The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0631

Things were quiet on the way back to the palace. We'd managed to escape before we saw a bear. Nicholas had seemed confident that none of the people we had run into had been a bear shifter.

"I would have known," Nicholas said. "Their smell would have given them away."

Alphas had sensitive noses, so I had to assume that was true. Whatever the case, we managed to return to the palace without incident. Tiffany took the photo of the twins and rushed back to the sitting room we had been using for our meetings.

Once she was gone, Veronica sighed. "She's been trying so hard to make the most of the time she thinks she has left."

All of us looked at Julian, but he glanced away, avoiding all of our glances.

"We could all do with that determination," Julian said. "Since we are working to stop a war before it can begin." With that, he, too, went down the hallway, following in Tiffany's steps.

Veronica nodded at me, and at Nicholas, and then shadowed Julian in the same direction.

I wanted to help, too. It would take all hands on deck to track down all the orphanages and foster homes between the northern border and the small town.

But there was something else on my mind first. A much different matter needed my attention before the elimination ceremony tomorrow.

With the others gone, I turned to Nicholas.

"I need to speak with your parents," I said. It was time to make my decision, and take my stand.

I was frightened, of course. Defying the king wasn't recommended if you wanted to live a long, healthy life. But wasn't going to let that fear stand in my way anymore.

The kingdom was too important.

Nicholas was too important.

Nicholas gave me an uncertain look. He knew about his father's desire for me to withdraw from the competition and throw my support behind Bridget.

I hoped he trusted me to make the right choice.

think they'll see me?" I asked

more, then he stood

for me. I immediately took it,

I stood beside Nicholas in front of the King and Queen. The Queen was sitting down, enjoying her tea. She did not greet us beyond a soft nod of her head. The King was

grayer than the last time I had seen him. I regretted that this conversation was likely to add more stress

I'd made my decision, and I wouldn't

good news," the King said. He stopped pacing only long

I knew his idea that I should withdraw was less of a suggestion and more of

hoped I lived

bravery buried deep inside of myself. Nicholas was

again and faced

rising lump of fear in the wake of such piercing focus. I wouldn't be intimidated now. I had to be strong for the man I loved and the future I wanted for all

will not be withdrawing from the competition," I

Queen lowered her teacup down

what you are saying," the Queen said, her voice eerily calm. "You would sacrifice

"No," I said.

I did struggle for a long while about whether accepting my feelings for Nicholas would indeed be selfish of me, I have now learned to embrace them. Especially when the alternative

another, then maybe. But I will not surrender this nation or the man I love more than any other to

why he

said it out loud. I wished the first time hadn't been

more privately, when it was just the two

champion of the people

we

interrupt your mother,"

looked at him. "Tell me I'm

King ran a hand down

would care for her own gains before that of

is your solution then, Nicholas?" the