The Luna Choosing Game



We sneaked out of Charlotte's room much in the same way we arrived it. Once we were back in the safety of the main building, Nicholas turns to Julian and I and said, "I'm going to contact the King immediately."

Julian snorted. "And say what?"

Nicholas was already frowning, but he frowned even deeper now, glaring at Julian. "I'll get them to tell me what's really going on."

*They'll just lie to you," Julian said.

"They'll try. But I'll be able to see through them."

"You think. You've bought their bullshit before." Julian smirked at Nicholas, though his eyes were no less hard than Nicholas's. They look hard at each other like they are in some kind of staring contest.

I hated to admit it, and I wasn't going to say it, but I thought Julian might be right in this case. Even with Nicholas's typically effective brand of persuasion, I doubted his parents would ever come clean about what they were doing to me - especially when they knew he cared about me so much.

Plus, the King and Queen hadn't exactly been pleased with Nicholas as of late. He was lectured for hours that morning after he saved me from the pit. Even if this didn't involve me, I was willing to bet he would still be on the outs with them.

*Asking them directly is the only possible option for us," Nicholas said. "They are the only ones who know the full extent of what is happening."

"That's not true," Julian said. "It would just be a waste of time."

They continued to argue, though their voices stopped abruptly as we were suddenly approached by Bridget. *Good morning," she said, glancing at each of us.

Julian stared back blankly. I dipped my head, looking away. Nicholas, ever cordial, replied with a curt, "Morning,"

The air between us instantly became awkward. Julian picked up on it right away, glancing from Nicholas to me to Bridget and back again.NôvelDrama.Org copyrighted © content.

Bridget smiled brightly, looking directly at Nicholas. She seemed expectant, like she was waiting for him to say something. Nicholas kept his mouth tightly closed.

Nicholas and I hadn't really had a chance to talk about what happened yet. I was still trying to get my thoughts in order about everything. I knew we would have had to face Bridget eventually, but I really hoped I would have had more time.

There never seemed to be enough to time to just think about things. Something was always happening.

"Nicholas," Bridget said. She must have gotten tired of waiting, though her bright smile hid away any annoyance." Can I speak with you privately for a moment?"

A muscle ticked right near Nicholas's jaw. He didn't say anything for another moment, before he finally elicited a barely there, "Fine."

"Great," Bridget said with enough enthusiasm for them both.

Nicholas glanced at me, but then stepped forward. Bridget turned and they walked together down the hallway toward the deck.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Julian turned toward me. "What was that about?"

I typically admired Julian for his astuteness. Right now, I found it very annoying.

I didn't want to talk about it.

But Julian was also patient so he waited me out. And, I still realized, maybe it would be nice to actually talk to someone. Julian often confided his troubles in me. Here he was, offering to hear mine. I'd be a right fool not to take him up on it.

I dipped my head, motioning toward the living area with its wicker furniture. For whatever the reason, that area always seemed to be mostly empty. It seemed like a good place to talk.

We walked there together. When we sat, I realized exactly why these seats were usually empty. Yeah, this couch looked beautiful, but it was the hardest, most uncomfortable couch I had ever tried to sit upon.