The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0366

When I looked back up at Nicholas, he was still staring at me. Maybe he would have stared forever, I didn’t know.

But then Olivia appeared near his arm. She touched his forearm and he had to look down at her.

She wore a dress the color of the ocean, fluid, with white trim. Nicholas wore a matching tie.

Like Julian and I, they were a matching pair. It was a bitter reminder of our roles tonight, something I seemed to so easily forget every time I looked Nicholas in the eye.

Olivia tugged on Nicholas’s arm, and he acquiesced to her command, not looking back.

Disappointment surged through me. I hadn’t expected that we would have all walked into together like some kind of royal parade, but it would have been nice to receive some acknowledgement.

“Looks like Nicholas is going to have his hands full tonight,” Julian said.

“Yes,” I agreed, annoyed how quickly and easily he followed Olivia’s summons.

“We shouldn’t assume that we can depend on him,” Julian said. “He’s going to be very busy upholding all of our appearances tonight.”

I looked at Julian sideways. “And us?”

“We should stay together,” Julian said. “To do our part, of course, but also for protection.”

“I don’t need your protection,” I said on instinct. I was so used to doing everything alone. Sometimes it still felt hardwired in me. I regretted it immediately. If things went south, I really might need him. I opened my mouth to take it back, but Julian beat me to it, complete with a cheeky grin.

“I meant, protection for me. I don’t want to be outside of three feet of that cuff.‘ He purposefully dropped his gaze to my bosom.

I went to smack him, but, laughing, he dodged out of the way.

I smiled in return, but it didn’t feel as honest as it had before. Seeing Nicholas and being reminded just how far out of reach he was really felt like it hurt something deep within me. My soul, maybe? Was that possible?

1/4

“Come on, my Queen.” julian held out his hand. “At the very least, we should walk in together.”

appropriate places,” I said, eying his hand with

with his other hand. None of his fingers were crossed, but I still didn’t believe him at

I had no other choice, I placed my hand

Some of the guests present became very excited. Several clapped, a few brave souls

but Julian ate it

public,” Julian whispered to me. “Let’s not keep

bottom stair, than

in the flesh,” said one young woman, her eyes bright and sparkling. She had an older man in tow, presumably her long–suffering father if

apologetic to you, Your Royal Highness, and to you, Miss Piper,” the

all smiles and easy acceptance. “It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you and your daughter here tonight, good sir.” He shifted his gaze to the young woman. “Miss.”

affective. The girl’s face went red as

smile into a devilish smirk, and she placed a hand to her

God…” she breathed.

woman was stunned, another bold woman weaved her way to the front of the

said, and pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “So interesting that you were publically introduced with

I

+15 BONOS

said, cutting in. “I believe I’ve made my intentions toward Piper well known

the woman said.

her. She seemed immune, matching it

we are all also enjoying your other entanglements, Miss Piper.” She said the words while still looking at Julian.

have other entanglements,”

probing, I wondered if she could see all my secrets just by looking at me. “No… love triangle? You can’t deny that Prince Nicholas also called your name at the last selection ceremony. And then there is the way

women in the group

asked, “What’s it like to be wanted by two different

they know? Were they part of the group that Charlotte mentioned, who invested so much

to get a handle on

Nicholas and I are friends, but that is all.” The words tasted like ash on my tongue, but

they were necessary.

maybe…” someone snickered. I didn’t