The Luna Choosing Game

I didn’t want to think about Nicholas anymore, so I made my way over to Joyce instead. I knew his two

brothers well but not him, and that seemed a shame.

When I drew near, Susie glanced up to smile at me. “Oh, Piper. Have you met Prince Joyce? Should I introduce you?”

How could I say that if I met him, I didn’t remember? That would be unbearably rude.

“I don’t remember if we’ve met,” Joyce said in my silence. He looked at me eyes of burnt umber, watchful and calculating.

“I’ll introduce you, then,” Susie said. “Prince Joyce, this is Piper. Piper, please meet Prince Joyce.”

“Nice to officially meet you, Prince Joyce,” I said, giving a small curtsey.

He nodded.

We both didn’t move for a moment, me standing with Joyce gazing up at me. Then he motioned toward one of the chairs near him.

“Please, sit,” he said.

care for small talk. Meanwhile the quiet was making me anxious.

enjoying the competition so far?” I asked

okay,” he

at Susie. She shrugged.

going to select for the elimination ceremony?” I asked.

Meanwhile Susie seemed a bit downtrodden. My heart went out to

given it much thought, honestly,” Joyce said. He quickly covered a yawn with his

I asked.

I supposed to find the perfect person for me during a popularity contest? No one cares about ne anyway. They didn’t before the contest, and they won’t after. I

cares about you,” Jessica said

to hear

over it. I

she frowned, I prompted, “Wouldn’t it be nice if you did find love

ideal situation for love to spring from, but imagine if

in me with my brothers around,” Joyce said. “I wouldn’t even bother with

worried her bottom lip with her teeth. Her previous attempts to gain his attention and declare her interest had gone unnoticed. She took

her. When she noticed, her face went as red as a