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!”

able

Julian?

been classmates of mine at the Royal Academy, but they had hated each

22 to apply,” the newscaster continued.

segment ended, and another story began.

one leg onto the cushion so that she could face me.

a single mother,

yours. How long are

“Elva isn’t a burden.”

that. What I’m trying to say is that you are holding yourself back. You shouldn’t be stuck here

important to me than anything in the whole world. I had no intention of leaving her behind so that I could blindly chase

deflected. “You don’t belong here

shrugged. “Come on, Piper. There’s no harm in applying. You should submit the form. I’ll look after Elva if you’re selected. Plus, you won’t have

selected, and that’s a big

deny the temptation. My time with Nicholas had been… special. To be offered the chance to see him again sent my

had

am, I would never leave Elva for

“If I were

could reply, the news displayed the

will be screened during the royal consort ceremony. We remind

“Wow,” Anna gasped.

select 25 finalists from thousands of applicants. The process is expected to take a half hour. You

be watching alright,” Anna

of watching, myself.

affections. The thought of seeing him fall in love in real

to get some sleep,” I said, pushing weary

d-don’t!” I cried, voice breaking

where are you? Save me. Please!

cruel voice in my ear. “You asked

No!

shouted, springing upright in bed. Sweat clung to my brow. My breaths came out

was alive. I

I recognized my