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.

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

child playing in a room like this, but

are very strict and private, Nicholas said. "They are some of the more traditional in

the prince..." I

us from here. I can guarantee, when they arrive, the first sentence out of

I was skeptical.

parents came through 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

"We thank you for your visit, but you must grant us a favor by returning at a

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

decisive voice

like to see my

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

"Though I am confused as

mother said. "It's a very personal

not sure I do," Nicholas

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

weren't going to give us any answers, were they? And they certainly seemed like they weren't going to let us

couldn't live with

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

are another candidate from the competition," the

"That's right."

the mother said. She looked at the

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

said, coming 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

last moment. I wouldn't complain about getting to see my friend, especially after we were sure it

very happy to,"

toward the doorway, where the butler was waiting. "Our servant

ma'am," I