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."

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

them gossip," Nicholas

ruined," I said. "It won't be good for the competition,

was trying to see deep down into

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

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 of frustration roughed

gently. "Nothing that has

wouldn't have been able to ruin your clothes or steal them. I never should have left your

"Nick..."

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