The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0598

During the rest of the flight, I was able to convince Nicholas that I did not need to be emergency lifted to the hospital. He didn't seem pleased at first, but we compromised with allowing the doctor to look me over once we were back at the palace. If she wanted more tests done, I would concede to her judgement.

After we land, we got into cars which drove us the rest of the way back to the palace.

"Mommy!" Elva said, tapping on the window. "Look, its Susie!"

Through the window, standing at the front of the house, stood Susie with Mark standing beside her. Tiffany was also there. Lilliana and Olivia had been with them, but were now walking away, reentering the house. Those two didn't seem as pleased to see us as the others.

When the car pulled to a stop, Nicholas squeezed my hand and then let me go. "I'll see to the bags," he said.

I gave him a soft smile and then jumped out of the car. Elva and I dashed across the driveway and we both pulled Susie into a hug.

We'd only been apart a few days, but with everything that happened, it felt like an eternity. I was so grateful to be near my friend again.

Susie eagerly returned the hug to both me and Elva. When she pulled back, she gave me a sad sort of smile.

"You've been through a lot," she said. "I wasn't allowed to watch the coverage of course, but Mark told me some."

Beside her, Mark gave me and Elva a bow. "It is a pleasure to have you both home. If you will excuse me, I must attend to my Alpha."

Home. What a kind way of welcoming us back. In many ways, returning to the palace did feel like returning home.

After Mark walked away, approaching Nicholas at the back of the car where he was unloading the suitcases, Susie leaned forward and said, "You must tell me everything."

I agreed, but side-eyed Elva for now. "Later," I said.

Susie nodded with understanding.

Tiffany approached us then, as did Veronica. With all of our friends reunited, I felt more at peace than I had since the start of the trip. I didn't begrudge Veronica and Julian for inviting me. They had no reason to think it would be anything other than a relaxing getaway and a chance to get closer to Nicholas.

How could they have known that Bridget would terrorize all of us?

*I notice Bridget isn't with you," Tiffany asked bluntly. "She did something, didn't see? We all know they chop the heck out of all the footage for television."

*Jessica," Susie said lightly. "She said she will tell us what happened later."

"I will explain to Jessica, if you'd like?" Veronica asked me.

I nodded. Though I liked Tiffany and considered her a friend, the version of events I would impart to her would be much different - more censored - than the full version I intended to give Susie. I was grateful for Veronica's intervention.

Veronica's lip twitched, an almost smile. She knew I was appreciative.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Just then, a soldier from the King's personal guard hurried forward toward where Nicholas, Mark, and Julian had gathered near the luggage.

The King's guard must have been standing in for Nathan. He looked haggard, even in his full regalia. Heavy bags hung under his eyes and even the feathers in his cap seemed wilted.

*The King is likely anxious to speak with his sons," Tiffany said. I imagined she was correct. Though we didn't

hear the King's guard's exact words, the message seemed clear when Nicholas and Julian both looked at each other. Nicholas straightened. Julian sighed.

Mark took over with the luggage, as the princes followed the King's guard toward the house.