The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0183

I continued to hold Susie’s hand as we were led into the staged area for the ceremony. The 14 of us that

were left were lined up into three rows.

Camera crews were setting up in front of us. On the other side, three small stages were arranged side by side, each with their own set of stairs. A throne was arranged at the far end of the room for the King and

Queen.

Sometime after we arrived, the royal family came in together. I tried to catch Julian’s eye, but he wouldn’t look at me. He didn’t look at any of the candidates. His typical bored façade was in place.

I worried about him for a moment. Just what had the King wanted to talk to him about?

But then I saw Nicholas and all other thoughts flew straight out of my head. I hadn’t seen him since our

kiss in the hallway outside Julian’s door, when I’d lost myself and wanted to be ravaged.

He wasn’t looking at me either, but this one, I understood. I only hoped he didn’t regret it. Our

relationship was… complicated. Impossible, probably. But the way he held me in that moment… I wouldn’t

trade it away.

The King and Queen moved to their thrones. The producers then directed the princes up onto the

stages. Each had their own.

Nathan stood in front of us and explained, “If your name is called, move up the stairs of the stage

belonging to the prince who selected you. You will be expected to thank them personally.”

The girls all nodded. I did too.

When the cameras were set up, the producers nodded to Nathan. We waited a few minutes until the

clock hit 7pm, then the camera lights turned red.

My heart was in my throat.

The elimination ceremony was about to begin.

Nathan turned on his 1000–watt smile and faced the cameras, his microphone in hand.

select three ladies of their choice to stay through the

We’re about to find

in

rules. The princes would submit their three

given scraps of paper and a pen. They each wrote their selections and handed them in to waiting servants. The servants then brought the names

and no sooner, one of

other.

only 8 names!”

first. “Think of the drama, man. This is going to make for

talking about?” Susie whispered to me.

that mean only 8 girls were going to be

be? Didn’t it break the

producers spoke with Nathan,

should speak with the King,” he started to say, but

coming back from commercial in 3… 2… 1…” They

pressed on regardless. “W–welcome back! We will now begin with the ceremony! Each prince will read the names of their selections, one at a time. Prince Nicholas, we will begin with you. If you could please

I held

“Lilliana.”

”

a long, low exhale. I wasn’t surprised, but I still wanted it to be me.

any outward reaction. She crossed the floor, walked up the stairs

she moved to stand behind him.

nice,” Nathan said. “Prince Julian, you are

was the moment. If Julian didn’t save me here, no

opened his mouth with a smile, but it wasn’t my name that came out

for reaction. The cameras zoomed in close to my

How much time would they give me to pack my bags? Would Elva have time to say goodbye

off into the night like we’d never been here at all?

second round, Nicholas picked Olivia. Julian and Joyce picked girls who clapped in excitement and hurried forward when they

round, Susie and I looked at each other. We said goodbye with

knew our moments were numbered here, and soon we’d

producers pulled Nathan aside quickly

like to change things up and

on camera.

us remaining girls. Then his gaze fell

“Susie.”

at me. I smiled and nodded, urging her

even as my heart was breaking for myself. Joyce had saved her for another few weeks, and in

forward, weaving through the remaining girls. When she finally reached