The castle’s entrance walls are a deep shade of bloody red. Throughout the great hall, paintings and photographs of various games surround every which way.

Nia tries to walk in quietly as possible, not wanting to disrespect Chav and to make herself invisible to any other guests who may already be in their rooms. However, this is easier thought of than done, as her refusal for Chav to carry her luggage full of books and journals makes it harder for a woman with jetlag.

Still, she attempts to stay composed. I cannot let any weakness show. That’s how I get hurt by others. This won’t happen ever again.

Chav’s finger tapping on her shoulder brings Nia back from her ruminations.

“Sorry if I’m bothering you, but I want to make sure you know your direction around here.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it. Please lead the way, sir.”

The butler leads Nia to the left side of the castle.

“On this side, mademoiselle, we have the kitchen and dining room.” He says while showing her a rustic kitchen. An adjacent area with a rectangular table already set can be seen through a window by the stove.

“There are three chefs who cook breakfast at 8, lunch at noon, and dinner at 6, but you’re free to make anything in-between so long as they are not here. They’re very protective of their meals.

“The dining room is where all meals are eaten. You can eat small snacks in the bedrooms so long as they don’t make a mess.”

He then leads Nia past the kitchen towards a room with board games, a billiard table, and hundreds of playing card packs.

“This is where Monsieur Cash spends his leisure time and where you and the rest of the guests can relax.”

Mr. Cash hasn’t changed a bit. Nia smiles to herself.

“Also,” Chav continues, “This is where the clues shall be given?”

“Clues?”

“There will be more on that when the other guests arrive. Please follow me to the right wing.”

While doing so, Nia’s mind is still on what he said.

What is Chav talking about? Will there be a type of puzzle game we all have to participate in? Mr. Cash wouldn’t play a mean trick on us. Perhaps the butler is doing this? Is he working with Flip? I’m right to keep my bags away from him. Trusting anyone here is a mistake I won’t make. Be on your guard Nia.

Nia puts on a small smile to ward off any suspicion from the butler.

They enter an indoor garden with marble statues surrounding a beautiful goldfish pond. She peers in and sees the movement of shining gold specks.

“Lovely fish.” I always liked them. Maybe I could write a poem about them.

“This is what Monsieur calls “Petite Versailles, the goldfish in the pond are friendly, especially to those who give them food.”

I’ll definitely spoil them. They’re adorable.

The tour continues as they leave the garden and go down a small flight of steps entering a dance hall.

“This is where parties come to converse after dinner. Spare clothes of every size are available in the right-hand closet in case of spills or rips.”

I won’t be going in here. Too noisy.

“Finally, allow me to show you the bedrooms.”

Chav leads Nia up the staircase in the center of the hallway entrance and shows her to a door with a club symbol tied to the handle.

The room has a soft aroma like vanilla, Nia’s favorite. A small desk is seated by a window that faces the sea. The bed has a flowing canopy with plenty of pillows. Chav gives her a skeleton key with the markings on the bow that matches the handle.

“I shall be downstairs at the front door to greet the other guests. Mademoiselle Preston, enjoy your stay at Cash Castle.”

With that, Chav closed the door, leaving Nia alone. After locking herself in, she puts the key on the bedside table and exhales a sigh of relief.

Thank goodness, I could not stand smiling anymore. Now sweet solitude can comfort me.

She unpacks her backpack, pulls out a journal, sits at the desk, and begins to write her goldfish poem.