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.

nudged me

“Hey!” I said.

there. You really should be more careful where you

arm. “You could watch where you’re

notice important

another girl. “Apparently she is Prince Julian’s

do to

worry,” said a third. “Prince Julian doesn’t take seriously the girls who put out right away. He’ll

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

chimed in, “Aren’t we supposed to be

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

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

own agenda.

of us, then surprisingly moved away without a word. Of anyone here, I thought she for sure would want to take a

crowd parted for her like she’d already been chosen Luna, and all deferred to her as she

for you, Piper, and I suggest you

necessary,”

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

things that make you look like a slut.”

such a blatant, derogatory term.

to her, Piper,”