The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0619

On the ride back, my thoughts were buzzing. Everything I leamed this trip, combined with the things Susie told me before I left, mixed with my own wants and desires, filled my heart with hopes and worries both.

I needed time to sit with these thoughts, sort through them all, and determine what I should do with them. I was leaning toward action. Towards turning down the King's request and standing up for myself, and for the kingdom that deserved a better queen than Bridget.

But to be so bold was a struggle. If I was wrong, it could cost many lives. If the King was wrong, lives would still be forfeit.

It remained a difficult choice. I wished I could speak to Nicholas about it, but I didn't dare with Elva sitting on the other side of him in the car.

Besides, I wasn't sure where I would begin. Nicholas was even more entangled in this decision than I was. While I was certain he didn't want to be married to Bridget, I didn't want to assume that he would rather be tied down to me.

Ug! I didn't know! It was all so confusing.

Regardless of my choice, I didn't want to tell him until I was sure of it. I absolutely did not want to make life more difficult for him.

Nicholas sneaked me a sideways glance as we journeyed in the car.

Catching my eye, he lifted a brow, as if asking me, You alright?

I nodded.

He didn't seem to believe me. He reached his hand toward mine and laced our fingers together.

The action gave me comfort and I closed my eyes.

I cared so deeply for Nicholas. I wanted to make the correct choice.

The person I needed to talk to most, to bounce my thoughts around with, was Susie. I needed my best friend.

Elva to our bedroom and helped her settle down for a nap.

was closed. That was not all that unusual. I

desk. I quickly glanced, but he was the

was almost as if she still hadn't returned from her trip, but that couldn't be.

I could see the worry in

he asked me, which was just what I had been about to

atop it were the paper and pens Susie used to write her letters. She also kept a diary.

haven't heard from her since before she left

didn't

early in Susie's pregnancy for her to show. Her family shouldn't have any idea she was pregnant. They shouldn't have any

sure she's fine," I said, to lift

to be in it. His gaze stayed lowered on

dining room for lunch. The room felt empty without Susie, but I kept our usual seating regardless. I sat across from Veronica and Tiffany, with Jessica nearby. Lilliana,

to keep the entire family

so quickly, I nearly toppled my

"Who?" I asked.

happened, I'd seemed to make it my personal job not to talk to Bridget. I

seemed to understand the need for distance. She didn't push me into conversation. She'd been keeping just as much

talented actress, Bridget recovered from her surprise quicker than the rest. "Susie, of course. Didn't

build up suspense. I didn't have time for that. I

Susie's family is having a child

Susie, Olivia

quiet

seemed to

"It's disgraceful to talk

family won't let her come back because of the scandal. They think Susie even being here would only

her family by continuing to be here. Surely someone would ask questions, and the poor, quiet girl wouldn't know how to