You smell nice

Lyra's Point of View 

Xander kept on making his way towards me, while I stepped back. Each time he took a step forward I took two steps backwards.

The space between I and the shelf grew narrower at each step. In no time I was stuck between him and a hard shelf.

“What are you doing?” I stuttered.

“You know, I could have you killed for breaking the laws in my Betroth’s kingdom. I mean you could be a spy for all I know.” Xander said.

His hands were placed above my head and beside my waist respectively making it hard for me to escape. He removed his hands from the top of my head and lifted up my jaw to make sure I was looking straight into his eyes.

“Why are you so quiet? I love your voice. You should speak more often.” He teased me.

‘I wanted to let him know that it was Thalia who taught me how to read. But that will be selfish of me because it will be putting her into  trouble with her father.’

“I already knew how to read before I stepped into the palace as maid for  princess Thalia.” I said hoping that he wouldn't catch up with my lies.

He smiled mischievously then turned and walked away, he stopped in front of the book I was reading earlier. Picked it up and placed it back into the shelf then said.

“Take the left turn when leaving this place, and ask any person you see to direct you to the fourth floor. When you get there, take a right turn and count three doors from where you stand. The fourth door is Princess Thalia's room.” He said.

Before I could reply or thank him he said something that made my words get stuck in my throat.

“You smell nice Lyra.” He said then disappeared.

<<

I followed Xander's instructions and I took a left turn after walking out of the library. I saw a guard who was placed on duty in that area. He directed to the fourth floor, when I got there I counted three doors from where I stood.

I knocked on the fourth door, after a few seconds I stepped inside.

Stepping into the room, I  saw a luxurious space. The walls are covered with pastel silk wallpaper, and a grand canopy bed with embroidered curtains is in the center. There is a carved vanity with a large mirror and various perfumes and jewelry. A plush chaise longue sits nearby, and the floor is covered with a soft, ornate rug. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and fresh flowers fill the room with a pleasant scent.

I saw Thalia seated in front of her mirror, lost in thoughts.

“Is there something bothering you Milady?” I asked as I made my way to her.

She turned to look at me, with confusion evident on her face. “When did you get in?” She asked.

“I knocked a few times but received no response so I stepped in.” I replied. “Is there a problem?” I asked again.

“Are you feeling unwell?” I questioned further.

“I wish that was the case.” She replied.

“God Forbid that was the case. What exactly has caused our lady to be so sour?”

“Sit down.” She gestured for me to sit down on the bed.

After I made myself comfortable at the edge of the bed she stood up from where she was and sat down beside me.

“My problem is Xander. I travel all the way from Zurik to Joaska in a raging storm to be with him. But all he gave me were gentle but cold shrugs and replies.”

“I don't understand what you are saying Milady.” I commented.

“When I woke up I saw Xander sitting beside me. I was happy to see that my betrothed cared about me. But when I tried to engage in a conversation with him he was just being gentle.” She explained.

“And why is that a problem?”

“Because he wasn't being engaging or loving he was just being the gentleman that he is. I literally spend all my life trying to be the perfect woman for him and coming here I feel less than imperfect.” She lamented.

“The Xander that I encountered at the carriage hours ago was not being gentle when he lifted you into his arms. He was caring about his bride-to-be.” I said, trying to calm her down.

“Then why the sudden change?”

“You can never know what's going on in a man's mind; it's just like a maze. He will be back to normal I promise you.”

“Are you sure? What if he already has a woman in his life.”

“Don't be delusional, you are his mate. One can only have one mate.” I replied.

“My mom said that there have been several instances when one's love for another is stronger than his mating bond with his mate. She told me that it happened with my father.” Thalia revealed.

“I don't think that's the case right now Thalia. You know how promiscuous a werewolf can be until he has mated with his mate. That's obviously the only possible explanation. What you need to focus on is finishing your training on time so that you can mate with him and have him for yourself.”

“That's true. I shouldn't lose hope just yet.”

“That's better.” I said I will both let out a loud chuckle.

“What have you been up to all day?” She asked, obviously trying to shift the conversation.

“Well I was searching for you. I got lost and I stumbled upon the mansion's library.” I replied.

“It must have been stressful.”

“It was, but luckily someone directed me to your room. I also found a book in the library.”

“What book?”

“Midnight Howls by Orin Darkhowl.” I replied.

“Let me guess, you need me to get the book out of the library for you. So that you can read it each time you come to my room.”

“Will you do it for me? Please.” I pleaded with my hands folded.