The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

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.

Returning the palace, I couldn't wait 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 nanny and left the room.

door was closed. That was not all that unusual. I knocked on the

the desk. I quickly glanced,

of Susie's things were gone. It was almost as if she still hadn't returned from her trip, but that couldn't be. I had

me, I could see

asked me, which was just what I had been about to

desk again. Sitting atop it were the paper and

heard from her since before

didn't

couldn't give into panic. It was too early in Susie's pregnancy for her to show. Her family shouldn't have any idea she was pregnant. They shouldn't have any reason to keep her

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

to be in it.

for lunch. The room felt empty without Susie, but I kept our usual seating regardless. I

the entire family at home. What sort of shame she would face coming back here, even if she

quickly, I

"Who?" I asked.

seemed to make it my personal job not to talk to Bridget. I ignored her as much as

Bridget seemed to understand the need for distance. She didn't push me into conversation. She'd been keeping

"Susie, of course.

was purposefully being obtuse to build up suspense. I didn't have time for that. I looked to Veronica

a child out

Susie, Olivia said, side-eying Bridget.

always the quiet ones," Bridget

one else seemed to

to

of the scandal. They think Susie even being here would only bring attention to them. At

Bridget said. "She would bring attention to her family by continuing to be here. Surely someone would ask questions, and the

Had he overheard? I'd never seen him as angry as I had in that flash of his face walking in