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

glanced around at everyone's reactions. Veronica kept a straight face as

bored, picking at his fingernails. Nicholas appeared marginally concerned. Only

“How wonderful!” she exclaimed.

himself. “A treasure hunt!” Like a scavenger hunt or something? That didn’t seem so bad. Maybe this wouldn't be such a big

points. You will each be given

us, “You two will be in direct competition, while the others will be racing against the clock.” I frowned. Veronica did

treasure will have a special romantic

Jessica's hand went up.

to have a special future date with Prince Joyce,

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 were covered in thick jungle

walk into a jungle? I raised my

gave me a withering look, which I knew was a warning, but I persisted. Eventually, he

will we be given for this challenge?”

want us dead, after all. They wouldn't send us into a jungle unprepared. It had

took my silence as acceptance and moved on. “You'll be leaving in the morning at first light.

The cameramen came closer for their reaction shots. Maybe some of the others found what they needed, but the cameraman on Veronica and I was left wanting, We both just sort of stared at him until he gave

I was certain we weren't being overheard, I leaned into Veronica and told her, “I'm

treasure.” “You don’t have to,” Veronica

on

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