The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0621

That evening, after dinner, I met Nicholas and Mark near the front door of the palace. Then, we walked to the waiting car and a driver took us to Susie's family estate.

As pulled through the gate, I was amazed by the sheer size of the building. It wasn't the size of the palace, but the palace was the palace. A single family home had no need to be this giant. What could they possibly do with so many rooms? Did they always have people over?

The driver pulled around the front driveway, straight up to the double door entrance. We exited the car and go to the door. Nicholas stood up front, with Mark slightly behind him to his left. I was slightly behind to his right.

Nicholas leaned forward and pressed the doorbell.

A moment passed. Then two. Nicholas cleared his throat. Mark and I glanced at each other.

Then, in a rush, the door pulled open, revealing a very nervous-looking butler.

*Prince Nicholas! Forgive my lateness. How may we assist you?" the butler asked, bowing low.

"I'm here to speak with the master and mistress of this household," Nicholas said formally.

"At once," the butler said. He ushered us inside and then led us to a sitting room with bookcases built into the walls. "I beg your pardon. As you have arrived unannounced, my master and mistress need to time get ready. I will ask them to make haste. If you will excuse me."

He bowed again, repeatedly, as he backed out of the room.

When he was gone, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. "We've made it this far," I said.

*This was the easy part," Nicholas said.

Mark began to pace.

I noticed, throughout the room, several antiques. In fact, most of the room seemed to be filled with antiques: furniture, vases, even the books on the shelves seemed old yet untouched.

but totally spotless and sterile. It didn't look

Susie grow up here?" I asked. I tried to imagine a child playing

more traditional in the nobility. They will not like that we are here, sticking our noses

are the

stonewall us from here. I can guarantee, when they arrive, the first sentence out of their mouth will be an attempt to get me

I was skeptical.

were tight and severe. I struggled to see Susie when I looked at them. She was so soft and kind. They were

they said and bowed in unison. "We thank you for your visit, but you must grant us a favor by returning at a

Nicholas was right. They really didn't waste time in showing him

voice that indicated that line

I'd like to see my friend Susie

spoke first, "I'm afraid that won't be possible. Maybe you haven't heard? Susie will be dropping from the competition. She needs to mind herself here at our

heard," Nicholas said, "Though I am confused as

cannot say, Sir," the mother said. "It's a very personal matter.

I

King, of course," the father

stood up a little straighter. They really weren't going to give us any answers, were they? And they certainly

I couldn't live with

pushed forward. "Forgive our intrusion," I said. The couple blinked at me in surprise. "But it is vitally important we speak to Susie. We are her friends and just worried for her health. It's unlike her to disappear like she has. I won't be able to rest until I'm

another candidate from the competition," the mother

"That's right."

her letters," the mother

tighter still. He sighed

me. "Perhaps... it wouldn't be so terrible for you, and you alone, to speak with Susie. She might... do well to see

back at the last moment. I wouldn't complain about getting to see

be very happy to,"

butler was waiting. "Our servant will show you the

you, ma'am," I