𝐒𝐨 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮

Chapter 1

      Maria's POV: I had just saved the valley, and tomorrow Mr. De Noir will come manor to discuss peace. Wow, I thought I had just saved the whole valley, and now we will discuss peace between us! A few days ago, I didn't even think this was possible.

Miss Heliotrope was walking beside Digweed, Loveday was beside Uncle Benjamin, Marmaduke was beside Wrolf, and I was beside Robin. Mr. De Noir returned on the long journey to his castle because he could no longer wait to tell his clan of the sudden peace and told Robin that he would be okay to return to the castle alone since his horse was waiting around. Mr. De Noir would return the next day to discuss their peace terms. Everyone was talking. Even Marmaduke was on a magic frit talking to himself. Robin and I were the only ones who weren't talking. I was deep in my thoughts. I was trying to remember all that had just happened. After I fell into the water, it was all a blur up until coming back ashore on my white unicorn.

We were all heading back to the mansion. Marmaduke was planning to make dinner for all of us, and since it was getting really late, Robin and Loveday would sleep in our extra rooms.

I started to feel a little dizzy. It has only been a few minutes since I jumped off a cliff. I began to lose my balance. I closed my eyes, awaiting impact. Just as I was about to hit the ground, someone caught me. I looked up, and it was Robin. He had a sly smile and helped me back up to my feet. He laughed, "I think that's enough falling down for you, princess." I gave a small laugh, still feeling uneasy on my feet, but I tried not to trip.

I studied Robin for a second. His curly brown hair, hat, leather clothes, and eyes looked as if they were left wondering. Now that I think about he is pretty handsome. I thought about how I didn't notice that sooner, then remembered that I was trying to run for my life. I laughed, thinking about how that was just a few hours ago. I soon realized that I was staring and quickly looked away.

Robin's POV: I was trying to make sense of everything that had happened. Just that morning, I was looking for Maria, ready to kidnap her, and now I feel like a piece of my heart had been ripped out and then carefully stitched back. Why did I think that way? Why was I the first one to reach the ledge when she jumped? Why did I scream her name when she jumped? Indeed Sir Benjimen or Mrs. Heliotrope would've been the first to get to the cliff's edge. Why me? Why did I care so much? All these questions filled my head, but my heart wouldn't give me all the answers, and my brain struggled to find the solution.

I snapped back into reality just in time to catch Maria right before she hit the ground. She was tense, and when I helped her back onto her feet, she struggled not to fall. Even though it felt like a long time from her fall in all reality, it was just a few minutes ago. I went back deep into my thoughts, trying to find the answers to all the questions.

I snapped back into reality again when I heard a twig snap. It was just Wrolf running around by Marmaduke's side. That's when I started to take a good look at Maria. Her beautiful long, curly red hair, sparkling brown eyes, and red dress. Then I quickly turned my head before she realized I was staring.

Maria's POV: I was trying to find a way to start a conversation with him, so I asked, "So, Why did you help me?" It took him a second to understand what I had said. He said, "Well, after getting trapped and keeping my promise to listen, it all started making sense."

Robin now turned to ask Maria a question, "Where is your mother? I know what happened to your dad. It must have done so hard for you and her, but why didn't she come to Moonacre?"
I looked away real fast. It has always been hard for me to talk about my mother, especially when I know so little about her. I took a deep breath, turned my face, and concentrated on what was before me.

Knowing he awaited an answer, I said, "Umm, actually, she wasn't with us when my Father died. S-she, she died when I was just a baby." I focused on what was before me, knowing Robin carefully took every detail. "Before she died, she made Miss Heliotrope promise to take care of me and turn me into a true proper lady. That is why she came with me to Moonacre after my Father died because she hadn't broken her promise then and wasn't about to break it now." I waited for a second before continuing. "Sometimes I wish I could remember more about my mother and wonder if she would be proud of how far I've come." I knew Robin's eyes were still on me, and I turned my head as hot tears started running down my face. I missed her so much.

Soon I feel someone giving me a warm embrace from behind, whispering, "It's okay. I have no doubt that your mother would be proud of you. Look what you did just tonight. You saved the entire valley, Maria."

I sniffled and turned around as he let go, and I said, "Thank you for everything!"

"Of course, that's what friends are for." He said while wiping my tears away.

We continued to talk as we walked to the manor and all through dinner. During dinner, I discovered that Digweed and Miss Heliotrope were to get married sometime next year, but they had yet to come up with an exact date, the same with Uncle Benjamin and Loveday. Everyone was so excited!

After dinner, everyone thanked Marmaduke since he was able to make the most delicious meal they had ever tasted in such a short time.

Benjamin showed them where they would sleep, and he gave Robin some clothes while I gave Loveday some of my clothes that were too big on me. Everyone said good night and went to their rooms.

As I passed the painting of the first moon princess, I realized her face looked somewhat relieved but as if a part was still missing.                                                        

Was there something I had forgotten? I returned the pearls to the sea, and the families made peace. I don't know, but I'm sure it can wait until tomorrow. I had a long day and couldn't wait to go to bed.