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."

myself before I could roll my eyes at him. "If you spend nights in my room, Nicholas, even if you make clear it is

them gossip,"

reputation will be ruined," I said. "It won't be good

was trying to see deep down into the heart of me. "I don't care

knew he was set to be, then he needed a strong reputation. Even my

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 it." A hint

said gently. "Nothing that has happened is your

head, not accepting my 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..."

you and Veronica that I'm..." I glanced down at Elva, who was looking curiously at the soldiers. I didn't trust her not