The Luna Choosing Game

I desperately tried to memorize all that I could from this moment.

Nicholas being sweet with Elva as he lifted her up off of Night. Night licked at her face and she giggled.

event

Julian had been so kind to me, making me laugh even though I had fully intended on sitting here quietly

and alone.

Silver,

so relaxed and protective, head resting in my lap.

Near the end of the night, Elva fell asleep in Nicholas’s arms. Mark took her from him to carry her back

to my room.

Most of the other girls had retired by now. The stars were bright in the sky, and the hour was late.

Nicholas approached me and asked, “May I walk you back to your room?”

He pushed, my chair for me through the palace toward an elevator in the back. It was tucked out of the way, but helpful for situations like these. Nicholas said the servants used it to bring heavy loads up and

down the stairs.

Outside of my room, we hesitated. Now was the time to say goodbye. Neither of us said it.

“The next time we see each other

likely be at the elimination,” he said…

That was true. Though we would be under the same roof, the royal family only interacted with the girls during specific scheduled events, none of which had been arranged for the next couple of days.

going to

reply, basically confirming my assumption. I nodded, expecting it, yet oddly, I still felt a bit

inside.

you,” I said.

her too.”

out to her, if you wanted. Even after we’re gone. I’m sure

you

bound to both the throne and whichever woman

between my ribs. I understood, of course, Princes belonged more

you are used to.

sideways Tm not

him out in the field, Nicholas glanced in our direction His

glared.

aa

ignore him. I knew Nicholas had warned me about Julian being a playboy, but he wasn’t hitting

Lena your broken bow.” Julian said, snaring my full attention.

“What?”

knowledge of the clear sabotage, but I have no doubt she at least knew who did it, il she hadn’t ordered it herself. I made my intentions clear to her, though, so

trouble from her for now.

heavy on me. “What are your intentions, Julian?”

to sabotage you, Piper, but

my plans to sabotage her.”

sent a chill up my spine. He was a

on his face? I was relieved, in this case, that he was on my side and

my enemy.

“I better head. them off or they will come over here.” He hopped to his feet. “Always a delight, Piper.”

many hearts,” I called after

correct amount,” he replied. The scoundrel.

Silver’s fur as!

Julian gone, I was once again left alone with my thoughts. I continued to stroke Silver’s considered that this might be my true last night of fun. The elimination ceremony was only

not what you are used to. The novelty of