The Luna Choosing Game

Nicholas and I sat in a pair of chairs in front of a camera. Behind the camera, a producer stood ready to ask us questions. But first, we needed to finish our statement.

“Piper and I ended our relationship three years ago, when Piper dropped out from the academy. It was entirely coincidental that she was selected and brought here to participate in the Luna Choosing Game,”

Nicholas said.

He glanced at me. It was my turn to pick up the pre–written speech.

“We have been careful not to allow our past to interfere with the selection whatsoever. In fact, most of our time here at the palace has been spent apart.”

I had originally mentioned about how I had gone on two dates with Julian, but Nicholas had made me

cut it.

“But it would help sell our case,” I’d said. “If the world thinks I’m more into Julian…”

“Being into Julian would not eam anyone any favors,” he’d replied, stern, and had refused to speak more

about it. “I won’t be swayed.”

He was always so touchy about Julian that I decided to let it drop. Hopefully the public could make that connection on their own, without needing to be reminded.

your continued support both for the competition and for Piper herself as a candidate,” Nicholas said now. “And hope that you will continue to look favorably upon

began to

if there were

knew he was lying. At the very least, we had agreed to be friends.

hear him answer so

Piper?” the producer

my own quick answer of untruth. “No. I felt nothing. Our

long time ago. We are both

heavy weight of Nicholas’s gaze on me. I ignored it as

broadcast was done. The producer thanked us both for our

to share such vital information with the public.

entire walk back to my room. However, once I was there, Charlotte greeted

public’s reaction on television, but I didn’t

it true?” she

nodded. “It

I knew you both had

was a long time ago,

though her smile remained. “Whatever you say.” She took a step toward me. “The public