The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0368

Then, to me, Nicholas spoke again, “Look at me, Piper.”

I hesitated at first, but he didn’t move from his spot in front of me, like he was patiently waiting me out.

So, eventually, I chanced a glance upwards.

Nicholas captured my gaze with his own and held me captive. He held so much emotion in his eyes – blatant affection – it stole my breath away.

“You know who I’d rather be with,” he said.

He meant me.

And the words stole my breath away.

I’d rather be with him too. “Nicholas…”

“Find me,” he said, “before you make a move on Jane…” He sighed. “Or find Julian. Just don’t do anything on your own.

This felt like a pivotal moment, like he was barring his heart; and it was time for me to do the same. I wouldn’t disappoint him. I wanted him to know his

affections were reciprocated, in case there was any question about it.

“I’ll find you,” I said. It was a difficult thing to promise. No one knew when or how Jane would appear. It was likely that Nicholas would be in an entirely different part of the room. But no, I would still make an effort to get to him.

I would try, anyway. Because he wanted me to.

Slowly, he nodded. “Thank you.” But I could see with the flash of uncertainty in his eyes that he didn’t quite believe me.

“I’ll have my necklace,” I said, gesturing to where the full moon pendant rested just above my bosom.

Nicholas frowned deeper at it. “Yes, but…”

Beside us, Julian cleared his throat, making us both jump. This added a few more inches between us.

“If you are done stealing my girlfriend, Nicholas?” Julian said. “I think your fangirls got enough pictures of you two to satisfy them.”

We all glanced back at the overeager group of women who had inched closer to where they now stood. Many looked embarrassed at having finally been noticed.

Julian made a show of offering his arm to Piper. Piper quickly accepted, afraid any hesitation would come off poorly on the video.

Nicholas glowered, but I couldn’t point it out to him without making it seem like I was speaking to him privately again. So I just accepted that he would glare. The girl with glasses moved her fingers over the screen like she was zooming in.

Julian all but rushed me away from Nicholas, and the group of girls.

“You two all huddled and broody in the corner,” Julian said. He spoke with an upbeat cantor, but I knew I was being lectured. “Did you forget the purpose of tonight’s event?”

“To catch Jane…”

me onto the dance floor.

hip and the other clutching mine as he pulled me into step with the rest of the dancers.

All sunshine and happiness, to let all the good people at home know how great everything is,”

was a good actor.

movie star. He had the looks and the talent, not that I would admit either to him. He was smug enough as it

the theme of the night’s event

believed in putting art into practice,” Julian said as he spun me around. I felt light as a feather in his capable hands. “So maybe rather

Chapter 0369

among the candidates and guests, while the cameras swooped in and out to capture

fun we were having all to maintain our standing in the competition, of

Fake laughter sounded all around me, every contestant competing with each other for the royal family’s attention – as well as for the cameras.

me around the dance floor, I noticed Susie standing near the edge of it. Her smile was shaky. She seemed more nervous than happy, even

and motioned toward Susie. “I need to talk to her.”

me. “I’ll make the rounds.” He

back among the dancers, with a new partner now. He switched so

matter, though, so I hurried to Susie’s side instead. Relief covered

“Piper. Thank goodness.”

on?” I asked

together. “I can’t do this.”

she could dance. I’d seen her do the steps countless times

“Pretend,” she said.

angle, the scrunched up too–much smiling faces seemed extra unnerving. It looked like everyone had a clown mask on. Only Julian looked truly genuine, though he was the best actor.

wasn’t smiling at all, but a prince didn’t really need

meanwhile, was laughing so loudly, smile so big,

1/4

“I know we need to try to lift

sought out my opinion. Only, I didn’t know what answer to give

of message was it truly sending? Sorry you are experiencing such strife, at least all the rich elites are still fine? It

inappropriate.

could see how the royal family was desperate enough to try. If part of the public unease was distrust in the stability of the royal family,

met Susie’s gaze. Neither of us were political players or strategists. We were just two young women caught in a game created by

Julian’s words, before he pulled

instead of pretending,” I told Susie now, “We could try to have fun

eyes went wide, as if surprised. Did she think we

friends, aren’t we?” I

course,” she said.

start acting like it.”

around mine and pulled her with me toward the dance

are we doing?” she asked, though went along with

“Forget the stuffy moves and the practiced dances. Let me show you some of

pushing a shopping cart. “Then you reach,” I said, and lifted my arm up, as if pulling

as her smile grew bigger, more honest. “That

214

I said. “It’s so fun. You

dance. It was a bit strange, doing such an informal dance while listening to an orchestra, but a beat was a beat. Anything was