The Luna Choosing Game

After gazing at the ocean for a time, Nicholas separated from us, saying he had to make the rounds. So Elva and I walked to where a couch was arranged on the deck. Julian and Veronica were already sitting on it. I sat on the open seat and Elva wedged in between me and Julian.

One of the wait staff brought me a fruity drink with an umbrella in it, and gave Elva a virgin lemonade with a curly straw. The straw amused Elva to no end. She was excited to see if she could get the lemonade stuck in one of the hoops.

“So, Piper,” Julian said, waggling his eyebrows as Elva was thoroughly distracted. “Things seem to be going

well with you and Nicholas.” [rolled my eyes at his teasing, “Aren’t you glad you decided to join us?” Julian continued, flashing a toothy grin. Beside him, Veronica remained silent, but I could see the humor in her eyes.

I'huff a soft laugh. They mean the teasing good-naturedly so I’m not put-off. “Iam,” I reply honestly.

Already this trip has felt something like a success. Things were still strained with Nicholas, but it felt good just being beside him. The ocean was beautiful. The drink was good. Elva was enjoying herself. Really, what could be better than this? All those good feelings went out the window the moment Bridget walked

closer to us.

“You all seem cozy over here,” she said. Her bright smile had returned since it had disappeared on the airplane. Her perfect facade was back in place on her face.

Yet as Bridget’s brightness shone, Julian’s dimmed. His toothy grin diminished into a humorless smirk. I missed it instantly, and wished Bridget would just go away, to whatever far corner of the world all her money would take her.

Maybe that was unkind. But I was tired of watching my friend be hurt just because of this woman’s proximity.

Veronica must have felt similar. The humor vanished from her eyes, though her expression didn’t otherwise I

a too-cool indifference. If

so glad to see you enjoying yourself. You must be so unaccustomed to places like

Unfortunately, that was a fair assessment. I didn’t want to give

tone, “my inability to regularly visit places like this makes them all that much more special

must feel to be so jaded that you can’t appreciate

to stop and see the small things,” Veronica said, adding to my veiled insult. “It’s essential to happy living.” Bridget’s smile went tight.

are able to experience it like this, then.” Her sharp gaze cut into me. “Especially as the next elimination ceremony is coming soon. It’s good for you, Piper, to enjoy yourself

mention from Nathan or

Bridget talking out

but the genuinely joyous smile she was now half-hiding with her

hush hush for now. But of course, I get the inside scoop all the time, since the royal family and I go so far back. They are quite

Veronica

it was starting to get very sad around here. For what purpose would Bridget mention the next elimination ceremony other than

looked at me again, though it was entirely dishonest juxtaposed to the smile still gracing her lips. “What about you, Piper? Do you think anyone will save you from being eliminated?” Across the room, Nicholas was speaking with Selma,

dedication

amazing King. He would give

have nothing left