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.

indication of it. Instead, his eyes found me in

*Piper," he said.

everyone else in the room but Nicholas

Nicholas was still standing on the floor between the stage and the throne, with the cameras and all eyes locked on him. He was still holding his hand out toward

wouldn't keep him

of the stage and walked slowly toward him. He kept his hand

joy on his lips met that of his

sun. "I have loved you for years. I thought time and distance might diminish my feelings, but

Nicholas dropped to

you marry, Piper? Will you

I had learned the identity of the prince. I had tried so hard to push down my feelings over

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

kissed him

"Nicholas!" the Queen shouted.

can't be

Others cheered and clapped.

cameras!"

now. The elimination ceremonies were broadcast live. The kingdom would

please calm down!"

me. I pushed my fingers through his

only for a single breath, then to reposition and go in for

love for this man. I wanted to give him all that I have, so that he could know his affections

had, after all, heard

the same as telling him myself though. So the next time we came up for air, I leaned back

I love you, Piper. Be my

"I've already said

want to hear it

and sweet. "Yes." Another kiss. "A thousand

forced to leave the palace

that