The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0617

Anna's words stayed with me all through the night. I was haunted by them, even as I eventually drifted off to sleep on the air mattress.

Was I truly considering the King's demand because I wanted what was best for the country? Or was I simply hiding, pushing off responsibility to retum to a life of normalcy?

Bridget would make a lousy queen. I knew that.

Anyone would be a better choice.

Even... me?

Could I be queen?

I had labeled the idea as outlandish straight from the start, so much so that I barely considered it even when I tried to think critically about it.

I was constantly making excuses: I knew so little of politics. I knew so little of royalty. Everyone looked down on me. No one would take me seriously.

But these were just excuses, I was realizing now. Anna was right. I was running away.

I needed to do better. I needed to think about how I could actually contribute as a queen, and showcase those abilities. No more hiding. No more putting myself down.

If I wanted a family with Nicholas, I had to earn it.

The thoughts and worries stayed with me even when I woke up again. I had a dreamless sleep, though I felt rested. My body must have decided enough was enough and shut off my brain.

I was resolved to lie on the air mattress until Elva or Anna woke first, but a knock sounded on the door. It was soft at first, but with a growing urgency the longer no one answered.

I wasn't sure who it could be. It seemed too early for the camera crew, and Anna hadn't said she'd been expecting guests.

Crumbling, Anna emerged from her room and slunk herself toward the front door.

the knocking continued. "Someone better be

open the door. The grumbling immediately

she

the living room, I could easily see the front door. The apartment was still dark, with black

to stand up. I was self-conscious in my pajamas, but Nicholas had seen me at my worst. I

I came closer. "I think it's for

"Can't have a prince standing in the hallway. What will

me. "They'll

I flipped on the kitchen light as

an eye on Elva..." Anna said. She was looking at Nicholas with wide eyes. I can't imagine she ever expected to have an actual

"It's a pleasure

him, when Anna just looked

finished

to giggle, like it was

wider, pleased with

is ever going to believe me," she said when she was outside

to me. "Piper," he

missed you," I said at once, my own reflex. I couldn't help myself. It had been less than a day, but his absence had been noted. His presence had been missed. I hated that I couldn't call for him if

time, but he had

It calmed some part of myself, deep down, that felt

I immediately went within them. He closed his arms around

Out in the living room, I heard Anna

worried about it too. What must Nicholas think, being in my former home? It was smaller than anything he was used too. It even seemed smaller to me

questions. I braced myself for his judgement as

there. Honestly, I should have known better. Nicholas had never been the judgmental type. He was the kind of guy who worried about everyone, and helped out at the orphanage in

place that I used to live, he seemed more

give me the tour?"

looked around. "This... is the kitchen." It was small, but it had all of the major amenities. Stove,

out into the living room, we could hear Elva and