Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“She’s interested in the Crownsville Bandit and his treasure.”
Leo grinned. “You mean her treasure.”
“Her?”
Leo slowed down his pace. “You clearly have never brought that up to Lei. I say that because Lei was the one to tell me that fun fact.”
“Hold up.” I hurried back to his side. “The Crownsville Bandit was a woman?”
“According to my son. He claims to have talked to the ghost many times while standing on the Killer Crows’ property at night.”
You mean. . .stalking Chanel.
My mind spun with all this new information.
“Anyway. The second level of this house is designed for tranquility and reflection,” Leo spoke as if he wasn’t dropping bombs left and right. “Notice the theme of blue—it represents both the depth of the sky and the vastness of the ocean, symbolizing wisdom and serenity.”
We moved toward the bedrooms.
He continued, “There are four rooms on this level.”
Every time we got to one, I ducked my head in.
This place gets better and better.
Each bedroom was more lavish than the last—everything from the silk bedspreads to the delicate paintings on the wall reflected a deep respect for tradition and artistry. Plus, all of them had big bathrooms as well as offered great glimpses of the garden.
Leo’s voice brought me back to the present. “Understanding our customs is crucial, Monique.”
“I get that.”
“For instance, when visiting someone’s home—which you will do a lot as Mountain Mistress—bringing a gift is a sign of respect and a desire to foster good relations.”
“Okay. So always have a gift.”
“But choosing the right gift for each particular person. . .well that can be tricky.” He led me to a new staircase that probably would take us to the third level. “For example, never gift someone a clock.”
“Why not?”
“It’s associated with funerals. And scissors or a pear could imply you wish to cut ties or separate from their family.”
I grimaced slightly at the thought. “Sounds like gift-giving is navigating a minefield.”
Leo chuckled. “It can be, but there are safe choices.”
“What are those?”
“Desserts, seasonal fruits, wine.”
“That makes things easier.”
Leo continued, “And remember, presentation matters. Red, pink, or gold wrappers symbolize luck and prosperity. Never use black, blue, or white—they’re mourning colors.”
“So even though the East is about blue, they don’t want it for gifts?”
“Exactly.”
“Very good to know.”
“Also,” He pointed at me. “Make sure you go to Suzi first before getting a gift. She is the best one for advice on gifting. No one in the East is better.”
“Noted. I’ll talk to Aunt Suzi about gift giving.”
“Now. . .when it comes to war, battle, or dealing with my son and his men, then Min is the best for council.”
“I’ll remember that.” I nodded, hanging on his every word. This was all so different from what I was used to.
He smiled at me and then guided us up this smaller staircase.
We reached the third level, which struck me as more of a personal sanctuary than part of a house. It was designed like a luxurious one-bedroom apartment, complete with a large office adorned with mountain paintings.
“While we’re on the subject of customs,” Leo guided me through the office, “dining etiquette is paramount. Always wait for the senior family member to begin eating. It’s a sign of great respect.”
I imagined sitting down to a meal, the air thick with anticipation as everyone waited for the eldest to take the first bite. It was a far cry from the casual dinners I was used to.
“But. . .” I quirked my brows. “What if Lei is in the room?”
“Then, all will wait for him to take the first bite.” He bobbed his head. “Good question. You’ve been paying attention.”
“But no one will wait for me to eat as the Mountain Mistress?”
“They will want to, but you will look to the eldest person in the room, if you are on your own. To do so, would show all at the table how serious you are at respecting our traditions. You will gain powerful allies very fast with this method.”
“Got it.”
We moved into a massive bedroom.
This space was opulence personified, the décor balancing the richness of royal blue and gold. The walls were adorned with rich tapestries and paintings, each one depicting scenes of grandeur and power.
A massive four-poster bed with plush velvet curtains was the centerpiece of the room, surrounded by silk-covered chairs and a large carved dresser.
But what truly grabbed me was the super huge floor-to-ceiling window that offered a panoramic view of the estate and the palace further off.
I walked over to it.
The sight took my breath away.
The estate spread out as far as the eye could see, a kaleidoscope of blossoming flowers in diverse colors and shapes, intricately patterned walkways, and carefully sculpted trees.
From this distance, they looked like small colorful gems adorning a velvet blanket of green, all shimmering under the soft glow of the setting sun.