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

survive? We’re about to

cameras zoomed in on each of the princes. Joyce looked bored. Julian

to explain the rules. The princes would submit their three names and then one by one, the chosen candidates would be called until all 9

were given scraps of paper and a pen. They each wrote their selections and handed them in to waiting servants.

sooner,

other.

8

of the drama, man.

talking about?”

whispered back. Only 8 names? Could that

could that be? Didn’t it break

producers spoke with Nathan, he immediately seemed confused.

started to say, but the producers were

in 3… 2… 1…” They

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

throat. I held my breath.

“Lilliana.”

”

a long, low exhale. I wasn’t surprised,

without any outward reaction. She crossed the floor, walked up the stairs in

nodded, and she moved to stand

Nathan said. “Prince Julian, you are

If Julian didn’t save

it wasn’t my name that came out of it. Some of the girls

reaction. The cameras

but it 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 to Nicholas, or

like we’d never been here at

Jessica. For his second round, Nicholas picked Olivia. Julian and Joyce picked girls who clapped in excitement and hurried forward when they

nearing the final round, Susie and I looked at each

numbered here,

producers pulled Nathan aside quickly to

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

on camera.

at us remaining girls. Then his gaze

“Susie.”

inhaled sharply and looked at me. I

her, even as my heart was breaking for myself. Joyce had saved her for another