The Luna Choosing Game

I read through it all. This invitation Includes Eiva…?” Could that be right? But there was her name, clear

as day, directly beside mine. Perhaps this was some kind of apology for the doctors‘ behavior last night?

Or was this something else another publicity stunt?

I supposed I couldn’t be picky enough to let it bother me. The royal family invited us both, so we both. would attend. Full stop.

Right now, my bigger concern could be focused on the detailed dress code included at the bottom of the invitation.

“The tailors will be here in an hour,” the talkative maid said. “They’ll measure you both for the dresses.”

“Princess dresses?” Elva asked, all doe eyes and sweetness.

The maid smiled at her. “Something very close to, yes.

Elva cheered.

The maid returried her attention to me. The dance instructors will arrive tomorrow.”

“Dance instructors?” I knew how to do a two–step as well as anyone.

The candidates must know all of the latest dances. Some of the proper steps for the social dances are quite complicated, these days. And then, of course, there are the traditional formal dances that the King prefers.”

simple two–step wasn’t going to cut it this time. We hadn’t done much dancing at the Academy at

worked just fine for impromptu dances alone in the

forgotten those special nights,

the measurements for both Elva and me. The maids said they uld make the dresses themselves.

our honor to assist you,

coaxing I convinced them to at least let

one said.

my bedroom. As they worked, I

as

fabrics were very sturdy. There was even a swatch of leather among

came to

for today,” I said,

and excused themselves for the

and kissed her goodnight. Then

worked through the night, shaping and stitching. I had to guess some of the size work, trying to

the windows. My eyes hurt and I was tired. But it wasn’t the first time I’d pulled an all–nighter. It likely

I’d made in both of my hands, admiring the

guard, fit for a prince

a way to properly thank Nicholas for helping Elva. Words hadn’t

light of day,