The Luna Choosing Game

I wasn't sure what to expect when our car delivered us from the train station to the palace, but even in my wildest dreams, I wouldn't have guessed what actually awaited us.

Cheering crowds lined the outer walls of the palace. Balloons and streamers of various colors were abundant. A stage had been set up with a band.

Some people had signs. Long Live The Bear Princess, they said, with a picture of my face.

When they separated to make way for our car, they nearly rioted with their joy.

"Praise you!" shouted one woman.

"Our hero!" called a man.

In the backseat of the sedan, I clutched at Nicholas's hand, unsure what to make of all this. Not all that long ago, these same people had been half-ready to start a rebellion. Now, the only thing they seemed to want to fight for was some of my time and affection.

Nicholas clapped his free hand on mine, the one holding so hard onto his other hand.

Piper. You've earned

did was exist," I told him. How could that

his face, he wore a look of fond sympathy. "Piper, you have done so much more than

on her luck woman working as

Nicholas's eyes, I could almost see the way I was reflected within

saw me as someone more... shouldn't I trust in him? As I trusted in him in all

you are," Nicholas said. Shifting closer to me, he dropped a kiss to my shoulder. "And how much I love

need you to hold to that promise," I said,

said. And I knew that was

a bit calmer, though, to my shock and surprise, everyone was waiting for us out near the palace's front doors.

front of ours carried Joyce, Julian, and Veronica. Joyce exited first. He only took one step before Jessica, having run

allowed himself to love. Or perhaps he had, and he'd buried it down until now.

escaped my notice that much like Nicholas and I, Julian and Veronica had disappeared together on the train, only to reemerge this morning

only had joy in my heart for my