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.”

next name was not

Nicholas, and received a kiss to

also went

one of us other guys a chance.” This earned a laugh in the room.

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

Luna said.

do to keep from clapping. Susie had done

the

hesitated at the base of the three staircases, but ultimately went to Nicholas. I wasn’t

a hello to the other two at any point. She’d likely

stay until

he liked her, but no more than a friend. From Susie’s

that

continued until there was only one left to name. I continued to stand on the three–tiered

the spaces around me were

this, but

again. Though that relief was short lived. To survive, she

I could be

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

until one of the television producers

everyone in

girl near my right. “How could I not

me about it,

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

in tears.

the King and Queen were speaking with the princes

the publicist, panicked, spoke loud enough for the whole room to hear. “The social channels are all

been selected.”

the privilege,” the Luna said

loudly. Then he crossed his arms.

this outcome.”

King said. “We

you have to

Queen snapped this

turned his smug smile onto

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