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.

began to insist he sit down. He’d already asked his fair share of

continue to place their faith in us and the strength of this kingdom. Change is not a death of tradition, merely an evolution of

leaned back, finished with

sounded. Many of the reporters nodded

watched him in awe. He’d clearly had his reservations about

for this, I realized. Raised

Raised to be King.

of the questions were simpler, asked to gain soundbites from the princes regarding the beauty

most of

No one mentioned me.

another reporter asked, “Will the political strength

choices at all?*

stepped in. “The merits of each candidate will

say. The King quickly cut

process will be broadcasted live, everyone

of each individual girl. The princes will follow the will

make the correct choices.”

the reporter silenced, he sat

press conference ended shortly after

royal family returned inside first, with

in my room, one of my

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