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.

for a

Susie's room. The door was closed. That was not all that unusual. I knocked on the door

stood inside, near the desk. I quickly glanced, but he was the only

gone. It was almost as if she still hadn't returned from her trip, but that couldn't be. I had been told I was the last to

looked at me, I could see the worry in his

her?" he asked me, which was just what I had been about to ask

the desk again. Sitting atop it were the paper and pens Susie used to write her letters.

heard from her since before she

that didn't

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

I said,

Mark agreed, though his heart didn't seem to be in it. His gaze

from her nap around lunchtime, and together, we went down to the dining room for lunch. The room felt empty without Susie, but I kept our usual seating regardless. I sat

they want to keep the entire

quickly, I

"Who?" I asked.

seemed to make it my personal job not to talk to Bridget. I ignored her as much

She didn't push me into

of course. Didn't you

up suspense. I didn't have time for that. I looked to Veronica for explanation.

family is having a child

Olivia said, side-eying Bridget. "She's

quiet ones,"

else seemed to believe

to talk

of the scandal. They think Susie even being here would only bring attention to them. At least, that's

be here. Surely someone would ask