The Luna Choosing Game

I worried about Elva all day, about her abilities and the dangers that those might bring. I was so

distracted with my thoughts that I didn’t notice Elva was beginning to not feel well until she took my hand and I felt how clammy her palms were.

“Are you not feeling well, Elva?” I pressed the back of my hand to her forehead. She was burning up. * Why didn’t you say anything?”

“You get sad,” Elva said.

She was such a considerate child, trying to protect me. But my whole heart broke, knowing she didn’t

feel like she could depend on me.

“I love you, honey, but you have to tell me right away when you don’t feel good, okay?” I scooped her into

my arms.

The day’s events had ended. We were on our way back to our room anyway. Now, carrying Elva, I rushed

there as fast as I could.

Mark caught sight of me right away. “What’s wrong?”

“Send for the doctor, please. Elva has a fever.” I tried to keep the fear from cracking my voice but it s

made it wobble uncertainly.

Mark glanced at Elva and his face went rigid. “Right away.” He waved for one of the two guards at my

door.

of it, I entered the room and lowered Elva down onto the bed. With

didn’t know what to do, other than what I always did: stay by her

supposed to last for two more days. Tomorrow was the most

had. I had almost no hope I would be

but now, with Elva sick

needed diligent care. The kind we’d never

try to survive the elimination. What if she didn’t recover

needed twenty–four

pouldn’t lose. I couldn’t

leave her side, however, especially long enough to disappear on a hunt. What

me?

It was desperate and reckless,

anything.

personal physician. As she began to inspect Elva,

I

were lowered in concern, but he still lifted one at my question. “What do you

“Beg,” I said.

non–banquet days, the royal family

be alone before the girls