The Luna Choosing Game

During the next official banquet, I stopped just inside the entrance of the dining room. The girl who had

sitting in my seat beside Nicholas.

shoved Elva that first day w

Julian, sitting nearest the door, rested his elbow on the table and his chin in his palm. He grinned at me

with a toothy smile, much the way a cat would look at a mouse it had planned to eat. Eventually. After

playing with it, of course.

I

“My brother Nicholas personally invited Kirsten to take that seat,” he said. “It makes sense, I guess. We

are supposed to get to know all the girls here, and he’s already well–acquainted with you.”

Some of the girls around us perked up at that bit of gossip.

“Be truthful,” I said, hoping he’d notice the emphasis and keep secrets instead.

He only beamed wider. “Want to know where Kirsten was sitting? That’s your spot now.”

me to

“Yes, please.”

seat straight across from him.

the King gave his speech later, he mentioned the Luna would not be present for today’s event. I immediately exhaled in relief. The girls

another. “I feel like a toad

of them seemed to mind that

truly caring about Prince Joyce’s shoe size or the best time to

heard the girl beside me say, “I can’t believe

an invitation

i

away.” the girl said to me.

The per princes

sucked in an excited breath, he leaned forward and said, “1 invite you to

disappointed. When a few of the other girls

meant it.

He shouldn’t lead girls on like that.

totally indifferent.

the girl directly beside Julian asked. She looked relieved now, having been nervous a

can tell you,” Julian said. His chin was in his palm again, and his