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.

I said, “We should think about it. Linda gave us some

use it.”

moonlight reflected in his eyes, and they sparkled, golden

thought of Linda getting to see him like this made

even for

need to have an answer the night before the challenge,” he said. He was giving me time

realized that I hadn’t held my breath.

before then,” I said, and hoped

wiped my eyes and practiced my smile, we returned to the party. The

by now, and the King had finished with his private audiences. The King and Queen were

their

on the floor with some of the

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

were also present

bring up the ratings,” Nicholas told

floor, dancing with one of the girls who had chosen to earn his favor during the elimination ceremony. When he spotted Nicholas and

move.

into the waiting arms of another single dancer. For him

out