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.

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 nanny and left

closed. That

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

if she still hadn't returned from her trip, but that

at me, I could see the

been about to ask him. I shook my head. "I take it, you haven't

were the paper and pens Susie

since before

didn't

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

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

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

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,

entire

I nearly

"Who?" I asked.

everyone else at the table. After everything that happened, I'd seemed to make it

need for distance. She didn't push me into conversation. She'd been keeping just as much

of course. Didn't you hear? it's a huge scandal. It's all anyone

I didn't have time for that.

a child out of

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

quiet ones,"

seemed

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

think Susie even being here would only bring attention to them.

here. Surely someone would ask questions, and the