The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0538

"I don't know anything about running a nation," I said.

"You are learning, and you're learning quickly. Think of all the events, Piper. You've done so well. And the times that you hadn't were because there were plots set against you."

*Plots against me are part of the competition. I should be able to weather them with grace, not let them tear me down like I do."

*No, Piper. There are advisors who should worry about that. Or people like me. All you would have to do as Luna is care about the Kingdom's people, which you already do, and about Nicholas. He would be a better king with you at his side."

I blinked, startled. Here Julian was, talking about Nicholas as if the line of succession had already been decided. *Don't you want a chance at the throne?" I asked him.

Julian laughed a little. I didn't like how hollow it sounded, though it didn't last long. "My father has only ever looked in my direction long enough to scold me. His first choice has always been Nicholas. I'm not sure my father would ever see enough redeeming qualities in me to think I'm a good enough son, let alone a man fit to be king."

I didn't like when he talked about himself like this, as if he didn't carry the makings of a good king, or a good person.

"I think you would be a fine king," I said.

Julian's smiled turned genuine again, quirking higher on one side. "Thank you, Piper. Truly. But we both know, even if I would be an okay king, I'd never be as good a leader as Nicholas. Am I wrong?"

I wanted to argue with him, to continue to help lift his spirits. But the fact of the matter was, he wasn't totally wrong.

Julian would be a fine king. But Nicholas would make for a great one.

I absolutely refused to say so aloud. Julian still knew the answer. My refusal to say anything was affirmation enough.

"I'm not mad," he said. "I know my shortcomings and Nicholas's many virtues. If you think Nicholas would rule better than me, you're right."

"I'm sorry," I said again, because I felt like I needed to say something. Julian deserved so much better than to feel second best, but this wasn't a topic I could argue.

"I told you I'm not mad," he said again. "Don't worry about it."

A hint of awkwardness fell over us then. We both turned our attention away from each other and looked out toward the water.

There, Nicholas and Bridget were talking, their bare feet standing in the soft wet sand as the waves gently washed over their feet.

Nearby, Nathan directed the cameramen. One came super close to the pair, practically sticking the camera straight in Nicholas's face.

Bridget, used to cameras and attention, didn't so much as bat an eyelash at their presence. Nicholas, however, seemed immensely uncomfortable and only getting worse.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

When the camera man stepped even closer, Nicholas's stern features finally revealed his annoyance. His brow pulled together and he frowned.

Usually he tried to hide all emotions in front of the cameras, but it seemed they were finally cracking through.

"Forget it," Nicholas snapped loudly enough for even Julian and me to hear. "I'm fine."

Then, Nicholas turned away and stormed down the beach, rushing away from Bridget and the cameras.

One tried to follow him, and Nicholas cried out, "Please don't follow me."

Nathan called for the offending cameraman, who stopped. Nicholas continued on alone.

"I wonder what happened," I said to Julian.

*I'll tell you what happened," Julian replied. "They're finally pushing Nicholas past his limits."