The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story Novel
0ne 4three

Chapter 0143

He motioned for the Queen, who stepped forward. “Maintaining diplomatic relations is one of the most

essential rules for a Luna. Finding common ground with those often considered to be your enemies is a

vital piece of this diplomacy.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Nathan said.

The girls and I clapped politely.

“Now, we will announce the winners of this event. This pair has shown the best overall cooperation, as

well as individual talent in both cooking and presentation.”

“It’s not going to be me,” Susie said softly, worrying her hands together.

I whispered to her, “At least your partner knew how to cook.”

Susie smiled a little and it felt like a victory.

“The winners are.” Nathan paused for dramatic effect. “Olivia and Megan!”

Olivia gasped, then laughed in faux disbelief. She pulled Megan beside her into a sideways hug. They

both looked physically pained at the contact, though they hid it with tight, overly–friendly smiles.

The rest of us clapped, as directed by the producers.

When the appropriate amount of time for clapping was over, Nathan continued to speak.

“Come on up here, ladies, and be personally congratulated by the royal family.”

As Olivia and Megan made their way to the front, Nathan added, “This win will earn you each a personal date with the prince of your choice.”

The King, Queen, and princes congratulated the two girls in turn, while the rest of us were forced to

watch.

Nathan then approached them. “Now, girls. Which of our three princes has earned your favor.”

Both Megan and Olivia had the same answer, “Nicholas.”

Nicholas didn’t move, but something in his face seemed to age as he heard their responses.

Beside him, Julian laughed and laughed. Joyce looked bored.

Nathan quickly gave the microphone to Nicholas. “Surely you have something to say to the ladies?”

+15 BONUS

Nicholas cleared his throat. 7 gratuitously accept.” He handed the microphone back.

Nathan accepted it but looked confused a moment. Had he expected him to say more?

“Poor Nicholas,” Susie whispered. “He looks so worn out.”

I agreed

So much so, that I decided, when the crowds dispersed, to take Elva to see him, to hopefully cheer him

I waited around for a while, talking with Susie and helping her take her display apart. Her partner,

Jessica, was almost as shy as Susie was, but was friendly enough when we spoke.

“Jessica was hoping for a date with Joyce.” Susie said, which made Jessica blush as red as her hair.

1 feel bad,” she said. “No one seems interested in him.” Softer, she added, “But I think he’s the cutest in

the bunch.”

An uncommon take, but not an unwelcome one. I was sure Nicholas would be relieved to know at least

one person here wasn’t pining over him. Julian, I was just as sure, would have found it all very funny.

With the display taken down, I excused myself from the girls. Taking Elva’s hand, I went in search of Nicholas. He wasn’t out in the main gardens, so we entered the house.

I hoped he hadn’t disappeared into the royal family’s rooms or some other prohibited location.

Fortunately, I quickly found him near the entrance to the ballroom.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t alone.

He had his arms around Lilliana’s waist, and her arms were around his n*eck.

They held each other in a gentle hug.

My lungs suddenly felt too big for my chest and I struggled for breath. Yet I could not turn away.

What had Julian called it? Watching a train wreck?

I shouldn’t have been bothered near so much, yet I was.

Maybe Julian had been right, after all.

What I felt now was undeniably jealousy. And I hated it.