The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0613

"You worried about going home?" Julian asked.

"A little," I admitted. "I'm not sure what the people will think when they see where I come from."

Julian shrugged nonchalantly. "They like you in part because of your humble origins, Piper. You have nothing to worry about."

If only it was that simple. "Not everyone likes me."

He continued to smile but it did not meet his eyes, which sharpened as they peered at me. I was being observed, like a bug under a microscope. I was afraid of what he might see.

I decided to just tell the truth before Julian could start making more observations. I wanted to keep some secrets to myself, thank you very much. Julian had a way of seeing straight through me.

*The King says Bridget and I have split the popular vote 50/50," I said.

"You spoke with my father?"

"He summoned me."

Julian sighed and his smile finally faded. I immediately missed the comfort it brought. "Let me guess. He wants you to back out of the competition."

I wasn't shocked anymore, when Julian made the correct assumptions. "Yes. And to give Bridget my full support, to help unify the nation in case of war."

Julian laughed once, bitterly. "No pressure though, right?" He shook his head as he poured a second cup of coffee for himself. "My parents really need to learn to butt out."

"The King made some good points..." It pained me to admit that, but if he hadn't, I wouldn't still be considering his suggestion.

"Piper." Julian looked at me flatly. "Do you really believe that Bridget would be a good Luna?"

Nicholas had asked me something similar. My answer was the same.

"No."

*Then stop worrying about what my parents think is right, and do what you want."

He downed half of his coffee in one go. Then he set it aside. With his hands free, he placed them on my shoulders.

*Go back to your home and remember what everyday life is like. This place... this power... it's so easy to get caught up in it all and forget who you really are, and what you bring to this competition."

"But I was only brought here in the first place for a PR stunt."

"You stayed because you are you. You bring something no other candidate has, Piper. Certainly not Bridget. But only you can make the decision. Do you fight for people like you to have their voices heard? Or do you hand it all over to Bridget?"

I didn't like the sound of handing it over to Bridget.

"But is it the right thing to want to stay?" I asked him. "Or am I being selfish?"

Julian smiled, honestly this time. It twinkled in his eyes. "Piper. That you even ask that proves how very unselfish you are."

Julian was so sweet to me, so caring and supportive. I very nearly hugged him. I had my arms half-raised between us, in fact.

I stopped abruptly, when my gaze slid to the doorway and saw Nicholas standing there, watching. His face was a

blank slate. I couldn't read him at all.

I couldn't imagine he would be angry with me for hugging Julian, as we were friends. But knowing how Julian felt about me changed things. I didn't want to lead him on, as Bridget had. I wanted to be better than her.

So I kept my hands to myself.

"Nicholas is here, isn't he?" Julian asked. His smile turned sly, though I could see just the tiniest flash of hurt deep within his eyes.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

"Don't," Julian said. He shrugged. "You can't help who you love."

He stepped aside and cleared a path from me to Nicholas.

With a touch of regret in my heart, I began walking that path.