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 nap. When Elva was resting soundly, I left her in the care of Charlotte and

The door was closed. That was

near the desk. I quickly glanced, but he was

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

looked at me, I could

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

Sitting atop it were the paper and pens Susie used to write her

before she left for home," Mark

didn't bode

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

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

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

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

keep the entire family at home. What sort of shame she would face coming back here,

sat so quickly, I

"Who?" I asked.

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

push me into conversation. She'd been keeping

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

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

is having a child out of

one actually believes its Susie, Olivia said,

always the quiet ones,"

one else seemed to

head. "It's disgraceful to talk about

let her come back because of the scandal. They think Susie even being here would only bring attention to

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