The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0631

Things were quiet on the way back to the palace. We'd managed to escape before we saw a bear. Nicholas had seemed confident that none of the people we had run into had been a bear shifter.

"I would have known," Nicholas said. "Their smell would have given them away."

Alphas had sensitive noses, so I had to assume that was true. Whatever the case, we managed to return to the palace without incident. Tiffany took the photo of the twins and rushed back to the sitting room we had been using for our meetings.

Once she was gone, Veronica sighed. "She's been trying so hard to make the most of the time she thinks she has left."

All of us looked at Julian, but he glanced away, avoiding all of our glances.

"We could all do with that determination," Julian said. "Since we are working to stop a war before it can begin." With that, he, too, went down the hallway, following in Tiffany's steps.

Veronica nodded at me, and at Nicholas, and then shadowed Julian in the same direction.

I wanted to help, too. It would take all hands on deck to track down all the orphanages and foster homes between the northern border and the small town.

But there was something else on my mind first. A much different matter needed my attention before the elimination ceremony tomorrow.

With the others gone, I turned to Nicholas.

"I need to speak with your parents," I said. It was time to make my decision, and take my stand.

I was frightened, of course. Defying the king wasn't recommended if you wanted to live a long, healthy life. But I wasn't going to let that fear stand in my way anymore.

The kingdom was too important.

Nicholas was too important.

Nicholas gave me an uncertain look. He knew about his father's desire for me to withdraw from the competition and throw my support behind Bridget.

me

you think they'll see me?" I asked

looked at me hard for a moment more,

immediately took it, and

I stood beside Nicholas in front of the King and Queen. The Queen was sitting down, enjoying her tea. She did not greet us beyond a soft

time I had seen him. I regretted that this conversation was likely to

be helped. I'd made my decision, and I

me good news," the King said. He stopped pacing only long enough to

threats, I knew his idea that

I lived through this

Nicholas was beside me. He wouldn't let me be killed

stopped again and

such piercing focus. I wouldn't be intimidated now. I had to be strong for the man I loved and the

withdrawing from the competition,"

lowered her teacup down to the saucer with

think about what you are saying," the Queen said, her voice eerily calm. "You would sacrifice the good of the

"No," I said.

long while about whether accepting my feelings for Nicholas would indeed be selfish of me, I have

nation or the man I love more than any other to that fiend

was Nicholas who went very still. I didn't know why he would be surprised. Surely he

first time hadn't been here, in front of his parents, but needs

tell him again later, more privately, when it was just

of

and we all know it,"

interrupt your mother," the King

looked at him. "Tell me

King ran a hand

would put herself first. She would care for her own gains before that of this kingdom. And she

Nicholas?" the Queen asked. She lifted her hand toward