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

to imagine a child playing in a room like

said. "They are some of the more traditional in the nobility. They will not like that we are here,

are the prince..."

to stonewall us from here. I can

I was skeptical.

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

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

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

Nicholas said with a firm, decisive voice that indicated that line of talking was

like to see my friend Susie while

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 to mind herself here at our estate

said, "Though I am confused as to

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

sure I do," Nicholas

cleared it with the King, of course," the father said. "Did

going to give us any answers, were they? And they

I couldn't live with

surprise. "But it is vitally important we speak to Susie. We are her friends and just worried

another candidate from the competition," the mother

"That's right."

the mother said. She

sighed as he frowned. "She did speak of

so terrible for you, and you alone, to speak with

bit it back at the last moment. I wouldn't complain about getting to see my friend, especially

very happy to,"

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

ma'am," I