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.”

purposefully passed a few corridors. When one of

down one of them,

limits,” he said. “Absolutely do not enter here. Or face the

curious girl immediately

the staircase to where a line of maids waited patiently.

the rest. She was older,

“Is the head of the palace

“Hi, Lena,” Elva said.

glanced over, but her eyes skipped

a cold look that it startled me. I was certain I had never

What could I have done to

doesn’t like you, Mommy.” Elva stretched her arms around

it. “Maybe she’s just having a bad day,” I reasoned.

need more enemies here.

each girl to the pair of maids that would

me seemed disappointed. They frowned as Nathan introduced

left in

need them yet, do you? Lena asked. The false cheer in

to prepare them on one more task. You understand I’m sure you can find your

back on your own

Lena curiously,