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.

the hallway, I rushed toward Susie's room. The door was closed. That was not all that unusual. I knocked on the door

I quickly glanced,

gone. It was almost as if she still hadn't returned from her

at me, I could see

which was just what I had been about to ask him. I shook my head. "I take it, you haven't

atop it were the paper and pens Susie used to

haven't heard from her since before she

that didn't bode

her to show. Her family

fine," I said, to lift

his heart didn't seem to be in it. His gaze stayed lowered on

lunchtime, and together, we went down to the 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.

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

I

"Who?" I asked.

to make it my personal job not

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

her surprise quicker than the rest. "Susie, of course. Didn't you hear? it's a huge scandal. It's all

suspense. I didn't have time

in Susie's family is having a child out

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

the quiet

else seemed to

head. "It's disgraceful to talk

family won't let her come back because of the scandal. They think Susie even being here would only bring

continuing to be here. Surely someone would ask questions, and the poor, quiet girl wouldn't know how to answer

door and saw Mark storming past. Had he overheard? I'd never seen him as angry as I had in that flash of his