THE LUNA CHOOSING GAME - Season 7 Episode 6

*The King and Queen decided that, in a matter of fairness for those that did not have a chance to attend the island getaway, one more event will be held before the next elimination ceremony. This will ensure that all candidates will have a chance to showcase their merits before we must send more candidates home.”

My stomach twisted uncomfortably. I wasn’t afraid of another event. It was everything after that had me concerned.

*This event will actually be a homecoming of sorts,” Nathan continued. “We will send you each back to your homes with a camera crew to follow you. This will give an insight to our people on the day-to-day of your usual lives.”

Dread crept over me. I had some excitement, mostly to see Anna again, but they were secondary. My life before wasn’t exactly glamorous.

Sure, the populace had some idea of me coming from nothing, but would the reality of how little I had help me in their eyes or hurt me? An idea could be romanticized. The truth was much harder. I wasn’t certain I wouldn’t be harshly judged.

Especially when compared, as I’m sure I would be, to Bridget. She was a movie star, with undoubtedly a sparkling, enviable lifestyle – or at least, I was certain that was how it would be portrayed. I couldn’t blame the public’s curiosity, either. I too kind of wanted to know more about the life celebrities led.

Compared to the bright-light spotlight and mega-million dollar mansion Bridget lived in, my apartment would look like absolute squalor.

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I didn’t want to be paranoid, but this felt intentional. With everything else going on, it didn’t seem so farfetched to believe the King and Queen would purposefully arrange an event to cast Bridget in the best light, while showing me in the worst.

I wasn’t ashamed of my past, exactly. But compared to everyone else’s… I knew mine wouldn’t be judged so favorably.

Beside me, Susie curled her fingers nervously together. She frowned, but lowered her face low as if in an attempt to hide it.

“Are you okay?” I whispered to her.

She gave me a worried look. “If my parents find out that I’m…” She didn’t say ‘pregnant’, but I knew that was what she meant. “It could ruin everything for me.”

*You aren’t..” I pitched my voice lower. “Showing yet. It should be fine.”

We both knew at some point, she would be unable to hide it, and the truth would come out. I couldn’t disparage her for wanting to keep the secret as long as she could, however.

At the end of the meeting, Nicholas appeared at the back of the room. He rushed closer to me and then motioned for me to join him for a private conversation at the side of the room.

He looked worried, so I hurried to join him.

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What could possibly be so urgent?

“Piper, I -”

*Excuse me, Your Highness. Miss Piper.” A servant, decorated in the colors of the King’s personal attendants, interrupted us. He bowed low in apology, but it was clear that whatever message he brought was important. Important enough even to interrupt a prince.

“Forgive me,” he continued, “but the King requests an audience with Miss Piper immediately.”

I looked at Nicholas. He had closed his mouth into a hard-pressed line.

Had he been about to warn me of this meeting?

What could the King possibly want to speak with me about? I couldn’t imagine he wanted to apologize for the way I’d been treated.

“I’m coming as well,” Nicholas said.

The servant straightened. “Forgive me, Your Highness, but the King said -”

“I will face the wrath of the King myself. You will not be blamed,” Nicholas said. “But I will eat hot coals before I let Piper face him alone.”

The servant reluctantly nodded.

My stomach curled into knots.