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.

act. I want

Bridget a glare so icy even I

I will marry. The

him,

together we walked away from

My heart soared.

crowd

war was over. Peace was

future for my daughter. I couldn't imagine anything else I needed in the

year later, a rub at my rounded belly. Within it, a new

so wonderful," Susie said from one side of me. We sat around a table filled with cakes and sweets. In the ballroom, we were having

Nicholas, had

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

chair on the opposite side of me. "But

over the years. Never again. I certainly wasn't about to leave

on the dance floor, Elva was showing her craziest moves. Her

come easier to her these days, especially since Julian

were noticeably absent, though I imagined they would soon be caught making