The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0561

When she awoke from her brief nap, Elva stuck to me like glue. She kept looking up at me with her big, tearful eyes. For a day that began with such high hopes, we were both feeling the lows now. I took her hand and did not release, very aware that I had nearly lost the chance to be her mom.

If I had died, I wouldn't get to see her grow up into the strong, independent woman I knew she would become. I'd miss graduations and weddings and maybe grandchildren.

Even as we walked together toward the deck, I tugged her closer to me, afraid to let her go too far. If I was in danger, than so was she. Ronan was incensed. If he wanted revenge on me, he'd find it easier by attacking Elva.

Then, when I couldn't take the worry and the guilt at nearly dying anymore, I stopped, dropped to one knee, and pulled Elva into a tight hug again.

"I'm sorry I scared you, Elva," I whispered to her. Her tight fingers clawed hard at my shoulders. Was she afraid I would let go and leave her again? I wouldn't. I would never. Even in death, my spirit would stay with her, to watch and protect her.

"Mommy," Elva said, voice watery. Her tears sounded like they were coming back, though I suspected, except during her short nap, that they never really left.

"Your mom is tough, okay? I fought and fought, making certain that I would return back to you. And I promise you that I will do my best to stay with you for as long as I am able, okay?" Content belong to NôvelDráma. Org.

"Never leave, Mommy."

I pulled back enough to look into her eyes. How I wanted to make that promise. In a way, I could, I supposed. Though I wasn't certain she would understand it.

I gently rested my hand over her heart. "I'll always be here, Elva. Even if we're apart, I'm with you. Right here. Next to your heart."

Elva looked down. As I removed my hand, she placed her own where mine had been. "How do you fit in there?"

is so big, Elva. It can fit as many people inside of it as

asked. She giggled

whole world," I told her, and pulled her in for another hug. She giggled and squirmed. When she pulled away, she wasn't nearly as clinging

walked onto the deck, I made sure to grab her a napkin

learn a new magic trick?" He held up a deck of cards. Elva

wasn't going to try to teach her to count

said and patted her back. "I'm going to ask a servant

waiting for a servant. Instead, Nicholas came out the door. His gaze panned across the deck before landing on

idea what that meant for the conversation he'd just had with the

He wished me to convey to you

wanted to hear right now. I waved away the concerns. "What did he say about Prince

the... incident at the event. The merfolk queen insisted he be held accountable for this action, and all those previous that he had not been

such acts in the past, but at least he was facing some

for the merfolk, but apparently is rather well liked. Handsome and popular, Ambassador Zale said. That is typically enough, I guess for him to ruse people to his

"His cause this time

if on reflex. "I know. Fortunately, Ambassador Zale and the Queen have offered to send some of their own security to our island to

that was all the more reason to accept them. They could be embarrassed and want to prove themselves. If Nicholas trusted them, I

said. "Having more forces to watch our island from the water will only suit to help keep you safe. I, of course, will also be adding to our protection here

and light as a bell chime. Nicholas and I both looked over in time to see all the cards

I looked at Nicholas, it