The Luna Choosing Game

“Thank you,” I said. “Please thank them for me, as well. I wouldn’t want to get them in trouble by approaching them directly.”

Till pass on your gratitude,” Charlotte said.

We continued to work throughout the day. When we finally finished, it was time for me to attend a

banquet.

Elva, who had been patient all day, complained loudly that she wouldn’t get to attend.

“You’d hate it,” I told her, hoisting her up into my arms. “A bunch of stuffy people insulting each other

while pretending to be nice.”

“Why would they do that?” she asked.

“1 don’t know, honey.” But I did know. With only 9 candidates left, everyone was on the edge. We were coming down to the wire soon, and all the girls, except Susie and 1, wanted the crown. “People

sometimes have to cut each other down to make themselves feel more important.”

“That doesn’t sound very nice”

“It’s not,” I agreed.

As I prepared for the banquet, I was startled by an unfamiliar maid sticking her head through the door.

Charlotte immediately intercepted her and then sent her away

was that? What did she want?”

brow pulled together. “I’m not sure. She didn’t even ask anything. She

room but

recognize her?”

to Lilliana.” She helped me lace up

Why would Lilliana’s maid peak her head into my room? What had she hoped to see?

the maid, and Mark outside the door, I headed down to the dining room

beautiful in my stunning silver gown with a low–cut bodice and

a Luna. I maybe should have felt like an imitator wearing it. Instead, I

descended the stairs, Julian stood at the bottom to

escort you to the

a

I just want to

narrowed my

together.

I

or maybe, not the only one. For now, however, I supposed

well.” I accepted Julian’s

dress,” Julian

“It is.”

on you.”

I side–eyed him.

winked at me. “It looks better on you

Her? Who?