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.

see you there. You really should be more

sore arm. “You could watch where

notice important

Prince Julian’s

to earn it.”

third. “Prince Julian doesn’t take seriously the girls who put out

her aside. The girl he marries will be of more virtuous stock.”

in, “Aren’t we supposed to be

girl laughed. “Can’t expect the girl with the kid to

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

own agenda.

Of anyone here, I thought she for

was Olivia who came to stand before me. The crowd parted for her like she’d already been chosen Luna, and all deferred to

Piper, and I suggest you take it.”

isn’t necessary,” I said.

taken seriously as a contender in

keep doing things that make you look like a slut.”

eyes went wide at such a blatant, derogatory term.

her, Piper,” said another