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

What did she want?” I asked

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

wrong room

you recognize

tending to Lilliana.” She helped me lace up my silver dress

my room? What had she hoped to see? None

then hugged Elva. After a quick goodbye to Charlotte and the maid, and Mark outside

gown with a low–cut bodice and a slit up the

have felt like an

Julian stood at the bottom to

escort you to the dining room tonight,

lifted a brow.

laughed. “So mistrustful. Maybe I just want to be the one on your arm.”

narrowed my eyes.

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

I

like the right reason, or maybe, not the only

accepted Julian’s offered

dress,” Julian

“It is.”

on

I side–eyed him.

winked at me. “It looks better on you than it does on her. That’s for

Her? Who?