know about politics? About court intrigue? About war? No. For the sake of the kingdom, Nicholas was always going to have to choose someone else. Someone from nobility, who was born and raised to hold a

they lectured me,” Nicholas said, startling away from the downward spiral of my thoughts. “1 asked them what kind of alternative they wanted. Did they want me to just leave you in that hole? Didn't they understand you could have died there?” I shivered, even in the comfort of his embrace, remembering how cold and damp I was in that pit. Thank God Thad been reunited with my wolf before that happened.

think on it any longer, I turned in Nicholas’s arms and buried my nose against his chest. I inhaled his familiar, comforting scent, letting the feel of

all

peace. Only like this,

lifted my face slightly, then leaned down and kissed me on

smiled at him in gratitude. He didn’t return the smile with his lips, though

confirmation of Nicholas’s affection, not anymore. The man had trudged into a stormy jungle to