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.

beautiful things but totally spotless and sterile. It didn't look lived in.

grow up here?" I asked. I tried to imagine a child playing in a room like this, but I

the more traditional in the

you are the prince..."

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

I was skeptical.

the door. They were dressed as expensive and stuffy as all the things in this room. Their expressions were tight and severe. I struggled to see Susie when I looked at them. She was so soft and kind. They were all

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

right. They really didn't waste

with a firm, decisive voice that indicated that line

see my friend Susie

won't be possible. Maybe you haven't heard? Susie will be dropping from the competition. She needs to mind

heard," Nicholas said, "Though I am

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

sure I do,"

with the King, of course," the father said. "Did he not

answers, were they? And they

couldn't live

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 sure

candidate from the competition,"

"That's right."

you in her letters," the mother said. She looked at the

face went tighter still. He sighed as he frowned. "She

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

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

would be very happy

the doorway, where the butler was waiting. "Our servant will show

ma'am," I