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.

to join you on this trip.” Jessica nodded in agreement. “My wish is only to spend

on the trip, Joyce likely wouldn’t have any forward progress in her absence. To say he would magically get better all on his

;

I supposed I couldn’t blame the Luna for always holding on hope

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

then said farewell, and moved

and I stepped into

at us, then, without

stand there for a while, watching in silence while they shunned us.

tears in her

Elva was just an innocent bystander. Or collateral damage they

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

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

had been here was missing. I looked around. Julian and Veronica were in

amongst themselves. I could have sworn I felt some of them looking at me, but not one came

fine. I didn’t

had enough strength

aside, Elva, please,” I said. She complied,

when suddenly there was a pair of much more sturdy hands than mine plucking the

onto

when

He nodded.

said brightly. She lifted her arms toward him and