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

of the last elimination, our numbers

doubted she believed

a list of every single woman in the kingdom felt like a longshot at best,

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

do so hope we can all get along,” Bridget

any more questions?” Nathan asked, looking squarely

came. She knew better than anyone when to back down. “No, sir. I thank you

of a famous local stage play for the enjoyment of the royal family. This will showcase your acting abilities. The Luna is a very talented

gasped in delight. She clapped her hands together. Looking around, she said, “I promise to give you all pointers.”

her breath. “I should just start

Veronica whispered back. “She may win the

wasn’t so sure. If anyone could sweep an entire event,

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 to see happen to her.

need stage hands,” I suggested. A stage hand could be talented too. Or perhaps she

nodded but it was nervous still. “Thank you.”

+15 BONUS

looked across the room to see how the others were reacting. Only Bridget seemed happy. Lilliana wore a

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

a rival before, and now there was one here, right in

Bridget, Bridget was smiling

Nathan said. “Thank

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

was about to follow them, Bridget approached me. Her smile and manner were