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 feeling better,” the Luna offered. That seemed to lift Jessica’s spirits, even though it was a

And with her gone on the trip, Joyce likely wouldn’t have any forward progress in her absence. To

;

supposed I couldn’t blame the Luna for always holding on hope for her son. If

to protect my girl from

and moved toward

and I stepped into her

at us, then,

they were within earshot so we had to stand there for a while, watching in silence while they shunned us. When they entered their palace, and the door closed behind them,

had tears

it was me alone. Elva was just an innocent bystander. Or collateral damage they were willing to risk in their dislike of me. “They don’t hate anyone. I'm sure they're just busy.” “They said g'bye to everybody else...”

always 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

fake enthusiasm, to cover the hurt, but Elva could see straight through me. She smiled a little in reply, but it was wobbly.

Julian and Veronica were in conversation as they entered

themselves. I could

I didn’t need

my wolf now, I had enough

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

was ready to fling it among the pile, when suddenly there was

suitcase up onto the

you,” I said when he let

He nodded.

She lifted her arms