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.

to our bedroom and helped her settle down for a nap. When Elva was resting soundly, I left her in the care of Charlotte and the nanny

hallway, I rushed toward Susie's room. The door was closed. That was not all that unusual.

desk. I quickly glanced, but he was the only one in the

still hadn't returned from her trip, but that couldn't be. I had been told

Mark looked at me, I could see the worry

been about to ask him. I shook my head.

the desk again. Sitting atop it were the paper and pens

before she

didn't

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

fine," I said, to

be in it. His gaze

to the dining room for lunch. The room felt empty without Susie, but I kept

Bridget was saying loudly. "With a scandal like that, of course they want to keep the entire family at home. What sort of shame she

so quickly, I nearly toppled

"Who?" I asked.

looked at me, surprised. As did everyone else at the table. After everything that happened, I'd seemed to make it my personal job not to talk to Bridget. I ignored her

She didn't push me into conversation. She'd been keeping just as

the rest. "Susie, of course. Didn't you hear?

didn't have time for that. I looked to

is having a child out of

believes its Susie, Olivia said, side-eying Bridget. "She's far too

always the quiet

else seemed to

shook her head. "It's disgraceful to talk

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

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