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.

full of beautiful things but totally spotless and sterile. It didn't look lived in. It didn't feel like a home

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

"They are some of the more traditional in the nobility. They will not

the prince..." I

his head lightly. "My being a prince got us through the door. But they will attempt to stonewall us from here. I can guarantee, when they arrive, the first sentence out of their mouth will be an attempt

I was skeptical.

expressions were tight and severe. I struggled to see Susie when I looked

and bowed in unison. "We thank you for your visit, but you must grant us

lifted a brow in surprise. Nicholas was right. They really didn't waste time in showing him the

decisive voice that

I'd like to see my friend Susie while I

The couple looked at each other. The father spoke first, "I'm afraid that won't be possible. Maybe you haven't heard? Susie will be dropping from the competition. She needs

I am

cannot say, Sir," the mother said.

not sure I

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

going to give us any answers,

I couldn't live with

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

You are another candidate from the competition," the mother said.

"That's right."

talked about you in her letters," the mother said. She looked at the father again. "Her

went tighter still. He sighed as he

wouldn't be so terrible for you, and you alone, to speak with Susie. She

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

very happy to," I

waved toward the doorway, where the butler was

ma'am," I