The Luna Choosing Game

Linda was not that person.

Yet.. the King’s threats kept me from saying as much.

“That’s not the way the world works, Piper. At least not within the palace walls.” He faced the balcony railing, and looked out into the darkness. “If playing this game with Linda keeps you and Elva here and

safe, then that is as good a reason as any for me to follow through.”

I absolutely hated that I had no other choice but to let him.

“I’ll respect your wishes in this,” he said, “Whatever you want is what I’ll do.”

He had to do it, or the King might have me killed. All I had to do was tell him so, even though I truly

didn’t want to.

If I was alone in this world, I would tell him to turn her down flat. As it was, I had Elva. Elva needed her

mother. I couldn’t afford to be reckless with her care in jeopardy.

Yet the words he waited for did not come easily. I tried several times but could not force myself to say

them.

a few agonizing minutes, I said, “We should think

use it.”

The moonlight reflected in his eyes,

see him like this made me want to scream. With how she

even for one evening.

have an answer the night before the

exhaled in relief. I hadn’t realized that I hadn’t held my breath.

then,” I said, and hoped I wasn’t

my smile, we returned to

and the King had finished with his private

their thrones.

girls had begun dancing on the floor with some of the honored guests who had been

Most were personal friends of the King and Queen. Although a few

were also present

the ratings,” Nicholas

had chosen to earn his favor during the elimination ceremony. When

move.

upset, as Julian’s Beta Brian immediately guided her into the waiting arms of another single dancer.

out