The Luna Choosing Game

His mouth near the microphone, Nicholas paused a moment as if thinking. Then he spoke.

“Miss Piper was chosen by the ceremony, and the royal family will honor that choice.”

He continued, “One of the many crises we face as a people is a low birthrate among werewolves. Any mother, especially one raising a child on her own, is to be commended.”

He paused, again gathering his thoughts. The way he spoke was purposeful and careful, each word carefully considered.

“Piper represents the cultural progression of our kingdom. We, collectively, have moved beyond the era of allowing only young maidens to be Luna. Now, any woman can have her chance.”

A few claps sounded in the audience, before the reporter spoke up again. “In addition to being a single

mother, isn’t Piper also a non–werewolf?”

“Neither non–werewolves nor single mothers will face discrimination by this royal family,” Nicholas said,

faster to respond than he had been before.

My heart pounded. That sounded like a defense of me. I forced that feeling down. No, he was defending.

his family from potential ridicule, not me.

to insist he sit down. He’d already asked his fair share of questions. But the report continued to stand,

would ask those dissenters to continue to place their faith in us and the strength of

leaned back, finished with

claps sounded. Many of the reporters

He’d clearly had his reservations

I realized. Raised to be the mouthpiece

Raised to be King.

another was selected. The rest of the questions were simpler, asked to gain soundbites from the princes regarding the beauty and poise of

did most of the

No one mentioned me.

the political strength of the

choices at all?*

King stepped in. “The merits of each candidate

reporter tried to say. The King quickly cut him

process will be broadcasted live, everyone will have the opportunity

each individual girl. The princes will follow the will of the people

make the correct choices.”

the reporter silenced,

ended shortly

family returned inside first, with

my room, one of my maids

on television,” she said. “It’s on every