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.

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

of Nicholas's favoritism but Elva and me. After Elva was out of the car, I closed the door. Then, holding her hand, we gently ushered through the camera crew until we were neared to Anna. Elva tugged on my hand, rushing us closer. Anna let out

we all rushed toward each other and joined in a three-person hug. It was so

to Anna, who said the

missed you both so much," Anna said. She kissed my cheek and then the top

our bags and set them unceremoniously on the curb. If

were now left to our own devices. This, especially, I did not mind. I was no

his driver's side. He nodded in acknowledgement, started the car, and then

to Anna, I noticed something off. Now that our initial excited greeting had worn off, she was having trouble looking

asked.

she worried her bottom lip

something happen?" I

you gone," she said. "The royals were paying a stipend for a while, for me to keep your room open.

stop paying Anna? I had to look into that as soon as I

Anna said. "But I had to get another roommate to make

have our room?" Elva

"It's okay, Anna. We weren't here. You did what you needed to,

her shoulder to

new roommate is in our room,

a

led us into the apartment, though she assured us that the key

stacked against the wall in the living room behind the

came close to catch my reaction. Knowing they wanted me to get angry, I kept my

was upset. Not because Anna had to move forward with her life, but because my entire life up until this point fit so perfectly into three

the part of me that wanted to break a little, and looked at

up right