The Luna Choosing Game

But I was my father’s first born son. I had responsibilities to the throne and to the kingdom over myself.

The expectations on me made it impossible to lash out in the rebellious way Julian, as the second son,

was allowed to.

So I gritted my teeth, and I agreed.

When I arrived at the meeting place, on the patio just outside the dining room, Lilliana was already

there, waiting for me. She walked right up to me, no preamble or greeting, and kissed me full on the

mouth.

It was an awkward kiss. Her lips were too firm, not malleable at all. Her body was stiff against mine. Her hands sat on my shoulders with no grip. No pulling, or clawing. No passion at all.

This kiss was miles away from the spark I had shared with Piper, when I had pulled her to me in that hallway and we ravaged each other’s mouths. Piper had clung to me like she wanted me inside of her. I

had totally lost control of myself to the flames, ready to burn with her in that moment.

wanted. Whatever she needed. I would be the one to deliver it and

Not Julian’s.

in comparison

at my sides.

didn’t try to deepen the kiss. Nor

together at the lips. And we’d stay that way

counted the seconds until this nightmare would

the bustle of the camera

There they

Finally.

and I broke apart. Lilliana appeared appropriately embarrassed, covering her mouth with her hand and lowering her eyes demurely. But there was no blush in her cheeks. No

a world–class taker.

I felt. I wanted for the world to be anywhere but

producer jamming a microphone toward my face.

the producer said with glee.

Nicholas? Do the other girls even

a sigh, Lilliana stepped in front

microphone.

private,” Lilliana said. “And the way he kisses…” She

to be sick after this.