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

she want?” I asked when she

unsettled, her brow pulled together. “I’m not sure.

had the wrong room but that

you recognize her?”

She helped me lace up my

her head into my room? What

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

with a low–cut bodice

like an imitator wearing it. Instead, I

the stairs, Julian stood at the

you to the dining room

lifted a

just want to be the one on your

my

walked in together. You are supposed to be my favorite after

I

reason, or maybe, not the only one. For now, however,

I accepted Julian’s offered arm.

dress,” Julian said.

“It is.”

on you.”

I side–eyed him.

you than it does on her.

Her? Who?