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.”

passed a few corridors. When one of the

down one of them, Nathan shook his

limits,” he said. “Absolutely do not

girl

line of maids waited patiently. One of them stood

was older, with a severe

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

“Hi, Lena,” Elva said.

over, but her eyes skipped straight over Elva to

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

What could I have

her arms around my neck, giving

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

need more enemies here.

introduced each girl to the pair of maids

seemed disappointed. They frowned as Nathan

left in the

don’t need them yet, do you? Lena asked. The false cheer in her voice did not

on one more task. You understand I’m sure

back on your own

Lena curiously, but didn’t speak