Going to joaska

Lyra's Point of view.

The rain is falling heavily, yet Thalia refuses to order the coachman to stop the carriage. We continue riding through the storm.

"You should tell him to stop the carriage and find a cottage or an inn, Milady." I urged her.

"I can't do that, Lyra. Xander hates it when people are late or miss appointments. He expects me today, and I must show up today." She replied firmly.

Today is the day Thalia begins her training as Xander Blackstorm's Luna. She has spent her whole life learning about Xander's likes, dislikes, hobbies, and preferences in a woman.

"If Xander is the gentleman you claim he is, he would understand if you were late because of the weather." I explained.

"I will not hear it, Lyra. Not now." She responded.

I picked up a blanket and wrapped it around her, then slumped back into the carriage seat in defeat.

I doubt I am cut out to be a wife, having to put my needs last to please a man. I will forever stay Thalia's maid, then become a governess to her children.

I didn't realize when I fell asleep, but when I woke up, I saw the carriage parked in front of a large castle.

The SilverMoon Pack's territory is a vast expanse of rugged landscapes and thick forests. The Blackstorm's household is a fortified mansion that blends into the wilderness, protected by strategically placed guards.

I turned to see Thalia fast asleep, she placed her head on the windows. I tapped her several times but she didn't wake up. I placed the back of my palms on her neck to check her temperature and realized how hot her neck was but her finger tips were frozen.

“Eldric, Eldric.” I called out for the coachman.

“Yes ma'am, is there a problem?” Eldric asked while making his way to the carriage’s window.

I dunked my head outside through the window and said. “Inform someone in the Blackstorm's household that Princess Thalia Blackfang Of Zurik has arrived and would be needing assistance as she has fainted from the harsh weather.” I ordered.

He nodded his head in response. “Of course.” He replied then made his way to the mansion's door. Two guards were positioned outside so spoke to them.

I could see what he was doing from where I sat but I was too far to hear what he said.

The guards nodded their heads, then one stepped inside the mansion. After two minutes he came back but this time around he was followed by two able bodied men and two women dressed up as guards and maids respectively.

Suddenly the mansion's doors were pushed open and a young man stepped out.

He wore a white long loose-fitting linen shirt with ruffled cuffs. Paired with long brown trousers, brown fitted coats with narrow sleeves, high collars and black boots.

He walked up to the two guards and maids that arrived earlier. After exchanging a few words the maids went back in and the two guards alongside the young man walked up to the carriage.

The guards opened the carriage doors, while the man stepped in.

He stood before me. “Don’t worry, I will take her in.” He said politely.

I removed my arms that I had draped round her shoulders earlier and shifted aside to let him carry her.

He carefully brought her down from the carriage and carrying her in a bridal style he stepped back into the mansion.

I jumped down from the carriage and made my way to the coachman who was about to climb aboard and find a suitable place to park the carriage.

“Do you have any idea who that young man was?” I was already mesmerized by his gentleness.

“He is Xander Blackstorm, The Next Alpha Of SilverMoon Pack.” At the mention of the name Xander my heart sank into my stomach.

“Thalia's Betroth.” I commented loudly.

“Yes ma'am, Princesses Thalia's Betroth.” He replied to the non existing question.

I just nodded my head then turned around to watch the guards offload and carry mine and Thalia's luggages inside the mansion.

Then a maid walked up to me and tapped me on the shoulder.

“You are the princess's personal maid, right?” She asked.

“Yes I am. Is there a problem?” I asked in fear that something bad may have befallen the princess.

“No, there is no problem.” She replied. “I am here to show you to your room.” She explained.

“Oh, thank you so much.” I replied and followed her closely behind.

The interior of the mansion was much more beautiful. The lighting was perfect, candles and lanterns were placed on every corner. Chandlers were hung on each corridor's ceiling.

We passed through several corridors before we made a stop in front of a door.

“This is the maid's quarters. When you get inside, ask for Morrigan, she will show you to your corner.”

“Thank you. Oh, I didn't get your name?” I asked.

“Nyssa.” She replied curtly “If that's all I will take my leave.” She said then walked away before I could give out my name.

I pushed the doors open and saw a room that had two tables and documents scattered across each table.

I turned to the left and saw a corridor, I stepped into the corridor and saw another room. It had several neatly arranged bunk beds. But no one was present, so I went back to the first room and took a right turn.

I was greeted by another room filled with neatly arranged bunk beds but this time around three maids were seated on the floor counting coins.

Two seemed old, the other seemed younger.

I cleared my throat to get their attention.

“Good day Ma'am how may we help you?” The younger maid asked.

“I am looking for Morrigan.” I replied.

“Is there a problem?” One of the older maids asked.

“My name is Lyra, I came with Princess Thalia Blackfang Of Zurik. I was sent to look for Morrigan, I was told that she would direct me to my corner.”

“Are you Princess Thalia's personal maid or just a regular maid in her palace?” The woman asked.

“I am her personal maid.” I replied.

“I am Morrigan. Follow me.” Said the old maid who sat quietly the whole time.