The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0399

I stayed in my room from then out as much as I was able. Staying near Elva helped me keep in mind my promise to her. I would not abandon her again. And so long as I was in my room, I was safe from running into Nicholas and Bridget and seeing whatever was going on between the two of them unfold.

Elva seemed happy to have me near, and we played a lot, including the game I had promised where we sat in the window and counted the different kinds of birds we could see down in the gardens.

While Elva was awake and active, we had a great time. Even when her tutors arrived and she learned, I sat quietly and listened, proud of how smart my little girl was.

But times where Elva was entertaining herself, or like now, was lying down to rest, my thoughts began to fester and my jealousy burned so brightly it was difficult to control.

Charlotte noticed my unhappiness. She was always around, and as one of the servants, there was no hiding any gossip from her.

She tried to stay tight–lipped around me for a time, and I appreciated her for it. But eventually, I cracked.

“What is everyone saying?” I asked.

She knew right away what I meant. “About Bridget and Nicholas?”

I nodded.

“The people think they would be a good match. They’ve totally enthralled the nation. There isn’t so much news about… that unpleasantness as before,” Charlotte said.

“The protests?”

“Still ongoing, but not quite as boisterous as before. If this was the royal family’s plan, it seems to be working.”

I could be grateful for that.

“What about the staff?” I asked. “What do they think about Bridget?”

“They’re star–struck,” said Charlotte. “Who can blame them? You think we’d all be used to seeing celebrities working here. But a movie star? That’s on an entirely different level somehow. And she has been so kind to all of us.”

15 BONUS

that too. Someone who acted

question was the hardest to ask. “Do you know anything about their

then,” she said.

know, but… if

do like to gossip,” Charlotte admitted, after a moment. She worried her bottom lip like she was

said. “I know it will hurt me, but… I have to hear it Charlotte. I’d rather hear it from you than learn it on television or through one of the other

“Very well.”

arranged in the center of the room. I quickly glanced behind me,

that, I gave Charlotte my full focus.

just bits and pieces,” Charlotte said. “But apparently Bridget and Prince Nicholas were practically inseparable as they grew up. They were constantly

her throat. She was holding something

“Charlotte?”

told the cook that she was going to marry Prince Nicholas someday. It charmed the

was totally heartbroken. He wouldn’t leave his room. for large chunks of time. Many times, I heard he flew to see her, or she came to

them. Visits grew farther apart. Phone calls were fewer. Eventually they

+16 BONUS

that’s about when Nicholas left

he

quietly, letting Charlotte’s words sink down into my brain. I let myself process them, turning them over and over again.

way, trying to find the ways that would

if Bridget had been

changed when he went to the Academy, when he met me, then who was I but a rebound? All those months we were together. All those whispered promises

far too much. He had

was just that his love for Bridget was much stronger.

anything, I was Bridget’s replacement.

me,” I