The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0402

Much later, after Nicholas and I had gone our separate ways for the day, I received notice from a servant that the candidates were required to go to the foyer for announcements from Nathan. I was already a bit late, having been so thoroughly lost all morning, so I hurried to join the others.

I was the last one to arrive in the foyer. Though from what I could tell as the stage was still empty, Nathan had yet to arrive. He came in only a handful of seconds after I joined Veronica, Tiffany, and Susie at the base of the stage. Beside us Lilliana and Olivia were speaking quietly. The others were scattered around.

All except Bridget were accounted for. I discovered why when

e walked in with Nathan. She had her arm laced through his like he was escorting her. He laughed at something she said, and she grinned, pleased.

So much for no favoritism. Although, I guessed that was never a hard rule.

Nathan leads Bridget to the base center of the stage, then dipped his head as he backed away. He rounded toward the stairs then stood in front of all of us. He picked up the microphone and clicked it on.

“Hi, everyone,” Bridget said, looking around. She was met with mostly frowns or mere grunts of acknowledgement.

“Hello,” Susie said, because she was nice.

“Hi,” I said, because I was trying to be kind like Susie. Inside, I was viciously wondering if she had run into Nicholas and found my scent on him instead of hers. I hoped she did.

“Welcome everyone. Thank you for joining us here.” He smiled down at Bridget. “And welcome once more to Bridget. It’s great to see you here. I’m sure we can all agree.”

No one agreed.

Still Bridget kept her bright smile. “Thank you, Nathan.” She placed a hand to her heart. “Truly.”

“It does seem strange,” Olivia said loudly, claiming everyone’s attention, even Nathan’s. “Bridget’s sudden appearance, I mean. Weren’t all the candidates supposed to be pulled from the choosing ceremony?”

Bridget continued to smile. “What a darling question, Olivia. I’m sure you have an answer that would satisfy her, don’t you, Nathan?”

+15 BÔNUS

do,” Nathan said. “A private choosing ceremony was held with only the King, Queen, and myself present. After the… results of the last elimination, our numbers were left off–balance. The King and Queen thought it best to even the numbers again. And the

but I doubted she believed such an obvious

choosing ceremony to select Bridget, Nicholas’s previous entanglement, from a list of every single woman in the kingdom felt like a longshot at best, pure deception

of the King’s Beta, and likely the

hope we can all get along,” Bridget said.

Nathan asked, looking squarely

than anyone when to back down. “No, sir. I

like to announce the next event. All candidates will work together to put on a performance of a famous local stage play for the enjoyment of the royal family.

Bridget gasped in delight. She clapped her hands together. Looking around, she said, “I promise to

Tiffany muttered under her breath. “I

may win the most points but she can’t

with dimples, I wasn’t so sure. If anyone could sweep an

Susie whispered. She worried her hands together. There was fear in her eyes. With her social anxiety, she was

hand could be talented too. Or perhaps

it was nervous

+15 BONUS

Lilliana wore a small smile

always seemed to have a cool expression that would weather any drama. But this was something else. When

rival before, and now there was one here, right in front of her. One even her haughty ego couldn’t deny was a threat.

at Bridget, Bridget was smiling back at

all,” Nathan said. “Thank you for your time.”

to file out. Tiffany was grumbling to Veronica. Susie had her arms wrapped around herself. Olivia walked with

Bridget approached me. Her smile

plotting