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.

once a week," the woman currently being interviewed was saying, "Sometimes more, if I can scrounge the money together, Anything to be

Piper, then?" the producer

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

went up around the dining

and I still struggled

base

I was. She must have started after I left, because I didn't recognize her either. She brought a coloring book

herself with her crayons, not

who doesn't fully support Piper," said the man being interviewed now. "The only argument you'll find around here is whether or not she should select Prince

room uttering Nicholas's name, while the other half spoke Julian's. This, it seemed, was a point of contention

"Prince Nicholas has

popular in the competition. But it was very different to be told you were popular and to actually be in a

was living someone else's life

control of the room again. To the man, he asked, "What would you do if Piper dropped out

man said with disbelief. "Why in the world would

his head. "Some might say that she

their discontent as well. "Piper would be the best queen. She's the only one over there who knows

one of us!" someone

man. "She knows what it's like to struggle. She can actually advocate for

filled me, listening to his words. Susie had said

didn't want to let any of them down. They all

up to it?

would

Someone other than Bridget.

sighed. Gods, there was no

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

what happened, leaving out none of it, not even about Jane, or the oracle, or Bridget's terribleness. An hour or two later, I wrapped up by telling her about the King's demand that I back away from the competition and throw

sake of the