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

Across the Sea

Maria and Robin ran through the downpour. The rain was so thick Maria could just make out the ground and struggled to keep up. The forest floor had become treacherous and snagged at Maria's dress.

"I have a better idea. Here take this." Robin stopped and placed his hat on Maria.

The hat fell over Maria's eyes and she couldn't see a thing. Suddenly her legs were lifted underneath her, she yelped as she felt herself falling back and landed softly into Robin's other arm.

"There, much better. Now we can make some progress."

"But what about you?" She asked raising her head to peer from underneath the brim of his bowler hat.

"Don't worry about me, I know these grounds." He grinned and pulled Maria close to his chest as he hurried to the manor.

She hadn't noticed how cold she was until she felt his warmth against her body. Her heart warmed, sending butterflies to her stomach. She wrapped her arms around his neck and looked up into his face. Rain droplets traced his face down onto his chest. His stare was intense and his breathing was heavy.

"You can put me down. I don't want to tire you," she said to him.

"Me? Tired? No princess, you're not that heavy. Besides, I've been planning on kidnapping you, remember?" Robin playfully tossed Maria into the air before squeezing her tight into his chest.

Maria was laughing, catching her breath she realized there was no other friend who she would want at her side.
"Thank you, for everything," Maria said. There was a sincereness in her words that Robin was not used to. After a second thought Maria, placed a light kiss on his cheek before resting her face on his chest, taking in the familiar scent of pine and earth that was Robin.

Robin was stunned by her actions. He felt his cheek burning red and quietly muttered, "It's nothing." He took a deep breath and was caught off guard by her sweet aroma. Feeling energized, he quickened his pace.

As they entered the manor grounds, they ran into Loveday. Her dusty rose gown was now wet below her knees and mud clung to the hem of her dress, she only carried a parasol that kept her upper half dry. Her mouth was set in a worried frown.

"Maria, Robin! Where have you two been?"

"Sorry Loveday, I took Maria to the amphitheater and on our way back, we got caught in the storm."

Loveday, amused to see a conscious Maria in his arms, struggled to maintain her scowl. "Well hurry on in and clean yourselves up. Benjamin will soon be home and I'm not sure how he'll take to your little adventure," she said with raised eyebrows.

Understanding, Robin hurried on his way with Maria in his arms. Soon, they crossed the threshold and finally found shelter from the heavy rain.

"Safe and sound Moon Princess. Once more you've escaped the evil De Noir clutches," Robin said to Maria as he entered the manor.

"Evil De Noirs? Nooo. Bandits, yes. Ruffians, yes. Unmannered, yes. But Evil? I think that title is much too high for you," Maria teased poking his nose.

"I wouldn't bet on that yet princess, I may be tactically waiting my turn to finally take you all my own." Robin's face inched closer to hers, his breath grazing her lips. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest.

"Well, with the curse gone, what could you possibly want a moon princess for?"

Robin lowered his voice to a low growl, "I think I can come up with something."

"Robin, though I'm glad you're practicing for your wedding, I believe you should set her down and go get yourself cleaned up," Loveday taunted as she walked through the door.