The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0646

Instead, the Queen pulled me into a hug. It was uncomfortable and brief, but a hug none the less. From the Queen, this was a tremendous breach of decorum, and I froze, unsure how to react. Even Nathan, standing dutifully as his King's side seemed shocked.

"I have misjudged you dearly," the Queen said. She pulled away to look at me. "I will not make that error again."

The King offered a small smile. "Your engagement to our son has our full approval."

We were going to marry either way, but having their blessing certainly made it all easier.

*Thank you," I said.

Nicholas shook his father's hand. "Thanks, Dad."

In the quiet moment that followed, I glanced over the remaining crowd. Charlotte was there, waving at me, along with many other servants and staff that I recognized.

Then I saw her, there at the edge of the crowd. The only frowning face in a sea of smiles.

Bridget.

As Nicholas and I stepped back from the King and Queen, Bridget saw her opportunity and stormed toward us. Even with Elva in Nicholas's arms, she still had the audacity to reach out and grab at Nicholas's sleeve with both hands.

*Drop this pretext, Nicholas," Bridget said. "I know this is all an act. I want you. You are the perfect man for me. How could anyone turn me down?"

Nicholas sent Bridget a glare so icy even I felt chilled.

"I will never want you, Bridget. Piper is the woman I love. The woman I will marry. The mother of my soon-to-be adopted daughter and all of my future children. Accept this. Or see yourself out."

Bridget released him, expression stunned.

Nicholas nodded to me and together we walked away from her.

My heart soared.

Outside the castle gates, the crowd began to chant, "Piper! Piper! Piper!"

The war was over. Peace was here.

I had my prince and a secure future for my daughter. I couldn't imagine anything else I needed in the entire world.

A year later, a rub at my rounded belly. Within it, a new prince or princess was growing.

"Everything is so wonderful," Susie said from one side of me. We sat around a table filled with cakes and sweets. In the ballroom, we were having a banquet.

My husband, Nicholas, had just been crowned King.

Susie held her own baby close. His quietly brooding expression matched that of his father's, who stood just behind Susie's chair. Mark and Susie had married shortly before Nicholas and I. Their baby had been born soon after.

"I'm still amazed this is my life now," Anna said from the chair on the opposite side of me. "But I always knew you were great. Didn't I tell you so?"

"You did," I said, laughing now. So much hurt and pain we'd experienced over the years. Never again. I certainly wasn't about to leave my dear friend behind.

Out on the dance floor, Elva was showing her craziest moves. Her uncle Julian, ever indulgent, was seriously

trying to learn them. Nearby Veronica watched with a smile. Those seemed to come easier to her these days, especially since Julian had put that engagement ring on her finger.

Joyce and Jessica were noticeably absent, though I imagined they would soon be caught making out in the library. Again.

Nicholas was near the stairs of the ballroom, thanking and welcoming each of his guests. The crown looked good on him, golden and dignified. But he'd always looked handsome to me.

As if he felt me staring, he turned and met my eyes.

Then, with a dignified saunter, he excused himself and crossed the room.

I stood to meet him.

Formalities were never our strong suit. Especially when Nicholas wrapped his arms around me and kissed me right there, in full view of the entire ballroom.

People clapped and cheered. Anna whistled.

My heart was so full of love that I thought it might burst.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"I love you," Nicholas said against my lips.

"I love you," I replied.

Together then, and for the rest of our lives, we were happy.

The End.