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 talk to Susie. I went with Elva 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

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

stood inside, near the desk. I quickly glanced, but

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

looked at me, I could

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

down to the desk again. Sitting atop it were the paper and pens Susie used to write her letters. She also kept a

before she left

that didn't bode

Her family shouldn't have any idea she was pregnant. They shouldn't have any

said, to lift both

agreed, though his heart didn't seem to be

empty without Susie, but I kept our usual seating regardless. I sat across from Veronica and Tiffany, with Jessica nearby. Lilliana, Olivia, and Bridget

the entire family at home. What sort of shame she would face coming back here, even if she isn't the one who's

quickly, I nearly toppled

"Who?" I asked.

that happened, I'd seemed to make it my personal job not to talk to

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

Bridget recovered from her surprise quicker than the rest. "Susie, of course. Didn't you hear? it's a huge

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

Susie's family is having a child out

Susie, Olivia said,

the quiet ones," Bridget

seemed

disgraceful to talk about such

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

said. "She would bring attention to her family by continuing to be here. Surely someone would