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.

walked by me, they nudged me hard

“Hey!” I said.

there. You really should

arm. “You could watch where you’re going.”

notice important things.”

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

do to earn

doesn’t take seriously the girls

his fun, and cast her aside. The girl he marries will be of more virtuous

chimed in, “Aren’t we

laughed. “Can’t expect the girl with the

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

own agenda.

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

came to stand before me. The crowd parted for her like she’d already

some friendly advice for you, Piper, and I suggest

necessary,” I said.

is, actually. If you want to be taken seriously as a contender in this competition, then

doing things that make you look

went wide at such a blatant,

Piper,” said