When a Young Heart Loves (The Secret of Moonacre Fanfiction)

The Bird Boy and the Princess

Maria awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. Marmaduke's colorful cookies awaited her by her drawer as well as a warm bath. Cleaning herself up she changed into a simple yet beautiful blue velvet and silver accent gown that awaited at the end of her bed. No doubt from Loveday. The blue dress contrasted handsomely with her reddish hair and pale yet freckled complexion.

Maria walked out of her room and noticed how quiet it was. 'Is everyone still asleep?' She thought. 'I wonder where Robin is...' Her thoughts trailed off as she decided to explore the gardens. She was strolling through the hedges blooming with flowers when suddenly, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up.

She was being watched. Cautiously, Maria circled around keeping an eye out for anyone suspicious. She could not see the culprit but the gut feeling remained. Then, she looked up, and found herself looking at a half-naked Robin! He was standing outside his balcony in only his trousers! Maria gasped and quickly looked away. She was beginning to become all too familiar with the burning feeling of embarrassment that now settled on her face.

"Good morning, Princess! How do you do today?" Robin called out, confidently waving at her as he rested his other arm on the balcony.

Maria stole a quick glance. He was having the time of his life taunting poor Maria. His unruly curls framed his handsome face, his dark brown eyes shone bright, and his tan bare chest gave Maria a feeling of vertigo.

"I— I am well, thank you." Maria looked away and focused her attention on the flowers.

"That is good to hear. I am sorry for my current state, us De Noir aren't always the best-mannered," Robin laughed. "Let me join, I promise I'll be much more presentable." He mockingly bowed and went back to his room.

She breathed a sigh of relief and tied to make her blush disappear. Maria did not want to give him the satisfaction of getting the best of her. She sat on a bench and smoothed out any wrinkles, focusing her thoughts on anything else other than those of Robin.

Wrolf came bounding towards her and was quickly followed by a running Robin. His signature bowler hat was placed firmly on his head and a few curls stuck out from underneath; his feathered scarf flew through the wind. 'How funny, he looks just like a bird. A bird boy,' Maria thought, relieved to find that he was wearing his black tunic and leather jacket once more.

Robin stopped in front of Maria and gave her a deep bow. "Fair Moon Princess, please forgive my shameful behavior, and thank you for honoring me with your presence."

"Dear Bird Boy," Robin's smile faltered at her nickname while Maria returned the mocking with a deep curtsy of her own. "You are very welcome, but please do not do that again, for if Ms. Heliotrope or Uncle Benjamin were to catch you, my nickname won't be the only unpleasant sound in your ears."

Robin grimaced at the thought. "Come, let's go have breakfast. I smelled something delicious." Like a gentleman Maria would've never imagined he was, he offered her his arm.

"That would be Marmaduke's cooking. Nothing but the best." Maria pretended to take Robin's arm but instead grabbed his hat and ran off in the direction of the manor as fast as she could. The constraints of her dress and inexperience in running didn't let her get far though, before leaving the garden Robin easily caught up to her and blocked her path.

"Now, now, princess. Is that any way for a proper lady to behave? You have something very special to me."

"What can I say, these De Noir manners are rubbing off on me," Maria grinned mischievously and attempted to sidestep Robin, but she was not quick enough. Robin caught Maria by the waist and brought her to him. He pressed her back to his chest and with his other arm grabbed the hat from her hands.