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.

a new event! One made especially for you

ala a I glanced around at everyone's reactions. Veronica kept a straight face as always, though her eyes

appeared marginally concerned. Only Bridget truly seemed excited, clapping her hands

“How wonderful!” she exclaimed.

scavenger hunt or something? That didn’t seem so bad. Maybe this wouldn't

“Each candidate will be taken to a nearby deserted island and dropped along the shore at separate points. You will each be given a limited set of instructions on how to find the treasure that corresponds to

will be in direct competition, while the others will be

a treasure will have a special romantic boat date with their prince,” Nathan

Jessica's hand went up.

have a special future date with Prince Joyce, once

a sandy hill, there wouldn’t be much of a competition. I

us to walk into a jungle? I raised

which I knew was a warning, but I persisted.

of supplies will we

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 a jungle unprepared. It had to be as I initially I thought and dismissed: a barren island. Perhaps the treasure was buried in the sand and we’d need our hands

as acceptance and moved on. “You'll

cameraman on

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

“You don’t

“Let Julian sit on a boat by

since Bridget showed up,”