Destined

Chapter 1. Dinner with the De Noirs

For a moment, all is quiet as everyone sits at the De Noirs giant table, steaming food right in front of us. Then, Robin breaks the silence and digs in, ignoring the fact that everyone else hasn't even lifted a fork. Everyone stares.

"What?" He says between bites. "I'm starving, and its not meant to be looked at.

Within seconds, everyone digs in, and I just stay looking at Robin, trying not to giggle. Finally I dig in as well. Almost drowning can take a toll out of you.

By now everyone is talking. Digweed and Ms. Heliatrope talk about the hassles of dealing with us Merryweathers. De Noir and Robin talk about walk I can only assume is the future of the clan. And Loveday and Uncle Jonathan talk of wedding plans. In this moment, pure joy seeps into me. I had done it. I not only saved the valley from total darkness and destruction, but I also helped bring together Two feeding families. I felt like I went from being an orphan to having a huge family within weeks, and my heart was overflowing.

Without anyone to talk to in particular, I quietly stand and sneak out the door to the woods. Now that I didn't have to worry about the De Noirs, the forest seemed to call me, as if it was my home.

I walk for a while until I finally come to the clearing I had come to with Loveday when finding out a out about the curse.

For a moment I sit and watch the beautiful sunset. Thinking of all I had. All of a sudden I hear rustling behind me and I shoot up quick, quickly turning to face the forest. Standing in front of me, with his typical Boulder hat with the feather's, leather jacket, and curly hair that was just the perfect length, was Robin. With his ever so typical quizzical eyes.

"You okay Maria?" He asks puzzled.
"Of course, I just, felt a pull to come out to the woods for a walk." I say walking over to him.
"Makes sense, being Moon Princess and all."

I just nod and smile, meeting his eyes. He nervously looks away and walks towards were I was sitting.

For a moment we're silent. Just looking at the sun as it grows darker.

"Maria.. I.. well..." He begins and trails off.

"Spit it out Robin." I tease, giving him a shove.
He doesn't laugh however.
"Forget it." He says turning and walking away, back towards the forest.

For a moment I hesitate. I know I'm taking a chance, a chance that I could be totally misreading something. But everything in me was pulling me towards him, like a magnet.

"Robin wait!" I shout running towards him.

Just as he turns, confusion on his face, I meet his lips with mine. Wrapping my hands around his kneck. For a moment he's in shock and doesn't move. Then within seconds, his body catches up to his brain and he kisses back, putting his hands to my face. When we finally pull apart, I can't help but feel myself swoon, my eyes still closed.

Robin stares intently into my eyes, before loosing up and giving me a smile. Not his normal smirk, or mischievous smile though. This one was different, and not one I've seen before. It was like a smile of true satisfaction, like he's been waiting for this.

"Prison." He says without thinking.
"Huh?" I ask, bringing my hands from around his kneck to his hands which happen to be softer than I originally assumed.

"Remember when you broke out of the prison, and we were trying to capture you?" He asks. Not taking his eyes off me.

I nod, biting back a sassy retort. Of course I remembered.

"That's when I felt it. Something. Like, no matter what, I would do anything to help and protect you. Even if I didn't want to admit it yet. I was so wrapped up in pleasing my dad, that I was trying to deny my feelings. Then when you captured me and tried to get me on your side, I figured it out. I would live for you, die for you, and do anything for you.

For a moment I'm speechless. I can't understand how this is the same boy. The same one who made my life a nightmare after arriving to moonacre.

"Will you.." He continues, walking up next to me and taking my hand.
"Be my date to the wedding?"