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.

knocking continued. "Someone

open the door. The grumbling immediately

she

apartment was still dark, with black out curtains hanging over the window, but the hallway light was on. So I could clearly

pajamas, but Nicholas had seen me at my worst. I tried not to worry as

Anna said as I came closer. "I think it's

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

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

and invited Nicholas inside. I flipped on the kitchen light as he entered and we both went in

said. She was looking at 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," I

nodded. "It's a pleasure

when Anna just looked at him

finished

giggle, like it was an impulse, or

grinned wider, pleased

uh.. same!" She fled. "No one is ever going to believe me," she said when

Nicholas turned to

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

a short time, but he had been

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

me and I immediately went within them. He closed his

Anna waking Elva and shuffling

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

myself for his judgement as we

see in his eyes was not 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

that I used to live,

me

is the kitchen." It was small, but it had all of the major amenities. Stove, fridge, oven, coffee pot.

room, we could hear Elva and Anna talking in Anna's room. Elva was asking