THE LUNA CHOOSING GAME - Season 5 Episode 60

I tried to smile as well, at least when the cameras were facing me. Constantly being filmed was beginning to be exhausting.

“I recently announced the results of the theater event,” Nathan said. “Well, today, I am excited to announce the rewards.”

Suddenly, everyone perked up, like our coffee had all kicked in at once. Rewards hadn’t been discussed beforehand, so this was all new to us. What would it be this time? Another private date with a prince?

“I’m happy to announce that the top ranking candidates, one for each prince – ”

Sighs sounded throughout the room.

Nathan continued, unperturbed. “–will accompany Nicholas and Julian on a special trip to the royal family’s private island along our southern coast.”

Jessica spoke up in the silence. “Prince Joyce will not be there?”

Nathan, nervide-eyeing the cameras, cleared his throat. He knew then, as well as I did, that Joyce was locked down in the dungeons for being a brainwashed traitor. Veronica had been working with Joyce, but unlike with teleportation, I don’t think she had made any progress yet.

“Unfortunately, Prince Joyce is still under the weather,” Nathan said.

Jessica frowned, but didn’t press further. We all knew better than to question the King’s Beta in front of the cameras.

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Nathan consulted the paper he held. “Now. As this trip is only extended to the top candidate for each prince, only three individuals will be invited.”

This was a lavish reward. Glancing at Bridget, I wondered if the royal family had designed it exclusively to impress her. Or to get her and Nicholas alone in a romantic place, so as to help develop their bond. The other two candidates were likely an after–thought.

Misery bubbled up inside of me. I was not high on the rankings. I had no shot of going on this trip. Instead, I’d have to stay here and drive myself wild thinking about all the romantic things Nicholas could be up to without me.

Poor Julian would have to go, though. He’d have to endure every terrible moment. I tried to think about the rankings, wondering which of us three would join him. Tiffany and I scored

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poorly in the event. That meant that –

“Congratulations to Bridget, Veronica, and Jessica,” Nathan announced, and then hammed for the cameras.

Jessica lowered her head. To herself, she muttered, “What am I supposed to do there

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without Prince Joyce?”

“Enjoy yourself,” I said to her. A free vacation to the beach? “Get a tan, swim in the ocean, have boat drinks with the umbrellas.”

My words seemed to lift her and she laughed. “Maybe a curly straw?” she asked.

“And fruit slices hanging on the glass,” I added.

Bridget watched our exchange. She laughed. At first, I thought it was in union with Jessica and me, but then she began to talk. “It must be hard staying behind, Piper. Why don’t you help me pack my bags tonight? That might help lift your spirits.” 1

I had no idea in what universe helping someone else pack their bags for a trip would make me feel better about not going on it, especially when that person was Bridget, who was actively in a relationship with the man I cared for more than any other.

That sounded more in line with my worst nightmare.

“She can’t help you tonight,” Veronica said, suddenly appearing beside me. Her cool gaze sliced into Bridget. “She has other plans.”

Bridget shrugged and walked away.

I looked at Veronica. “I do?”

“Trust me,” she said.

I did. But I didn’t understand what she meant…

Until later that evening, when I opened my door after a knock to find Veronica and Julian chatting lightly with the guards.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

Julian turned his smile on me. “Come on vacation with us.”