The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0634

My heart thundered in my chest so fiercely, I worried that it might break free from my ribcage and jump across the floor.

What announcement was Nicholas about to give? What could he have to say that was so important he would hold up the entire ceremony?

*Some of you maybe have been expecting this," Nicholas said. He spoke confidently and crisply, as clear and sure as if he had been delivering a written speech. Though this speech seemed entirely unprompted. He didn't even have notes. "While to most, I suspect, this will come as a surprise."

*This is most unorthodox, Prince Nicholas," Nathan said.

*I ask only for your patience, Nathan," Nicholas replied. He looked around the entire room. "For all of your patience. This will not take long."

Everyone seemed to agree and accept his words. A quiet murmur filled the ballroom, but it quickly died in anticipation of Nicholas's words.

I glanced at Veronica beside me. She gave me a look that indicated that she knew more than I did. I tilted my head in question, but she simply motioned forward toward Nicholas, as if I should wait and see.

So I did, looking back to the man I loved as he stood in front of the entire kingdom with such bravery and strength.

He was a true leader, even his mere presence demanded respect.

*This competition is no longer necessary," Nicholas said. "At least, not for me. For I have already found the woman of my dreams, and the only one I would ever want to be my Luna."

My heart hammered so loudly, I could hear it in my ears. I placed my hand over my heart in effort to make it ease so that I could hear more properly. I didn't want to miss a single moment of this speech.

My hopes were rising, but I tried to keep them in check. There was no way to tell for sure that Nicholas meant me. Maybe his father got to him. He could have been talking about someone else. He could be making any choice right now.

God, I hoped it was me though. Please. Please. Please. Let it be me.

*I knew her since before the competition even began," Nicholas said. "I had held her in my heart for a long time, not expecting to see her again. But since she's been returned to me, I cannot deny the desire I hold for her and for her alone. If she would please come forward."

Nicholas's gaze swept over the candidates.

Bridget was the first to move, stepping down from the stage.

of it. Instead, his

*Piper," he said.

as did everyone else in the room

about the scene. Nicholas was still standing on the floor between the stage and the throne, with the cameras and all

wouldn't keep him waiting

him. He kept his hand outstretched,

his lips met that of his eyes. It was

feelings,

dropped

you marry, Piper? Will you

had been wanting this from the beginning, since I had learned the identity of the prince. I had tried so hard to push down my feelings over the past

my King. My heart would settle for nothing else. Nicholas's smile grew impossibly wide as he jumped to his feet. He tugged me closer to him, and there, in front of his parents, the candidates, the nobles, and the entire kingdom itself through the camera lens, Nicholas kissed

I kissed him right

"Nicholas!" the Queen shouted.

can't be happening!" Bridget

Others cheered and clapped.

those cameras!" the

ceremonies were broadcast live. The kingdom would have seen everything Nicholas said.

can please calm down!"

tightened around me. I

came up for air, but only for a single breath, then to reposition

love for this man. I wanted to give him all that I have, so

already knew. He had, after all, heard me declare my love for him to the

time we came up for air, I leaned back to deter his kiss long enough to whisper the

I love you, Piper. Be

giggled. "I've

want to

him again, soft and sweet. "Yes." Another kiss. "A

twenty minutes ago, I had been so certain that I was going to be forced to leave the palace and return to my old

quickly that