The Luna Choosing Game

Around late morning, I headed into the kitchen in search of a cold drink. The Servants were more than willing to help me, but as I was perfectly able to find the refrigerator in this house, I thanked them but sought it out on my own.

I'filled a glass with ice, poured my lemonade, and was about to leave the room when I heard talking just outside the room, on the other side of the door.

“We got some good footage during the volleyball game,” a man said. “But everyone just sitting around like this doesn’t make for good television, even if they are in the swim suits. We need to at least get them in the water, or stir

LI Ree et ag up drama somehow.” “Don’t worry,” Nathan said. I realized then that the other person must have been with the camera crew. “I have another activity planned that will help boost the ratings.” My stomach sank. I didn’t like the sound of that.

This trip was supposed to have been a reward for those who performed well in the theater event. Yes, I piggybacked off of Veronica and Julian’s success, but even so, no one was supposed to be put on the spot here. This was supposed to be relaxing.

Yet somehow, Nathan and the camera crew wanted to extend the reach of the competition even to here, this place of supposed relaxation. Or was it the king to blame?

SEER." Cae up drama somehow.” “Don’t worry,” Nathan said. I realized then that the other person must have been with the camera crew. “I have another activity planned that will help boost the ratings.” My stomach sank. I didn’t like the sound of that.

This trip was supposed to have been a reward for those who performed well in the theater event. Yes, I piggybacked off of Veronica and Julian’s success, but even so, no one was supposed to be put on the spot here. This was supposed to be relaxing.

Yet somehow, Nathan and the camera crew wanted to extend the reach of the competition even to here, this place of supposed relaxation. Or was it the king to blame?

It didn’t matter whose fault it was. It was happening regardless.

“Gather everyone on the deck,” Nathan said.

On the other side of the door, I sighed.

Out on the deck, I leaned against the railing beside Veronica. Everyone was there, gathered by Nathan’s command.

The camera crew were positioned across the deck, filming everyone and their reactions. I internally vowed to keep a straight face, no matter what activity Nathan was about to propose.

began, “Tomorrow, the four candidates present will be participating in a new event! One made especially for you here on

at everyone's reactions. Veronica kept a straight face as always,

picking at his fingernails. Nicholas appeared marginally concerned. Only Bridget truly seemed excited, clapping her

“How wonderful!” she exclaimed.

smiled as if he was very pleased with himself. “A treasure hunt!” Like a scavenger hunt or something? That didn’t seem so bad. Maybe this wouldn't be such a big deal after all. I

will each be given a limited set of instructions on how to find the

will be in direct competition, while the others will

will have a special

Jessica's hand went up.

are promised to have a special future date with Prince Joyce, once he has recovered from his illness,”

wondered what the deserted island would be like. If it was nothing but a sandy hill, there wouldn’t be much of a competition. I had noticed many of the nearby islands

to walk into a jungle? I

knew was a warning, but I

supplies will we be given for

laughed a little. “What supplies could you need? You'll have your basic instructions, your swimsuit, and you.” Swimsuit? Not even hiking boots or a rope, or even a compass? No. I had to be overthinking this. The royal family didn’t want us dead, after all. They wouldn't send us into

took my silence as acceptance and moved on. “You'll be leaving in

cameraman on Veronica and I was left wanting, We both just sort of stared at him until he gave

weren't being overheard, I leaned into Veronica and told her, “I'm not about

find Julian's treasure.” “You don’t have to,” Veronica

sit on a

a mess since Bridget showed up,” Veronica replied. “I don’t care about any of