The Luna Choosing Game

“We’d like to thank everyone for joining us tonight for the First Elimination Ceremony. Tonight, as you. have all been previously informed, we will be sending home 9 Luna candidates, leaving our remaining

count at 15.”

Nathan, microphone in hand, spoke mainly for the cameras, and not the three lines of us girls arranged on a set of rising stands behind him.

“The elimination tonight will be based on the candidates‘ skillsets. Over the past few weeks, have they displayed the necessary ability and poise to reign as a Luna? They’ve been judged, and tonight, we will

deliver the results.”

I shifted on my feet, too nervous to stand still. I lowered my hand, pressing away imaginary folds on my golden gown. I’d never felt more beautiful, but then, everyone around me looked even better.

Nathan continued, “The girls who are asked to stay will be announced one by one. They will approach the prince of their choice and earn a token of favor from them. Your Royal Highnesses, are you ready?”

The three princes moved onto the stage beside Nathan, taking positions with a few feet of space between them. They each had their own staircase that led to them, so there could be no confusion which

of the princes each girl favored.

When the princes signaled their readiness, Nathan turned the cameras over to the King and Queen on

the far side of the room, who would be handed the names one by one to read.

The choices then, I realized, had already been made. Maybe they had been made since day one. I had no

doubt that my name would not be called here today.

My heart still hurt from how hard Elva had taken the news. We’d had to pack before the ceremony, so that when the time came, we could make a clean exit. Charlotte and Mark were with her now, distracting

her from the television.

“We will now begin,” the King announced.

The first name called. “Olivia.”

Her smile was wide and perfect. She was already placed on the first level of girls, so she had no trouble stepping forward, heading straight for Nicholas. She ascended the staircase and awaited her favor.

Nicholas took her hand in his and placed a soft, barely–there kiss to her knuckles,

The girl next to me cursed. I better get a kiss.”

name was not

too went to Nicholas, and received a

also went to Nicholas.

teased, “Come on, ladies, give one of us other guys a chance.” This earned a laugh

girl, who he kissed on the cheek. Joyce gained a couple as well, but

Luna said.

excitement jumped, and it was all I could do to keep from clapping. Susie had done well in the hunting event, having a clear

the next round.

three staircases, but ultimately went to Nicholas. I wasn’t sure

the other two at any point. She’d likely have to rectify that,

stay until the finals.

that he liked her, but no more than a

that

until there was only one left to name. I

the spaces

come to this, but I still trembled

that I would get to see Anna again. Though that relief was short lived. To survive, she would have likely needed to lease out my

I could be on the

select, who will it be? Stick around, because after this commercial break, all will be revealed!”

held his pose for a few seconds, until one of the

near everyone in the room

said a girl near my right. “How could I not be picked yet? I’m better than half of those Josera

it, scoffed another girl

up, tall and proud, afraid that if I let the façade

in tears.

over to where the King and Queen were speaking with the princes at the

spoke loud enough for the whole room to hear. “The social channels are all exploding. They demand to know why Piper has

been selected.”

has not earned the privilege,” the

very loudly. Then he crossed his arms. “Wow. If only someone could have predicted

this outcome.”

the King said.

you have to do is obvious.”

Queen snapped

turned his smug smile onto her,

a choice,” the King said. “Either