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.

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

glare so icy even

love. The woman I will marry. The

him, expression

to me and together we walked

My heart soared.

gates, the crowd began to

over. Peace was

prince and a secure future for my daughter. I couldn't imagine anything else I needed in the

my rounded belly. Within it, a new prince or

said from one side of me. We sat around a table filled with

Nicholas, had just been crowned

close. His quietly brooding expression matched that of his father's, who stood just behind Susie's chair.

the chair on the opposite side of me. "But I always

So much hurt and pain we'd experienced over the years. Never again.

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

Those seemed to come easier to her

I imagined they would soon be