The Luna Choosing Game

When Nicholas said my name, I stopped where I stood and internally cursed. I was so close to my door.

As far as I could tell, I had two options: apologize for having overheard or deny, deny, deny.

I swiveled on my heel, facing him. “Your Royal Highness! I was looking for you.”

His brow lowered, skeptical. “Why?”

“1.. uh.. oh! I wanted to tell you about Elva’s allergies.”

Nicholas listened quietly as I explained the things she couldn’t eat, the types of materials she couldn’t

have around, and the medicines that gave her reactions

I’ll take care of it,” he said, when I was done.

Over his shoulder, standing in the doorway of her room, Lena looked at me, a cold gleam in her eyes.

I shivered.

Over the next few days, I went through intense training to prepare for the game. Both Elva and I were provided with professional stylists to assist in every detail, from our hair to our gowns to the color of our

nail polish.

correct the dip of my curtsey, and the straightness of my posture. I had to practice walking with a book on my head, to learn fluid motion and grace. They even critiqued

the way

the candidates all met in the dining room. The royal

only other free time was an hour–long break for fresh air

through the gardens.

her youthful energy. worried for her, with her sickness, but the weather

regular checkups.

we were walking through a field of beautiful wildflowers on the edge of the grounds, when Elva bustled over to me, dirt on her hands and the edge of her dress. As I

bear band–aid ori

What’s this Lasked.

it’s so cute Liell in the grass, but a nice girl gave me

I asked, just as one of the candidates came to stand behind

it’s okay,”

one,” Elva said, pointing

looked up at the girl. She was younger than me, eighteen at the most, with pale hair and round

at her waist.

away.

“I’m Susie,” she said.