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.

someone walked by me, they nudged me hard with their elbow.

“Hey!” I said.

there. You really should be more careful where

rubbed my sore arm. “You could watch where you’re

important things.”

she is Prince Julian’s favorite. Though who knows what she had

do to

worry,” said a third. “Prince Julian doesn’t take seriously the girls

with her, have his fun, and cast her aside. The

“Aren’t we supposed to be

expect the girl with the

didn’t want to make things worse. I didn’t

own agenda.

without a word. Of anyone here, I thought she for sure would want to take a stab at

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

advice for you, Piper, and

necessary,” I

you want to be taken seriously as a contender in this competition, then you

make you

such a

to her, Piper,” said another girl.