The Luna Choosing Game

“Things haven’t been easy between you and me,” he said. “But I’m thinking that should change.”

“What do you suggest?”

He glanced back to Elva. Her flower crown stayed together this time. Smiling wide, she placed it on her

head.

“Let’s be friends,” he said. Surprised, I looked at him. He watched me a moment, before adding, “For

Elva’s sake.”

“I’d like that.”

Just then, Elva ran over to us and offered her flower crown–to Nicholas. He dipped his head low to

accept it.

Later that afternoon, the other girls and I were brought into the parlor for an announcement regarding

the next challenge.

I had been in the room for approximately two minutes when the snickering began. It seemed, from what

I could overhear, that the girls had found out about my secret rendezvous with Julian and were most

displeased.

they nudged me hard with

“Hey!” I said.

You

sore arm. “You could watch

important things.”

another girl. “Apparently she is Prince Julian’s favorite. Though who

to

Julian doesn’t take seriously the girls who put out right away.

around with her, have his fun, and cast her aside. The girl he marries will

first girl chimed in, “Aren’t we supposed to

the girl with the kid to abstain from sex.”

myself, but I didn’t want to make things worse. I didn’t think

own agenda.

us, then surprisingly moved away without a word. Of anyone here, I thought she for

stand before me. The crowd parted for her like she’d already been chosen Luna, and all

Piper, and I suggest you

isn’t necessary,” I

is, actually. If you want to be taken seriously as a contender

doing things that make you look like a

went wide at such

to her, Piper,” said another