The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0355

The next morning at breakfast, the candidates were gossiping as per usual. Topics were spa rse, especially since we weren’t allowed to watch any television. But the girls amused themselves with who was feeling under the weather, and who was wearing what to the ball.

I tried to participate more than I had before. My heart still ached some, but talking with Veronica and Julian had helped more than I realized. Though Susie had previously known, it was difficult to speak freely with her, as we were always around others when together.

It was nice to have so many friends around me, ready to support me.

Beside me, Elva was digging into her waffles. She had two cheeks full when Nicholas walked through the door.

She tried shouting his name, but I quickly reminded her, “Finish chewing. Then you can go say hello.”

She eagerly nodded and chewed at a faster pace.

“Slowly, now,” I reminded her, worried she might choke.

Nicholas continued walking as if he hadn’t noticed. Maybe he hadn’t. He seemed laser-

focused today as he marched straight to Olivia.

Olivia slowly lowered her fork. She tapped at the corners of her mouth with her napkin.

A camera crew followed Nicholas in and quickly found different positions as Nicholas stopped

at Olivia’s side.

“Olivia,” he said.

She batted her eyelashes up at him. I didn’t hate her for it. I knew this was part of the game, and Olivia very well could have been the best contender in the place. She came from a well- connected pack. She was well-trained and strong, both in physicality and me ntality.

So I didn’t hate her. But I did hate what was taking place right in front of me.

I would have run away if I could have. But that would only draw the camera lenses to me. For Nichola s’s sake, for the sake of his sacrifice of our near-relationship, I had to keep my

backside in my chair and endure.

“Yes, Prince Nicholas?” Olivia said sweetly.

“Will you accompany me on a date tomorrow?” he asked.

“Why, I would be honored,” Olivia replied.

“Good.”

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my chest. But I

other girls’ eyes widened in excitement. It had been some time since there had been any kind of fresh gossip. This would

news, and glanced at me. Veronica held no

have the experience to know how to hide

“No!” she shouted.

Elva,” I said

she scurried under the table, only to reappear on the other side,

toward them, desperate to stop the scene, but I couldn’t

“How could you, Nick-lass?”

said. His eyes held sympathy. “Please

you ask Mommy on date?” Elva said. She had real tears

to my face. Nicholas looked

which was worse.

throat and dropped down to one

Elva,” Nicholas said softly. He wasn’t his usual unguarded self with Elva, not with the cameras watching, but he at least curbed some of

lady.”

frowned deeper. “Then why not

said, stepping toward her. I placed my hands on her shoulders. “It’s okay.

being a

much smaller ones. “Why are you talking so

Nicholas blinked, startled.

are being

not…” Nicholas started to say, but I could see how Elva

colder version of him must

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panic was clear on his face. The kingdom wasn’t ready to handle who he was in private. Or, perhaps more accurately, Nicholas wasn’t ready to share that

Elva. You know Prince Nicholas is a very important prince.

has

responsibilities

guess…” Elva didn’t

for the cameras. “I think we’ve all read too

in solidarity. Every little girl enjoyed

Even, it seemed, the girls

and the cameramen seemed

turned the cameras

rose to his feet. His relief lasted only a moment, before vanishing under