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.

coming!" she shouted, when the knocking continued. "Someone better be dead, to get me up this

open the door. The grumbling

she

myself out of bed. From the living room, I could easily see the front door. The apartment was still dark, with black out curtains hanging over the window, but the

Nicholas had seen me at my worst. I tried not to worry

came closer. "I think

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

he saw me. "They'll surely think, there

the kitchen light as he entered and we both went in

Nicholas with wide eyes. I can't imagine she ever expected to have an actual prince on her doorstep. "So you two can talk. "Thanks,"

"It's a pleasure

told him, when Anna

he finished with a

it was an impulse, or

grinned wider,

"Yes... uh.. same!" She fled. "No one is ever going to believe

turned to

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.

been apart a short time, but he had

having him near. It calmed some part of myself, deep down, that felt strung out

immediately went within them. He closed his arms around me and I felt like home

stood like that for a very long moment. Out in the living room, I heard Anna waking Elva and shuffling around, cleaning no doubt.

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 than it had been before, having lived in the palace for so

he had questions. I braced myself for his judgement as we pulled

been the

this place that I used to live, he seemed

me the tour?"

had all of the major amenities. Stove, fridge, oven, coffee pot. Not much to report on

him out into the living room, we could hear Elva and Anna talking in Anna's room. Elva was asking Anna if she was