The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

My gaze was fixed to the television screen as I tried to soak in every possible detail of my ex-boyfriend.

In the three years since I’d seen him last, Nicholas had matured, filling out his previously lanky teenage figure. Skinny arms had widened with muscle. His broad torso tapered into a narrow waist.

He’d lost the boyish width to his face. His cheekbones had always been high, but now his jawline was sharp enough to cut glass.

He had been handsome when we’d dated.

But looking at him now, at the man he became..

He was jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

And apparently… a prince?

I’d known he was nobility, but I had no idea he was that high in the royal succession.

“Turn it up,” I said.

Anna increased the volume, until we could hear the newscaster’s voice.

“With the borders unstable and the economy in decline, the public has expressed fear for both their future and the future of the dwindling next generation. Through this choosing game, the royal family hopes to inspire the public…”

“It’s a good distraction,” I said. Everyone I’d encountered today had been talking about it, instead of their usual woes and worries. “

Anna said. “I’m inspired.” When I gave her a disbelieving look, she shrugged. “It shows the royal family is actually trying, instead of sitting up in their high towers, ignoring us. That gives me hope.”

The voice on the television continued, “In addition to providing entertainment and comfort to the everyday populace, the selection offers a unique opportunity for the princes, who have yet to find their mates. As per law, a prince needs a partner to inherit the throne.”

Logically, upon seeing Nicholas in the lineup for the selection, I knew he didn’t have a mate, yet still my brain struggled to make sense of it.

When we’d dated, Nicholas had been kind and generous, talented, handsome. How could someone like that have failed to find their match?

“Can you believe this?” Anna asked me. “They are all so handsome!”

played on a loop. This time, I was able to

Julian?

had both been classmates of mine at the Royal Academy, but they had hated each other. Everyone saw them as arch-enemies. They were actually

to 22 to apply,” the newscaster continued. “The deadline is in

and another story

cushion so that she could face me. “When

single mother, Anna. I don’t think that

long are you going to let yourself suffer for

“Elva isn’t a burden.”

like that. What I’m trying to say is that you are holding yourself back. You shouldn’t be stuck here as a waitress in a dead-end job with a handsy

than anything in the whole world. I had no intention of leaving her behind

I deflected. “You don’t belong

in applying. You should

selected, and that’s a big

offered the chance to see him again sent my heart racing. But

Nicholas and I had

never get chosen. And even if I am, I would never leave Elva for anything, not even

“If I were you, I’d never pass up this

the princes’ video

remind our viewers that this traditional

“Wow,” Anna gasped.

family will utilize its ancient power to select 25 finalists from thousands of applicants. The process is expected to take a half hour. You can watch

watching alright,”

watching, myself. Nicholas

I wanted to watch other women vie for his affections. The thought

sleep,” I said, pushing weary body up off

d-don’t!” I cried, voice breaking in a

where are you? Save me. Please! Save

voice in my ear.

No!

I shouted, springing upright in bed. Sweat clung to my

I was alive. I was

recognized my