The Luna Choosing Game

I continued to hold Susie’s hand as we were led into the staged area for the ceremony. The 14 of us that

were left were lined up into three rows.

Camera crews were setting up in front of us. On the other side, three small stages were arranged side by side, each with their own set of stairs. A throne was arranged at the far end of the room for the King and

Queen.

Sometime after we arrived, the royal family came in together. I tried to catch Julian’s eye, but he wouldn’t look at me. He didn’t look at any of the candidates. His typical bored façade was in place.

I worried about him for a moment. Just what had the King wanted to talk to him about?

But then I saw Nicholas and all other thoughts flew straight out of my head. I hadn’t seen him since our

kiss in the hallway outside Julian’s door, when I’d lost myself and wanted to be ravaged.

He wasn’t looking at me either, but this one, I understood. I only hoped he didn’t regret it. Our

relationship was… complicated. Impossible, probably. But the way he held me in that moment… I wouldn’t

trade it away.

The King and Queen moved to their thrones. The producers then directed the princes up onto the

stages. Each had their own.

Nathan stood in front of us and explained, “If your name is called, move up the stairs of the stage

belonging to the prince who selected you. You will be expected to thank them personally.”

The girls all nodded. I did too.

When the cameras were set up, the producers nodded to Nathan. We waited a few minutes until the

clock hit 7pm, then the camera lights turned red.

My heart was in my throat.

The elimination ceremony was about to begin.

Nathan turned on his 1000–watt smile and faced the cameras, his microphone in hand.

“Welcome to the main event, ladies and gentleman. Tonight, your three princes will each select three ladies of their choice to stay through the elimination. This will bring our count down from 14 to 9! Who

about to find out.”

the cameras panned over the candidates and we all smiled. The other cameras zoomed in on each of the princes. Joyce looked bored. Julian winked and

continued to explain the rules. The princes would submit their three names and then one by one, the chosen candidates would be called until all

a pen. They each wrote their selections and handed them in to waiting servants. The servants then brought the names to the producers.

the audience to commercial, and no sooner, one of the producers started yelling

other.

only 8 names!”

the first. “Think of the drama, man. This is going to make for great

they talking about?” Susie whispered to me.

names? Could that mean only 8

that be? Didn’t it break

the producers spoke with Nathan, he immediately

started to say, but

in 3… 2… 1…” They pointed

read the names of their selections, one at a time. Prince Nicholas, we will begin with you. If you could please say the name of one of your selections.”

I

“Lilliana.”

”

came out a long, low exhale. I wasn’t surprised, but

outward reaction. She crossed the floor, walked up the stairs in front of Nicholas, and said,

nodded, and she moved to stand behind him.

said. “Prince Julian,

This was the moment. If Julian didn’t save me here,

my name that came out

The

time would they give me to pack my bags? Would Elva

like we’d never been here

For his second round, Nicholas picked Olivia. Julian and Joyce picked girls who clapped in

nearing the final round, Susie and I looked at each other.

both knew our moments were numbered here, and

aside quickly to whisper

like to change things up and start

on camera.

girls. Then his gaze fell

“Susie.”

and looked at me. I smiled and nodded, urging her forward.

said. I was so happy for her, even as my heart was breaking for myself. Joyce had saved her for