THE LUNA CHOOSING GAME - Season 5 Episode 64

The day we were set to leave for the vacation, the chosen candidates and the two princes were to take a limousine to the airport and then a private jet to the southern beaches. Yet before any of that, we were to say farewell to the King and Queen, who would not be joining us on this trip.

I rolled my extra large suitcase, filled with both Elva and my things, behind me through the entryway. With my other hand, I held onto Elva’s as we stepped outside into the light. We were the last to arrive that morning, the other candidates were already in a line, waiting for their turn to be greeted.

Bridget must have gone first, she was

already at the limousine. A valet was helping load her luggage into a trailer.

Her bag was nearly as big as mine.

Julian, who was near the car, rushed to help with the luggage as well. Bridget left it in their hands, wandering off to speak with Nicholas near the car door.

Veronica was next. The King and Queen were courteous to her.

“We appreciate you trying to spend time with Prince Julian,” the Luna told her. “We hope you manage to have some one on one time with him during your trip.” The words struck me, though I tried not to let them. Perhaps the Luna didn’t mean that as a dig against me…

but I doubted it. If I wasn’t going on the trip, all of Veronica’s time would be

A one on one with Julian.

I forced myself to remember Veronica’s words. She wanted me on this trip. This was her idea. I wasn’t taking anything from her.

I still felt guilty.

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Veronica replied, “Thank you, but your concern is not necessary. I am content with how things are.” The Luna’s smile tightened, but she didn’t reply. The matter seemed settled, and Veronica stepped away, dragging her luggage toward the truck.

Julian and the valet were still there and helped her. Veronica insisted on staying until they’d finished, then she and Julian walked toward the car together.

The King sighed as Jessica approached

them.

The Luna spoke up, “It’s so unfortunate that Joyce is still feeling under the weather and won’t be able to join you on this trip.” Jessica nodded in agreement. “My wish is only to spend time with him.” “Perhaps when you return, he will be feeling better,” the Luna offered. That seemed to lift Jessica’s spirits, even though it was a blatant lie.

Last I heard from Veronica, Joyce’s deprogramming was moving at a snail’s pace. And with her gone on the trip, Joyce likely wouldn’t have any forward progress in her absence. To say he would magically get better all on his own was wishful thinking at best, delusion at worst.

;

Though I supposed I couldn’t blame the Luna for always holding on hope for her son. If it were Elva…

No. I could never let it be Elva. I needed to protect my girl from the underground organization at all costs.

Jessica then said farewell, and moved toward the luggage truck.

Elva and I stepped into her place.

The King and Queen looked at us, then, without word, turned away.

Elva squeezed my hand. She didn’t understand. I couldn’t explain it while they were within earshot so we had to stand there for a while, watching in silence while they shunned us. When they entered their palace, and the door closed behind them, I looked down at

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Elva. She had tears in her eyes.

“Mommy… do they hate us?” “No, honey,” I said. I dropped to one knee to pull Elva into a hug. They didn’t hate us. If they hated anyone, it was me alone. Elva was just an innocent bystander. Or collateral damage they were willing to risk in their dislike of me. “They don’t hate anyone. I’m sure they’re just busy.” “They said g’bye to everybody else…” Elva said.

“Something urgent must have come up,” I told her. “Kings and Queens always have urgent, important matters to attend to.” I gave her my best fake smile. “But forget them, okay? It’s time to go on our vacation!”

I tried to fake enthusiasm, to cover the hurt, but Elva could see straight through me. She smiled a little in reply, but it was wobbly. She was making an effort to humor me. It hurt to look at, maybe more than the royal shunning.

I stood up again, then lugged our suitcase down toward the truck. The valet that had been here was missing. I looked around. Julian and Veronica were in conversation as they entered the limo. Bridget was saying something to Nicholas. A driver was holding open the limo door for them.

A group of valets were on the other side of the truck, talking amongst themselves. I could have sworn I felt some of them looking at me, but not one came to help.

Well, fine. I didn’t need their help.

With my wolf now, I had enough strength to move this on my own.

“Step aside, Elva, please,” I said. She complied, taking a step to the left.

Grabbing both handles of my suitcase, I was ready to fling it among the pile, when suddenly there was a pair of much more sturdy hands than mine plucking the suitcase away from me.

Nicholas easily lifted the suitcase up onto the trailer like it weighed nothing atall.

“Thank you,” I said when he let go of it.

He nodded.

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“Nick-lass!” Elva said brightly. She lifted her arms toward him and made

the grabby hands motion.

Nicholas did not look down. He didn’t acknowledge her at all. Instead, he sidestepped her and started to move back toward the limo where Bridget was watching and waiting.

“Nick-lass?” Elva called. Her voice was tighter, more desperate. There was a hint of desperation there. I rushed to her.

“It’s okay, Elva,” I tried to say. I placed my hands on her shoulders, but she shook me off. She ran to Nicholas and grabbed his sleeve.

“Nick-lass!” she cried. “Why? Are you mad at me?” This caused Nicholas to totally still. He looked down at her and the hardness that had frozen his face finally melted.

“I’m not mad at you, Elva,” he said, and it was a relief to hear his voice like that, so normal, not full of anger or rage.

He lifted Elva off the ground, easily pulling her into his arms. She hooked her arms around his shoulders and held him closely.

He carried her the rest of the way to the limo.

I was the last to enter the limo. By the time I entered, most of the seats were gone. Elva was seated between Nicholas and Bridget. She looked wedged there, like Bridget had to move over to make room. She didn’t seem terribly pleased about that.

The only spot was near Julian and

Veronica. They both waved me over. I squeezed in beside Julian.

Because of the U-shape of the limo seats, my seat gave me the perfect view of Nicholas, Elva, and Bridget. They looked like a happy little family.

It tore at my heart.

Elva had no idea that when we left the palace for good, Nicholas would no longer be willing to talk to either of us.

It was going to break her heart.

Gently, Julian lowered his hand to my knee. He meant to offer comfort. I tried to take what I could from it.

But inside, I only felt a swell of grief.