The Royal Family Wants to See Me?

The invitation was opened that same afternoon.

Nobody in the office moved.

The golden seal lay broken beside the envelope while Ernest carefully unfolded the thick cream-colored paper. The handwriting was elegant and precise, each stroke of ink betraying the work of an expensive scribe.

He read the contents once.

Then again.

Then a third time.

Hollen's patience finally broke.

"Well?"

Ernest looked up.

"It's an invitation."

"I can see that."

The older man pointed at the paper.

"Read it."

Ernest cleared his throat.

"'By order of His Majesty's Household, Master Ernest Teucher is cordially invited to attend the Royal Palace of Belfast in two weeks' time. His Majesty's family wishes to personally receive the founder of Helmarte Machine Works and co-owner of Helmarte Soap Works.'"

The room became quiet.

One clerk's pen slipped from his hand.

Another forgot to breathe.