The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0564

"If you will please excuse us one moment, Ambassador Zale," I said, and tugged at Nicholas's sleeve. At the same time, I lowered Elva down and took her hand instead.

Ambassador Zale dipped his head in acknowledgement, so Nicholas, Elva, and I stepped back a few feet to speak more privately.

I spoke in hushed tones, not wanting the merfolk - or Elva, particularly to hear. "You cannot stay in our room."

"Like hell, I will allow anyone else to," he said. His voice was also low, but the slight volume did not conceal his conviction in this.

*I'm not suggesting anyone else do it either," I said. Though if it had to be someone, maybe a woman would be a good place to start. "You have to realize what the optics of this are going to be."

"I don't care about optics."

even if you make clear it is

them gossip," Nicholas

"It won't be good for the

voice softer than before. His eyes were softer now too. He looked at me like he was trying to see deep down into the heart of me. "I don't care about the rumors, the competition, or even

going to be king, which everyone knew he was set to be, then he needed a strong reputation.

care about," Nicholas continued before I could get my thoughts together, "is you and Elva. Your safety is my first priority, and I'm tired of trusting other people with

that has

words. "If I had kept a closer eye on Selma and the staff, they wouldn't have been able to ruin your clothes or steal them. I never should have left your

"Nick..."

the race, not standing on sure. I was nearly too late." *You were watching out for me then," I told him. "It's only because of you and Veronica that I'm..." I glanced down at Elva, who was looking curiously at the soldiers. I didn't trust her not to be listening