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.

settle down for a nap. When Elva was resting soundly, I left her in the care of

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

near the desk. I quickly glanced,

from her trip, but that couldn't be. I had been told I was the

at me, I could see the worry in his

was just what I had been about to ask him. I shook my head. "I take it, you

dropped his gaze down to the desk again. Sitting atop it were the paper and pens Susie used to

heard from her since before she left

didn't bode

in Susie's pregnancy for her to show. Her family shouldn't have any

fine," I said, to lift both

to be in it. His gaze stayed lowered

felt empty without Susie, but I kept our usual seating regardless. I sat across from Veronica

saying loudly. "With a scandal like that, of course they want to keep the entire family at home.

so quickly, I

"Who?" I asked.

everything that happened, I'd seemed to make it my personal job

push me into conversation.

surprise quicker than the rest. "Susie, of course. Didn't you hear? it's a huge scandal. It's all

obtuse to build up suspense. I didn't have time for that. I looked to Veronica for explanation. It was

having a child

Susie, Olivia

quiet

else seemed

shook her head. "It's disgraceful to talk about such

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

attention to her family by continuing to be here. Surely someone