The Troubles from Monsters and Men (The Secret of Moonacre Fanfiction)

Of Love and Magic

"Maria, did Robin really give you their clothes?" Cat asked as she inspected herself in front of the mirror. She stuck out her leg and bent at the waist. She touched the floor and then swung herself up to the sky, stretching her arms outwards. She sighed contently.

"Yes, I'll make sure to thank him on your behalf next time I see him. You seem to be enjoying yourself."

Cat looked over her shoulder and tossed Maria a wink. "It's not every day you have such freedom of movement." She turned back to the mirror and kicked out her leg. "When will you see him again?"

Maria shook her head, "Not anytime soon. His birthday is approaching, he will be 21."

"Same age as Henry," Lizzy observed. "You should write him a letter."

"Yes, you must!" Cat chimed. "Especially to thank him for the clothes on our behalf." Turning back to the mirror, Cat continued inspecting herself. "These clothes make me feel like a pirate! I'll be called the 'Black-leathered Cat, Terror of Men's hearts and Queen of the sea!' Has a great ring to it, don't you think?"

"The only terrifying thing about you is your morning hair," Lizzy teased.

Cat patted down her curls and stuck out her tongue. "I'd bring more terror than you. What could you do to a pirate? Read them to death?"

"I believe you are mistaken." Maria now joined in the taunting, "Lizzy wouldn't be a lone pirate. With Henry at her side, his deadpanned stare would frighten even the most hardened of pirates."

Though Lizzy's cheeks turned pink, she smiled impishly, "Now, that's where you are wrong Maria. No one scares people more than Robin. His broodiness is enough to suck all joy and hope from our hearts."

Maria rolled her eyes and shook his head. "He can't help it; he's had a troubled life."

"Oh darling, they all have," Cat called over her shoulder.

"Wait, Cat—did you pay attention?" Lizzy waved at her sister. "This is the second mention of Robin without an insult to his name. In fact, it practically sounds like Maria's defending him! Did something happen over the holidays to cause this shift in her heart?"

Maria felt her face grow warm under the inspection of her friends. She vehemently shook her head in denial.

"Hmm.... I seem to recall Maria said she would attempt to break his curse this winter," Cat mused as she walked towards Maria with one hand on her hip and the other tapping her chin. She belly-flopped on her bed and rested her chin between her clasped hands.

"And yet," Lizzy began to add, "she has failed to mention any occurrences with Robin. Cat, what could explain the sudden change from his cold demeanor, to one who cares enough to give us his old clothes? I believe there is something Maria's not telling us."

"Oh, hush. You girls are my dearest friends, I tell you everything."

"Then please, dearest friend Maria, the savior of Moonacre Valley, holder of magical pearls she once casually forgot to mention for three years; please tell us why your cheeks are red and you are fidgeting on your toes," Cat taunted.

Maria huffed. "Well, you girls will be disappointed to know that Cat's idea did no more than infuriate that birdboy! He chased me all throughout the mansion! And with my dress it was impossible to run away— which reminds me, presents from Loveday! Jane's been sent hers through the mail."

She tactfully dodged their interrogation as she brought out a pink box for Cat and a purple one for Lizzy. The girls excitedly opened them, though Maria groaned at seeing each of them also receive a high-collared blouse to go with a matching gown.