The Luna Choosing Game

“We’d like to thank everyone for joining us tonight for the First Elimination Ceremony. Tonight, as you. have all been previously informed, we will be sending home 9 Luna candidates, leaving our remaining

count at 15.”

Nathan, microphone in hand, spoke mainly for the cameras, and not the three lines of us girls arranged on a set of rising stands behind him.

“The elimination tonight will be based on the candidates‘ skillsets. Over the past few weeks, have they displayed the necessary ability and poise to reign as a Luna? They’ve been judged, and tonight, we will

deliver the results.”

I shifted on my feet, too nervous to stand still. I lowered my hand, pressing away imaginary folds on my golden gown. I’d never felt more beautiful, but then, everyone around me looked even better.

Nathan continued, “The girls who are asked to stay will be announced one by one. They will approach the prince of their choice and earn a token of favor from them. Your Royal Highnesses, are you ready?”

The three princes moved onto the stage beside Nathan, taking positions with a few feet of space between them. They each had their own staircase that led to them, so there could be no confusion which

of the princes each girl favored.

When the princes signaled their readiness, Nathan turned the cameras over to the King and Queen on

the far side of the room, who would be handed the names one by one to read.

The choices then, I realized, had already been made. Maybe they had been made since day one. I had no

doubt that my name would not be called here today.

My heart still hurt from how hard Elva had taken the news. We’d had to pack before the ceremony, so that when the time came, we could make a clean exit. Charlotte and Mark were with her now, distracting

her from the television.

“We will now begin,” the King announced.

The first name called. “Olivia.”

Her smile was wide and perfect. She was already placed on the first level of girls, so she had no trouble stepping forward, heading straight for Nicholas. She ascended the staircase and awaited her favor.

Nicholas took her hand in his and placed a soft, barely–there kiss to her knuckles,

The girl next to me cursed. I better get a kiss.”

The next name was not a shock either. “Lilliana.“wi

She too went to Nicholas, and received a kiss to her hand.

“Linda,” came next. She also went to Nicholas.

Julian teased, “Come on, ladies, give one of us other guys a chance.” This earned a laugh in the room.

One by one, more names were called. Julian finally won his first girl, who he kissed on the cheek. Joyce gained a couple as well, but he simply shook their hands.

“Susie,” the Luna said.

For a moment, my excitement jumped, and it was all I could do to keep from clapping. Susie had done well in the hunting event, having a clear talent for communicating with the wolves. She deserved to see it

through until the next round.

She hesitated at the base of the three staircases, but ultimately went to Nicholas. I wasn’t sure she had

spoken more than a hello to the other two at any point. She’d likely have to rectify that, if she was going

to stay until the finals.

I knew Nicholas well. I could tell that he liked her, but no more than a friend. From Susie’s reaction to

him, I gathered that feeling was mutual.

The selection continued until there was only one left to name. I continued to stand on the three–tiered

platform, though most of the spaces around me were now empty,

I’d known it would come to this, but I still trembled with trepidation.

Lied to calm down by reminding myself that I would get to see Anna again. Though that relief was short lived. To survive, she would have likely needed to lease out my room.

Elva and I could be on the street tonight.

Nathan took over the microphone again. “With only one left to select, who will it be? Stick around, because after this commercial break, all will be revealed!”

He held his pose for a few seconds, until one of the television producers said, “We’re clear!”

At once, near everyone in the room slumped.

This is bullshit,” said a girl near my right. “How could I not be picked yet? I’m better than half of those Josera

Tell me about it, scoffed another girl

I kept my head up, tall and proud, afraid that if I let the façade slip for even a minute, I would break down

in tears.

A man with the group behind the camera suddenly rushed over to where the King and Queen were speaking with the princes at the edge of the stage.

The public, Your Majesty. They don’t understand!” the publicist, panicked, spoke loud enough for the whole room to hear. “The social channels are all exploding. They demand to know why Piper has not yet.

been selected.”

“Because she has not earned the privilege,” the Luna said coldly.

Julian laughed once very loudly. Then he crossed his arms. “Wow. If only someone could have predicted

this outcome.”

“Don’t be crass, Julian,” the King said. “We now find ourselves in uncertainty.”

“What uncertainty? What you have to do is obvious.”

“Julian,” the Queen snapped this time.

He turned his smug smile onto her, but said no more.

“We are faced with a choice,” the King said. “Either way we lose.”

“Piper ranked highly,” Nicholas said. “It would be no great hardship for her to stay.”

it goes against all of our traditions,” the Queen said. “It is only for the public alone that her presence has been tolerated thus far. She has no place in further competition.”

We’re back in two!” called the producer.

“This is getting out of control,” the Queen said. “We cannot allow the public to dictate our decisions.”

But we cannot ignore them either,” the King added. He rubbed a hand along his chin. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Til handle it, Nicholas said suddenly. The entirety of the royal family – even Joyce, who had mostly seemed bored by the exchange – looked at him.

The King lowered his brow, “How?”

“One minute and counting!” the producer called “Everyone back to your positions, please!”

TH make it look like a personal decision on my part,” Nicholas said. “Then no one but me will take the blame.

The King seemed unsatisfied, but the Luna was tugging him away, back to their spot. The princes moved

to their own positions.

Some words were passed between Julian and Nicholas, though I couldn’t hear what.

“Sorry, Piper,” said the girl beside me. “Sounds like they are sending you out with the trash.”

“I’m sorry too,” I said, hoping to reflect her comradery.

But the girl laughed at me instead. “I’m not the one going home tonight.”

“Welcome back, ladies and gentleman!” Nathan said, signaling the return of the program. “Our final

selection of the evening will be personally chosen by the oldest son, Prince Nicholas!”

Nathan crossed the stage to bring Nicholas the microphone.

“Go on, Your Royal Highness. Tell the kingdom who the last selection is.”

Nicholas glanced over the remaining 10 faces before landing on mine.

With my gaze, I tried to tell him it was okay. That I understood. For me to be sent home wasn’t personal. It was just how the world worked.

But then he said, “Piper.”