The Luna Choosing Game

Nicholas did glare harder then, for a moment. When nothing happened, he turned away and made his

way to his own seat.

Liiliana was still seated beside him, though she didn’t say a word as he sat down. If they didn’t like each

other, why hadn’t Nicholas asked someone else to sit there?

“Shall we, Piper?” Julian asked, a smug grin on his face.

We walked the two feet to our chairs. Julian held mine out for me, then helped push me in after I sat. He

took the chair beside mine.

Sitting like this, I couldn’t even see the Queen unless I leaned forward, Relief washed over me.

I still wasn’t feeling all the way better. I wasn’t sure I would have had the energy to wade through royal

politics tonight.

At least, not the Queen’s kind.

Julian was his own mess of royal riddles.

“I did try to talk her out of it,” Julian whispered to me. “Your punishment, I mean. I went to take responsibility for the morning I stole you away, but she wouldn’t hear of it.”

I softly shook my head. “That was only one of the things I was punished for.”

winked. “A girl after

rolled my eyes. “Be

Then he straightened. “Don’t look now, but Nicholas is glaring at

turned my head, and locked eyes with Nicholas, who was leaning improperly far over the

at us.

you not to look,”

despite having been caught. Then his gaze shifted to the

me being so close to the Queen, had he? But then why

me to

Julian beat

was impossible. Nicholas had made clear that he had many

back in his chair, and I

loser,” Julian

could ask him more, the King touched his

drew everyone’s attention.

thank you all for joining us this evening,” the

it is only a few more days until the first round of eliminations,

to improve your

cast his gaze around the room but never focused on any

empty chair for a

chance at our next royal event. Tomorrow

resounded around the table, some girls excited to show off their

nervous, glancing around the

that would have beneficial