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

and we all smiled. The other cameras zoomed in on each of the princes. Joyce looked bored. Julian winked and waved. Nicholas was

rules. The princes would submit their three names and then one by one,

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

and no sooner, one of

other.

8

the drama, man.

they talking about?” Susie whispered to

Could that mean only 8

how could that be? Didn’t it

the producers spoke with Nathan,

started to

commercial in 3…

back! We will now begin with the ceremony! Each prince will read the names of their selections, one at a time. Prince Nicholas, we will begin

his throat. I

“Lilliana.”

”

I wasn’t surprised, but I still wanted it to

stepped forward without any outward reaction. She crossed the floor, walked up the stairs in front of

moved to stand behind him.

“Prince Julian,

it. This was the moment. If Julian didn’t save

mouth with a smile, but it wasn’t my name that came out of it. Some of the

and looked at me for reaction. The cameras zoomed

wasn’t genuine. Inside, my heart was breaking. How much time would they give me to pack my bags? Would Elva have time to say goodbye

night like we’d never been

Joyce selected Jessica. For his second round, Nicholas picked Olivia. Julian and

final round, Susie and I looked at each other. We said goodbye with

here, and soon we’d be sent home.

pulled Nathan aside quickly to whisper in his

and start with Joyce,”

on camera.

us remaining girls. Then his gaze fell on Susie.

“Susie.”

me. I smiled and nodded,

even as my heart was breaking for myself. Joyce had saved her for another few weeks, and in those weeks, she could be with the man she truly loved, Mark.