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."

if you make clear it is only to protect us, even if we say that Elva was there

them gossip," Nicholas said.

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

he was trying to see deep down into the heart of me. "I don't care about the rumors, the competition, or even

set to be, then he needed a strong reputation. Even my hopes of a future family with him only thrived on our secret being kept until the

could get my thoughts together, "is you and Elva. Your safety is my first priority, and I'm tired of

"Nothing that has happened is your

to ruin your clothes or steal them. I

"Nick..."

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 to this conversation however, and held myself back from saying