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

and we all smiled. The other cameras zoomed in on each of the princes.

submit their three names and then one by one, the chosen candidates

and a pen. They each wrote their selections and handed them in

commercial, and no sooner,

other.

8

second producer hushed the first. “Think of the drama, man. This

they talking about?”

Could that mean only 8 girls were

be? Didn’t it

with Nathan, he immediately seemed

should speak with the King,” he started to say, but the producers

commercial in 3… 2… 1…” They pointed at Nathan.

will read the names of their selections, one at a time. Prince Nicholas, we will begin with you. If

cleared his throat. I held

“Lilliana.”

”

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

the floor, walked up

nodded, and she moved to stand

“Prince

was the moment. If Julian didn’t save me

wasn’t my name that came out

looked at me for reaction. The cameras zoomed in close to my face.

How much time would they give me to pack

off into the night like we’d never been here

round, Nicholas picked Olivia. Julian and Joyce picked girls who clapped in excitement and hurried forward when they were

was nearing the final round, Susie and I looked at each

were numbered here, and soon we’d be

pulled Nathan aside quickly

like to change things up and start with Joyce,” Nathan said, when he was

on camera.

us remaining girls. Then his gaze

“Susie.”

inhaled sharply and looked at me. I smiled and nodded, urging her

breaking for myself. Joyce had saved her for another few weeks, and