The Luna Choosing Game

The next morning, I awoke to a knock on the door. Beside me Elva began to rub her eyes.

I hadn’t indulged in too much alcohol, unlike some of the other girls, but I still felt a pressure in my head, probably from having stayed up too late.

I wanted to turn over in bed and ignore the knocking, but if Elva was already waking up, I knew any attempts to return to sleep would be futile.

With a groan, I rolled out of bed and headed to the door. Any annoyance I felt that morning immediately vanished the moment I opened the door and saw Charlotte standing there.

“Surprise?” she said, smiling.

“Charlotte!” I excitedly pulled her into a hug. We hadn't been apart all that long, but seeing another familiar face here warmed my heart. Charlotte had become such a good friend, I was I always happy to see her. “What are you doing here?” I “Prince Nicholas asked me to come,” she said. She gently returned my hug.

“To escort your new wardrobe.” I pulled back from the hug, and noticed there were quite a few servants standing out in the hallway, each holding suitcases and bags.

I immediately stepped to the side, and like a parade, the servants brought in the suitcases and unpacked them until the drawers and closet were full of new dresses and shirts and pants. Even

underwear and swimsuits were included in the mix. €» Elva fully awoke in the excitement and rushed to give Charlotte a hug of her own.

When the servants had gone, and all the clothes were in their place, Charlotte and I sat down to talk while Elva played with her toys.

“How are things back at the palace?” I asked her. There was a small table at the corner of the room with two chairs.

We sat there now, sipping from cups of coffee.

“Mostly quiet,” Charlotte said.

without the usual drama.” She

about your inclusion on this trip, while they are forced to stay behind.

stood back while Bridget took the forefront of everyone’s attention, but that woman would never give up. If she couldn’t make headway with Nicholas himself, it made sense that

supposed. I doubted how successful it would be, with how much favor the King and Queen regularly bestowed upon Bridget. But I couldn’t fault Olivia for making the best

We continued talking.

together a new wardrobe for you. I thought to pack up your things from the palace, but the message said all new, to be delivered straight to the island. And I was

“The message was clear. Prince Nicholas wanted the best for you.” I knew Nicholas

lowered my head

excitement, I haven't been to sleep yet

then. Charlotte went to the servants quarters assigned to her to sleep. Elva went to make sandcastles with the

with... Nathan? When had he gotten here? Standing behind Nathan

job well done. There weren't supposed to be any cameras here.” “The King has made the decision, Prince Nicholas,” Nathan said. He was respectful enough, but his tone had an air of dismissal, like his words were enough to end all argument.

if we have to keep being on guard all the time.” “you expect the competition to simply... take a week off while you are here? And you believe the ratings would return after that break?” Nathan shook his head. “Be

princes and candidates in their swimsuits would only help to draw viewership to the competition,” Nathan said. “We cannot pass up this opportunity.” “1 still don’t =” “What's the harm?” said

on the beach last night? Even I had a small hangover! How was Bridget immune? She seemed as cheery and energetic as she had the first day I

us have anything to