The Luna Choosing Game

He explained that each of us would have a private room and be attended by two maids

Next, Nathan brought us to a large staircase that separated the east and west wings. In the west wing,

he pointed us to the elaborate, gem–embossed doors of the royal family. The King’s door was the largest,

with the Luna beside his 1

Each of the princes‘ doors were the same size and design, though with different colored gemstones.

Nicholas’s gemstones were green. Julian’s red. And Joyce, a pale kind of purple

Pretty,” Elva said.

I stared at Nicholas’s door, wondering if he was inside. Where had he disappeared to?

I hadn’t been the only one looking.

“I will remind you, ladies, that you are strictly forbidden from seeking out the princes on your own,”

Nathan said. “Any inappropriate advances will have you expelled at once.”

we continued on, he purposefully passed a few corridors.

what was down one of them, Nathan

“Absolutely do not

curious girl

to where a line of maids waited patiently. One

the rest. She was older, with a severe

said, gesturing to her, “Is the head of the palace

“Hi, Lena,” Elva said.

over, but her eyes skipped straight over Elva to glare

gave me such a cold look that it startled me. I was certain I

What could I have done to

her arms around my neck, giving me a kind

held her close, grateful for it. “Maybe she’s just having a bad day,” I reasoned. I hoped. I really

need more enemies here.

and Lena then introduced each girl to the pair

to me seemed disappointed. They frowned as Nathan introduced them. I

left in the

do you? Lena asked. The false cheer in her voice did not match

on one more task. You understand I’m sure you can

back on your own

locked at Lena curiously, but didn’t