Does werewolf folklore interest you?

Lyra's Point of View 

Xander had told his mother about Princess Thalia's health and she was ordered to rest for three days then start her training on the fourth day.

Today was actually the third day.

I successfully convinced Thalia to ask Xander out for tea.

She wore a red gown made of pure silk, with lace embroidery. It had a wide and pleated back. Her stomacher was heavily embellished with jewels and ribbons.

Her brown hair was tied up with a red ribbon. Due to the cold weather she wore gloves made from cotton.

When we arrived at the garden, Xander was seated with his legs crossed. He was so engrossed in the newspaper that he failed to notice mine and Thalia's presence.

Thalia cleared her throat to gain his attention, “Good Afternoon My Lord.” She greeted Xander.

Due to common courtesy about my head in respect. But I couldn't say a word that was against my teachings as a maid.

“Good afternoon Princess.” He greeted her back. “You look lovely, I must say.” He said with his gaze fixed on me.

Luckily, Thalia was so shy that she had her head bent down. So she didn't notice Xander staring at me.

‘What are you doing?’ I mouthed.

I was sure he understood me because of the mischievous smirk he wore on his face as soon as I said that.

“You look lovely yourself.” She replied, this time around she had her head up high.

Xander ignored her compliments and gestured for her to take a seat, pulling out a chair.

As soon as Thalia sat down comfortably, he took the seat before her.

Bowing my head I said. “I will take my leave now.”

Before I could turn to go, Xander stopped me. “You don't need to go. I wouldn't want the Princess to walk back to her room all by herself. You can stand at a corner and wait for us.”

“Of course.” I replied then stood at a corner.

I watched two maids walk into the garden each carrying a tray of snacks and a teapot respectively.

They placed the tray of snacks and the teapot on the table. Bowing their heads,

they left.

Talia carefully served tea in both her teacup and Xander’s.

“Thank you.” Xander said, while nibbling on some cookies.

“You are welcome My Lord.” Thalia replied.

“First of all.” Xander started in a serious tone. “Drop the honorifics, when we're alone. Call me Xander, you can stick to the cultural norms when people are around.”

“As you wish Xander.” Thalia replied.

Taking a deep breath he said. “Secondly, I understand that you have been trained to love what I love, hate what I hate and be who I want you to be. But I would like you to know that what I find more interesting in a woman is her strong opinion and kin interest about new things and things I have no idea of. I love learning new things but most especially I love listening to people's opinions about life. So whenever you feel like seeing what you feel. Don't Hold back.” He said.

“Of course.” Thalia replied while letting out a deep breath.

“So, with all that being said. Does werewolf folklore interest you?” He asked out of the blue.

“Well if you permit me to say, you have not always been a fan of books. But I actually love reading but I'm not into history, or folklore excluding historical romance. In general I only read books about romance.” Thalia replied.

“Really?” He asked while taking a sip out of the teacup.

“Yes actually.”

“You know, the library that was set up here in the Blackstorm's mansion was built by me and it's also under my care. I received a message that you had borrowed a book from the library yesterday. And from what I gathered its genre was werewolf folklore. What is the title again, I seem to have forgotten.” He said, while rubbing his chin as though he was trying to recall something.

‘Oh no.’ I thought inwardly. ‘I hope he doesn't confront Thalia about it.’

“Midnight Howl by Orin Darkhowl.” Thalia replied.

“Yes! That is the book. May I know why you borrowed the book when you are not interested in it?” He asked.

‘Oh Lord.’ I was already feeling nervous. I wonder how Thalia would be feeling. She is the one being put on the spot after all.

“Well.” Thalia started, she took a sip of tea. Then continued. “Like you said earlier, you love to try new things. I guess that's one of the many similarities you both have, the love for trying new things.” She replied.

‘Oh Thank Goodness.’

“That's impeccable. What have you read so far? I myself have so many things to handle so I'm yet to read the book. Would you share with me what you know?” He asked.

‘What the hell is wrong with him.’

Luckily,Thalia recalled me ranting to her about the book yesterday.

YESTERDAY:

I was steaming Thalia’s hair with a curling pot, when she asked.

“What is so special about this book anyways? At home my brother wouldn't stop going on and on about this book. I was happy I finally escaped the torture of having to hear him say gibberish. Now it's you. You have barely said a word to me or had a full conversation with me ever since I got you the book earlier today.” She complained.

“If only you were interested in history or folklore then trust me you would understand why I and your brother are so mad about this book.”

“He said it was about a constellation of stars.”

“Not a constellation of stars,destiny charts.” I replied. “No, I've read somewhere that not many people know about werewolves. But Orin Darkhowl was a master at it. He knew many things about us, he even came up with several theories about our origin.”

“So what are these Destiny charts?” She asked.

“Werewolves have five destiny charts. A crescent moon, a full moon, a blood moon, a lunar eclipse and Death's eclipse. I haven't read much about them though still in the first two chapters. Chapter 1 is basically about the history of the moon, different theories and mythologies about the gods and goddesses of the moon. Chapter 2 is about the true identity of the moon and its significance to werewolves.” I explained.

“Oh. You know it doesn't sound bad because you're narrating it to me but trust me the moment I pick that book it's going to be a bore.”

“You know what, forget it, just stick to your romance. Leave us boring people to our folklore.” I said I will both let out a hearty chuckle.