In which Robin De Noir mistakes Olive Heliotrope for the Moon Princess, and the two star-crossed enemies must work together to break a curse.
❝ Oh, I can't
Stop you putting roots in my dreamland
My house of stone, your ivy...
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THE CARRIAGE ARRIVED at the manor shortly before dusk. The hot summer air had turned into a warm breeze, and the sky was beginning to darken. As the horses came to a halt, Olive sat stunned, mouth agape as she gazed up at the brilliant stone carvings that arched over the front doors.
Digweed hopped off of the driver's seat, groaning as he stretched his back, tired from the day-long journey. "Ladies," he said, opening the carriage door for it's passengers.
Aunt Jane was the first to stumble out, followed by Maria. The young girl was hesitant, yet graciously exited the safety and comfort of the vessel she'd grown familiar with.
Olive trailed her, close behind. She wasn't sure how she should feel, or what to expect, but something in her bones whispered that adjusting to this new life in the countryside would be quite an adventure.
"Welcome to Moonacre."
Olive and the others jumped at the booming voice, which they soon realized belonged to a silhouetted figure at the top of the front steps.
The figure began its descent, revealing itself to be a dark-haired, well-dressed gentleman as he came into light. Olive assumed he must be Maria's Uncle, Sir Benjamin.
Sir Benjamin observed his niece for a moment, grimly.
"Unfortunate circumstances," he said, as he stood before them. "There we are. Nothing to be done."
There was a coldness in his gaze; a lack of warmth in his words, Olive thought.
Shy Maria stepped bravely forward, reaching out her hand. "I'm pleased to meet you, Uncle."
He acted as though he didn't notice, and looked past her, nodding with familiarity at Aunt Jane.
"Miss Heliotrope."
"Oh, Sir Benjamin!" Aunt Jane cried. "What a journey we've had! Not one hour from this very door we were accosted by a bunch of ruffians who–who–"
"–Madam, please," Benjamin interjected. "I'll hear your fascinating story some other time, if I may."
The three women gaped at him, astounded by his curtness. Benjamin brought his gaze at last, to Olive. "This must be your niece," he assumed, not bothering to look back at Aunt Jane.
"Why, yes," she nodded. Aunt Jane turned and grabbed Olive by the hand, pulling and pushing her towards Sir Benjamin. "My dear niece, Miss Olive Heliotrope."
Olive blinked, surprised. Summoning her manors, she offered a slight curtsy before the man, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "Pleased to meet you, Sir Benjamin. My Aunt, and I are so grateful that you would have us."
Sir Benjamin studied the girl, the faintest hint of warmth creeping onto his face, before he broke his silence: "Think nothing of it."
With that, Sir Benjamin turned his back from his guests, and began his ascent back up the front steps. Olive, Maria, and Aunt Jane shared puzzled glances, before gathering their things and following their peculiar host into the manor.
