The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0616

Elva and I dressed in our frumpiest clothes. Elva wore a hat with covers that went down over the ears. I tied my hair up and wore one of Anna's wigs. It was darker than my own hair color, with bangs that hid most of my face.

I barely recognized myself in the mirror. I doubted anyone else would be able to.

Dressed in our disguises, Anna led us toward a familiar restaurant - the one I used to work at. I side-eyed her as we walked.

"I really don't know about this," I said.

I knew this event wasn't being broadcast live. They had yet to even air the idea about the homecoming, so as to garner the biggest surprise, and the biggest reaction, of the unsuspecting being visited.

Even now, after Anna had revealed her plan, the camera crew asked for time to get to the restaurant first and develop a type of cover story for their presence. That way, the spotlight would not be shone on our mysterious arrival and identities.

The cover story? The camera crews were just trying to interview people about Piper at the restaurant where she used to work.

When we entered the restaurant, people were in a long line to talk to the camera crews. They didn't notice our entrance at all, nor the second camera that was trained on us the moment we entered. The cover story and distraction appeared to be working.

Most of the tables were full, but we found a free booth nearer the kitchen.

"I've never seen the place this full," I said. "Well, except during the lunch and dinner rushes." It was late now, just after dinner. There shouldn't be so many people.

"It's always like this now," Anna said. "Especially on nights were the competition is on TV,"

I didn't understand. "Why?"

Anna smiled slyly. "Listen to some of those interviews, and you'll get it."

I was confused, but did as she said, tuming my attention to where the producer was interviewing some restaurant patrons.

scrounge the money together, Anything to be here, where

then?" the

course!" The woman scoffed, like she was insulted by the idea that she could be supporting anyone else. "Everyone who

cheers went up

the woman said and I still struggled to believe. Everyone was here

base for you," Anna

didn't know who I was. She must have started after I left, because

relief when the encounter was done. Elva busied herself

support Piper," said the man being interviewed now. "The only argument you'll find around here is whether

some rabble began, half the room uttering Nicholas's name, while the other half spoke Julian's. This, it seemed, was a point of contention among the regulars and

lowered her voice. "Prince Nicholas has my bet," she said

others that I was popular in the competition. But it was very different to be told you were popular and to actually be in a room full

Like I was living someone else's

man, he asked,

the man said with disbelief. "Why

"Some might say that she doesn't have the proper

in their discontent as well. "Piper would be the best queen. She's the only one over there who knows anything about what life's really like. She wasn't raised with some silver spoon, with servants waiting on her every whim. She's a real

one of us!" someone else

struggle. She can actually advocate for us over

his

any of them down. They all put so much stock in me. What

up to it?

someone else would be

Someone other than Bridget.

was no good answer to

after we returned home and it became late, the camera crews left us for the night. Elva fell asleep. And Anna and I could

oracle, or Bridget's terribleness. An hour or two later, I wrapped up by telling her about the King's demand that I back

sake of the kingdom, he had