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.”

was not a

went to Nicholas, and received a kiss to her

also went to Nicholas.

on, ladies, give one of us other guys a chance.”

one, more names were called. Julian finally won his first girl, who he kissed on the cheek. Joyce gained a couple as well, but he simply shook their hands.

the Luna said.

to keep from clapping. Susie had done well in the hunting event, having a clear talent for communicating

the next

hesitated at the base of the three staircases, but ultimately went to Nicholas. I

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

stay until the

could tell that he liked her, but no more than

gathered that feeling was

was only one left to name. I continued to

of the spaces around me

this, but I still trembled with

that relief was

and I could be on the street tonight.

over the microphone again. “With only one left to select, who will it be? Stick around, because after this commercial break,

until

once, near everyone in

bullshit,” said a girl near my right. “How could I not be

it,

kept my head up, tall and proud, afraid that if I let the façade slip for even a minute, I would break

in tears.

suddenly rushed over to where the King

room to hear. “The social channels are all exploding. They demand to know why Piper has not

been selected.”

she has not earned the privilege,” the Luna

laughed once very loudly. Then he crossed his arms. “Wow. If only

this outcome.”

said. “We now find ourselves

What you have

Queen snapped this time.

his smug smile onto her,

are faced with a choice,” the King said. “Either