The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0565

"What Bridget thinks of anything is the very last of my concerns," Nicholas said.

Then, Nicholas turned from me and together we walked back to Zale, who had been waiting patiently for our private talk to conclude. He lifted his head as we approached.

*Piper and I are in agreement," Nicholas said. That wouldn't exactly be how I would describe what just happened, but I guessed it was good to provide a united front to a foreign dignitary. "While your offer of her security is appreciated, I will personally see to her safety."NôvelDrama.Org owns this text.

"Very well," Ambassador Zale replied. Despite the seriousness of the issue and our conversation, his eye still twinkled a little as he glanced from Nicholas to me. "I am pleased to know she will be placed in the best of hands."

Nicholas hummed in acknowledgement. I blushed a little at his wording.

"We should return to the house and speak with Nathan and my brother," Nicholas said then. "They will wish to be included in any official decisions. All, of course, except for the one we just discussed."

"I understand," Zale said. Content belong to NôvelDráma. Org.

We returned to the manor, where the others were waiting out near the deck. The merfolk soldiers had appeared in the water here as well, though they had said to Nathan that they could not speak for Ambassador Zale and needed to wait for him to arrive.

For Zale to wish to speak with Nicholas first proved that the entire world knew Nicholas was most likely to be next in line for the throne. He was shown the most respect above all others. His word and his consent were the ones most sought out.

As we came closer, Nathan hurried to meet us.

I noticed, despite seeing everyone else, including Selma and a few of the staff out on the beach, there was no sign of Julian. I wondered where he could be.

He still hadn't turned up even as the official meeting progressed. No cameras were allowed to record the meeting. It was simply a few more formal apologies and thanks. I felt the most important bits had already been privately covered.

As the official meeting concluded, Zale went with Nathan into the house. The merfolk soldiers turned outward toward the ocean. Some of them dipped below the water, presumably to start patrols.

Then, Julian appeared from the doorway. He spotted Nicholas and I, and hurried down the stairs from the deck to approach us.

"I spoke with Mom and Dad," Julian said.

Nicholas immediately crossed his arms. Elva inched closer to me.

"What did they have to say for themselves?" Nicholas asked.

"About what you'd expect, Julian said. In a mocking tone, he said, "You can't mean to think your mother and I had anything to do with this."

"No luck finding the truth there, then," Nicholas said with a sigh.

"Actually..." Julian's face scrunched up like he was puzzled. It wasn't a common look on him. Usually he had most everything figured out well before the rest of us. "I'm inclined to believe them this time."

"What?" Nicholas and I gasped at once.

"I'm serious," Julian said. "When I explained to them what happened, they seemed genuinely surprised. I watched them closely, looking for the regular tells. To me, he added, "The King is a terrible liar when you know his tells." To us both, he said, "But I didn't see any of them. At all. I really think he's telling the truth this time."

Nicholas frowned.

Questions flooded my heart and my mind. I had been ready for the royal family to be responsible for everything. They were the ones with the most power, after all, and I knew they didn't like me. I'd even been threatened before.

Julian only looked more confused. "I really don't think they are to blame.*