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

that? What did she want?” I asked when she had gone.

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

she had the wrong room but

you recognize

Lilliana.” She helped me lace up my silver dress in the back.

would Lilliana’s maid peak her head into my room? What had

hugged Elva. After a quick goodbye to Charlotte and the maid, and Mark outside the door, I headed down to the dining room for the

in my stunning silver gown with a low–cut bodice

I maybe should have felt like an

stairs, Julian stood at the bottom

to the

a brow.

mistrustful. Maybe I just want to be the

narrowed my eyes.

would look best if we walked in together. You are supposed to be my favorite after all.”

I

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

well.” I accepted

Julian

“It is.”

on you.”

I side–eyed him.

me. “It looks better on you than

Her? Who?