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.

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

us and the strength of this kingdom. Change is

leaned back, finished with his

of the reporters

had his reservations about

this, I realized. Raised

Raised to be King.

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

most of

No one mentioned me.

reporter asked, “Will the political strength of the different

choices at all?*

King stepped in. “The merits of each candidate will

reporter tried to say. The King

much of the selection process will be broadcasted live, everyone will

girl. The princes will follow the will

make the correct choices.”

silenced, he

conference ended shortly after

returned inside first, with the candidates

in my room, one of

watched the event on television,” she