The Luna Choosing Game

The day we were set to leave for the vacation, the chosen candidates and the two princes were to take a limousine to the airport and then a private jet to the southern beaches. Yet before any of that, we were to say farewell to the King and Queen, who would not be joining us on this trip.

I rolled my extra large suitcase, filled with both Elva and my things, behind me through the entryway. With my other hand, I held onto Elva’s as we stepped outside into the light. We were the last to arrive that morning, the other candidates were already in a line, waiting for their turn to be greeted.

Bridget must have gone first, she was

already at the limousine. A valet was helping load her luggage into a trailer.

Her bag was nearly as big as mine.

Julian, who was near the car, rushed to help with the luggage as well. Bridget left it in their hands, wandering off to speak with Nicholas near the car door.

Veronica was next. The King and Queen were courteous to her.

“We appreciate you trying to spend time with Prince Julian,” the Luna told her. “We hope you manage to have some one on one time with him during your trip.” The words struck me, though I tried not to let them. Perhaps the Luna didn’t mean that as a dig against me...

but I doubted it. If I wasn’t going on the trip, all of Veronica’s time would be

A one on one with Julian.

I forced myself to remember Veronica’s words. She wanted me on this trip. This was her idea. I wasn’t taking anything from her.

I still felt guilty.

Veronica replied, “Thank you, but your concern is not necessary. I am content with how things are.” The Luna’s smile tightened, but she didn’t reply. The matter seemed settled, and Veronica stepped away, dragging her luggage toward the truck.

Julian and the valet were still there and helped her. Veronica insisted on staying until they’d finished, then she and Julian walked toward the car together.

The King sighed as Jessica approached

them.

and won’t be able to join you on this trip.” Jessica nodded in agreement. “My wish is only to spend time with him.” “Perhaps when you return, he will be

I heard from Veronica, Joyce's deprogramming was moving at a snail’s pace. And with her gone on the trip, Joyce likely wouldn’t have any forward progress in her absence. To say he would magically get better all on his own was wishful thinking at best, delusion

;

Luna for always holding on hope for her

it be Elva. I needed to protect my girl from the underground organization

farewell, and moved toward the luggage

I stepped

Queen looked at us, then, without word, turned

explain it while they were within earshot so we had to stand there for a while, watching in silence while they

tears in her

they hated anyone, it was me alone. Elva was just an innocent bystander. Or collateral damage they were willing to risk in their dislike of

have urgent, important matters to attend to.” I gave her my best fake smile. “But forget them, okay? It’s time to go on our

me. She smiled a little in reply, but it was wobbly. She was making an effort to humor me. It hurt to look at, maybe more than

that had been here was missing. I looked around. Julian and Veronica were in conversation as they entered the limo. Bridget was saying something to Nicholas. A driver was holding open

of valets were on the other side of the truck, talking amongst themselves. I could have sworn I felt some of them looking at me, but not one came

fine. I didn’t need their

I had enough strength

please,” I said. She complied, taking a step to the

both handles of my suitcase, I was ready to fling it among the pile, when suddenly there was a pair of

easily lifted the suitcase up onto

you,” I said when he let go

He nodded.

She lifted her arms toward him