The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0615

As the car entered the neighborhoods that I recognized, I grew more and more tense. Nicholas squeezed me tighter, likely trying to offer what comfort that he could. But there was little comfort to be had.

I didn't mind the smaller place. I didn't even mind the harsher lifestyle.

But I didn't want to do any of it anymore, without Nicholas

I would, of course, if forced to. I would give my all to raise Elva to the best of my ability, no matter the environment. And now that the Oracle had cured her of her curse, we didn't necessarily need to be at the palace, since Elva didn't need such intense medical care.

I wanted Nicholas, Elva, and I to be a family. Full stop. It didn't matter where.

Finally, the car came to a stop in front of our old apartment building. A camera crew was already set up outside, waiting. There, standing among them, chatting them all up, stood Anna. She looked much the same as when I had last seen her.

God, I missed her so much. I didn't even realize how much until this moment.

Nicholas cupped my face and lightly kissed me on the lips. The windows were tinted, the cameras wouldn't be able to see.

"I will see you soon," he said. His eyes were creased with worry, his mouth heavy with sadness.

I kissed him again, offering comfort as he tried to do for me. "Soon," I promised.

Nicholas nodded and turned to Elva. He kissed the top of her head.

I sucked in a sturdy breath, then exited the car. The cameras were immediately on me. The crew pushed Anna back behind them, even though she was the one Elva and I were here to

see.

Likely under the King's orders, they wanted to catch me at my worst so the footage could be sliced to

and opened the door enough for Elva to hop out, while keeping Nicholas hidden. No one needed to know of Nicholas's favoritism but Elva and me. After Elva

rushed toward each other and joined in a three-person hug.

to Anna, who said

kissed my cheek and then

removed our bags and set them unceremoniously on the curb. If

would see to our bags. As it was, we were now left to our own devices. This, especially, I did not

the driver as he returned to his driver's side. He nodded in acknowledgement,

I turned back to Anna, I noticed something off. Now that our initial excited greeting had worn off,

I asked. "What

down as she worried her bottom lip with her teeth. I recognized

something happen?"

she said. "The royals were paying a stipend for a while, for me to keep your room open. But I don't know if the checks got lost or if they were stolen,

scratched at my chest. Why would they stop paying Anna? I had

to get another roommate to make ends meet.

room?" Elva looked

to be okay," I told her. To Anna, I said, "It's okay, Anna. We weren't here.

her shoulder to show

question I had was, "If the new roommate is in

us, only a

she assured

boxes stacked against the wall in

me to get angry, I kept my face carefully schooled in

life up until this point fit

me that wanted to break a little, and looked at Anna. "Which one has Elva's toys?" I knew she would want

up right