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.

Tonight, your three princes will each select three ladies of their choice to stay through the elimination. This will bring our count down from

survive? We’re about to find out.”

zoomed in on each of the princes. Joyce

to explain the rules. The princes would submit their three names and then one by one, the chosen candidates would be called until all 9

and handed them in to waiting servants.

sooner, one of the producers started yelling at the

other.

8

drama, man. This is going to make for great TV.”

are they talking about?” Susie whispered to me.

back. Only 8 names? Could that mean only 8 girls were going to be picked?

Didn’t

producers spoke with Nathan, he immediately seemed

King,” he started to say, but the producers were insistent.

time. We’re coming back from commercial in 3… 2… 1…” They pointed

but he 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 say the name

cleared his throat. I held my

“Lilliana.”

”

wasn’t surprised, but I still

walked

nodded, and she moved to stand behind

said. “Prince Julian,

it. This was the moment. If Julian didn’t save

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

at me for reaction. The cameras zoomed in close to my face.

a smile on my face but it wasn’t genuine. Inside, my heart was breaking. How much time would they give me

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

and Joyce picked girls who clapped in excitement and hurried forward when they

the final round, Susie and I looked at each other. We

were numbered here, and soon we’d

quickly to whisper

like to change things up and start with Joyce,” Nathan

on camera.

at us remaining girls. Then his gaze

“Susie.”

me. I smiled and nodded,

on, then,” I said. I was so happy for her, even as my heart was breaking for myself. Joyce had saved her for

weaving through the remaining girls. When