The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0435

That night, Nicholas and Julian joined the rest of the candidates and me in the dining room for dinner together. Elva was tired from the day’s events, so I returned her to our room where the nanny was waiting to keep an eye on her. Julian joined me at the door, to walk down to the dining room together.

When we entered, Bridget had taken her usual spot, with Nicholas on her one side. The other side was open, presumably for Julian. She spotted us as we came in, and tried to wave us or, well, Julian – over.

“She wants you to sit next to her,” I whispered to him.

“I need space from her tonight,” he replied.

Nodding, I led him away from Bridget and over to where my usual spot was beside Susie, and across from Tiffany and Veronica. Since Elva was absent, her seat was empty. Julian sat down in that seat now.

Bridget watched us from her spot at the table. Her ever–present smile seemed slightly dimmer than before.

“You should have been the lead, Prince Julian,” Tiffany said. “No offense to Prince Nicholas, but you are a true actor. It’s like you were born to be on stage.

The compliment seemed to puff Julian back up and he returned to life. His grin slid right back on his face very easily.

“Thank you, my dear,” he said.

“I like Bridget,” Tiffany continued, “But I’m not so convinced about her giving the perfect. roles to everyone. Piper, didn’t she try to make you a maid?”

I groaned, and everyone around me chuckled a little. Even Julian.

“God, I forgot about that,” he said.

Maybe he forgot. Or maybe he’d been so blindsided by love that he hadn’t noticed Bridget’s slights against me to start with.

Bottles of champagne came out then, and glasses were filled all around.

Nicholas, holding his glass, stood up. He held it up like he was going to make a toast.

Yet before he could speak, Bridget bounced to her feet and held up her own glass. “Nicholas

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been speaking tonight about how wonderful this event has been. Granted, I haven’t been around for the other events,

had me

eyes at me for a fraction of a second before

that this event will be a success. Yes, Nicholas and I will draw most of the attention, but we will shine because of your hard

her shoulder. “Is this supposed to be motivating?” she whispered.

gave her

didn’t notice this

She lifted her glass. “You should all pat yourselves on the back for your accomplishments here. To us!”

some of it into my glass under the

smiled at Nicholas. He gave a small smile in return, then

cleared his throat.

unimportant parts in this show. Your dedication to this event has been seen and appreciated. Thank you all very much.

us!” Everyone said, the words absent when Bridget had toasted. Her smile tightened at little,

toasts, we continued to drink and have a good time. Though, not too

a long day,” he said. “I want to turn

at him. “See

you tomorrow.”

on it.” He winked at me. Then he stood and left the room.

fun,” Tiffany said. “He

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absent from the library these

my head a little. “Does

least

cards in the afternoon most days,” Tiffany said. “I hope I didn’t offend him when I caught him counting. Though

for each of us so often. Though now, his fascination with Bridget felt even sadder. Whether he hung out with the three of us for romantic pursuits or for friendship, those relationships began to wilt the moment she returned

noticed he doesn’t smile as much,” Susie

stay until the champagne ran dry and people began to yawn. We truly had a long day and would likely have an even longer one the next day. The

stayed a

side, then, and offered his arm. “If you are ready to leave,” he said, “I would be

”

when I glanced to where Bridget had been sitting, her seat was empty. Did she slip out? When? I couldn’t remember. After the toasts, I’d had such a good time, I stopped paying her any mind.

I asked. I couldn’t

by my question. “I lost track of her,” he