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.

with Elva to our bedroom and helped her settle down for a nap. When Elva was resting soundly, I

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

I quickly glanced, but he was the only one

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

could see the worry in

you heard from her?" he asked me, which was just what I had been about to ask him. I shook my head. "I take

dropped his gaze down to the desk again. Sitting atop it were the paper and pens Susie used to write her letters. She also kept a diary. That was missing

haven't heard from her since before she

that didn't bode

show. Her family shouldn't have any idea she was

she's fine," I said, to lift both our

seem to be in it. His gaze stayed lowered

to the 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, Olivia,

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

so quickly, I nearly toppled

"Who?" I asked.

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

understand the need for distance. She didn't push me into

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

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

having a child out of wedlock," Tiffany

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

quiet ones,"

one else seemed

to

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

Bridget said. "She would bring attention to her family by continuing to be here. Surely someone would ask questions, and the poor, quiet girl