The Luna Choosing Game

“That does create a dilemma, doesn’t it?”

Julian picked up where I left off. The disappointed look had vanished now, replaced with an almost… pride? Impossible. He most likely just wanted more mischief.

If we let Piper go now, wouldn’t the public have questions?”

“What do we care for their questions?” The Queen tapped her spoon on the edge of her teacup. “When the final selections are chosen, Piper’s shortcomings will become obvious in comparison. No one will be

able to deny it.”

“Well said, dear.” The King turned in his chair to watch the television, dismissing the conversation totally.

Fury burned in my blood. Yet I was powerless. Ultimately, despite what everyone was told about this first elimination ceremony, the King and Queen made the final choices about who would go and who would

stay.

Rankings were arbitrary numbers that they would raise and lower to fit their vision.

The deck was stacked against Piper, no matter how well she had done in the actual events. And she had

done exceedingly well.

Beside me, Julian’s usual smile seemed tighter somehow. I still didn’t understand the relationship between Piper and him, or what he hoped to gain from it. Yet, in this instance, I could see him plotting. and I was grateful that it was likely in an effort to get Piper to stay.

reasoning, if he could discover a way to allow

before we set out to go our separate ways for the day. No sooner had I stepped out of my father’s room, than my

an incoming call from Mark. Quickly, I accepted and brought

to maintain my rested heartrate. He would only call if

he was assigned solely to guard Elva,

“Elva ran away

the phone. It creaked in

added quickly. “But I thought you would want to know of her attempt to

to her mother at once.”

Nicholas,” Mark said in a calm way that requested patience. “She is looking for you.”

chest. “Give me

so far as the garage. I found her peeking around the many

she shouted, “Nick–lass!” and ran toward me at top

to one knee and opened my arms. I braced myself as she tackled into me, catching her in at

strong embrace.

tears in her eyes and sniffled when