The Luna Choosing Game

The morning of the second elimination ceremony, I awoke with a big pit growing in my stomach.

I still hadn’t been able to speak to Julian about his potentially saving me today. I had talked more with

Joyce, but he remained apathetic about the whole thing. Nicholas was avoiding me. Granted, I was also

avoiding him.

Elva, at least, was feeling much like herself again. Even now, she bounced out of bed, ready to face the

day, while I moved much slower.

I had already explained to her that today was another day to pack and be ready to potentially leave, but after the stress of last time, she never seemed to take it too seriously again, no matter what I said.

After Elva and I had dressed in our day clothes, I stepped out into the hallway to speak with one of the guards. Fortunately Mark had not arrived yet. I knew he would eventually hear of my request, but I hoped

to put it off for as long as possible.

For Mark to know meant Nicholas would know. I wanted to delay that.

“May I help you with something, Miss Piper?” one of the guards asked me.

despite what Nicholas thought. “Could you keep an eye out and

watched me curiously, but nodded all the same. “I’m sure he will

miss.”

prayed to whatever higher power would listen,

as Charlotte and I went through the gowns hanging in the closet. There were still many I hadn’t worn yet, and tonight, I needed something

television audience.

late to wow

green velvet last time, so this time, I chose a classic magenta gown with ruffles along the hem and across the top of

in the

still inserting bobby pins when the guard I had spoken with appeared in

him closer.

Julian has been seen on the

such force that I sagged in my chair. I exhaled long and slow.

will need to speak with him

that isn’t possible at present. The moment he arrived, he was called into the King’s chambers. It’s likely he will not reemerge until it is time for the