The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0402

Much later, after Nicholas and I had gone our separate ways for the day, I received notice from a servant that the candidates were required to go to the foyer for announcements from Nathan. I was already a bit late, having been so thoroughly lost all morning, so I hurried to join the others.

I was the last one to arrive in the foyer. Though from what I could tell as the stage was still empty, Nathan had yet to arrive. He came in only a handful of seconds after I joined Veronica, Tiffany, and Susie at the base of the stage. Beside us Lilliana and Olivia were speaking quietly. The others were scattered around.

All except Bridget were accounted for. I discovered why when

e walked in with Nathan. She had her arm laced through his like he was escorting her. He laughed at something she said, and she grinned, pleased.

So much for no favoritism. Although, I guessed that was never a hard rule.

Nathan leads Bridget to the base center of the stage, then dipped his head as he backed away. He rounded toward the stairs then stood in front of all of us. He picked up the microphone and clicked it on.

“Hi, everyone,” Bridget said, looking around. She was met with mostly frowns or mere grunts of acknowledgement.

“Hello,” Susie said, because she was nice.

“Hi,” I said, because I was trying to be kind like Susie. Inside, I was viciously wondering if she had run into Nicholas and found my scent on him instead of hers. I hoped she did.

“Welcome everyone. Thank you for joining us here.” He smiled down at Bridget. “And welcome once more to Bridget. It’s great to see you here. I’m sure we can all agree.”

No one agreed.

Still Bridget kept her bright smile. “Thank you, Nathan.” She placed a hand to her heart. “Truly.”

“It does seem strange,” Olivia said loudly, claiming everyone’s attention, even Nathan’s. “Bridget’s sudden appearance, I mean. Weren’t all the candidates supposed to be pulled from the choosing ceremony?”

Bridget continued to smile. “What a darling question, Olivia. I’m sure you have an answer that would satisfy her, don’t you, Nathan?”

+15 BÔNUS

King, Queen, and myself present. After the… results of the last elimination, our numbers were left off–balance. The King and Queen

neutral, but I doubted she believed such an

single woman in the kingdom felt like a longshot

to go against the word of the King’s Beta, and likely the King and Queen themselves. That was flat out

hope we can all get along,” Bridget said.

questions?” Nathan asked, looking squarely at Olivia.

came. She knew better than anyone when to back down. “No,

a performance of a famous local stage play for the enjoyment of the royal family. This will showcase your acting

clapped her hands together. Looking around, she said,

Tiffany muttered under her breath. “I should just start

be fine,” Veronica whispered back. “She may win

If anyone could sweep an entire

stage,” Susie whispered. She worried her hands together. There was fear in her eyes. With her social anxiety, she was likely to lock up or have a panic attack or both. A terrible thing that I didn’t want

A stage hand could be talented too. Or perhaps she could help design the

it was nervous still. “Thank you.”

+15 BONUS

the others were reacting. Only Bridget seemed happy. Lilliana wore a small smile though. She’d

expression that gave me pause: With her upbringing, she always seemed to have a cool expression that would weather any drama. But

and now there was one here, right in front of her. One even her haughty ego couldn’t deny was a

at Bridget, Bridget was smiling back at

“Thank

was grumbling to Veronica. Susie had her arms wrapped around herself. Olivia walked with her head

Bridget approached me. Her smile and manner were friendly, but