The Luna Choosing Game

Instead, the Queen pulled me into a hug. It was uncomfortable and brief, but a hug none the less. From the Queen, this was a tremendous breach of decorum, and I froze, unsure how to react. Even Nathan, standing dutifully as his King's side seemed shocked.

"I have misjudged you dearly," the Queen said. She pulled away to look at me. "I will not make that error again."

The King offered a small smile. "Your engagement to our son has our full approval."

We were going to marry either way, but having their blessing certainly made it all easier.

*Thank you," I said.

Nicholas shook his father's hand. "Thanks, Dad."

In the quiet moment that followed, I glanced over the remaining crowd. Charlotte was there, waving at me, along with many other servants and staff that I recognized.

Then I saw her, there at the edge of the crowd. The only frowning face in a sea of smiles.

Bridget.

As Nicholas and I stepped back from the King and Queen, Bridget saw her opportunity and stormed toward us. Even with Elva in Nicholas's arms, she still had the audacity to reach out and grab at Nicholas's sleeve with both hands.

this pretext, Nicholas," Bridget said. "I know this is all an act. I want you. You are the perfect man for me. How could anyone turn

a glare so icy

marry. The mother of my soon-to-be adopted daughter and all of my future

released him,

and together we walked

My heart soared.

gates, the crowd began to

over. Peace was

a secure future for my daughter. I

belly. Within it, a new

side of me. We sat around a table filled with cakes and sweets. In the

Nicholas, had just been

held her own baby close. His quietly brooding expression matched that of his father's, who stood just behind Susie's chair. Mark and Susie had married shortly before Nicholas

Anna said from the chair on the opposite side of me. "But I always knew you

I said, laughing now. So much hurt and pain we'd experienced over the years. Never again. I certainly wasn't about to leave

the dance floor, Elva was showing her craziest moves. Her uncle Julian, ever indulgent,

learn them. Nearby Veronica watched with a smile. Those seemed to come easier to her these

though I imagined they