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.

Nicholas thought. “Could you keep an eye out and let me know the moment Julian arrives today.” I swallowed down my growing nerves.

nodded all the same. “I’m sure he will be here for the ceremony,

miss.”

prayed to whatever higher power would listen, that would be

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

television audience.

too late to wow the princes.

this time, I chose a classic magenta gown with ruffles along the hem and across the top of the bodice. For my hair, we brushed it up and away from my face into a

curled in the back.

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

him closer.

heard that Julian has been

I

need to speak with

called into the King’s chambers. It’s likely he will not reemerge until it is time for the