Feathers of the Robin

Chapter 3

"Robin," Maria gasped, her eyes sparkling in the candlelight.

"Good evening, Princess." He smiled, balancing her body against his own.

The room was growing warmer by the second, and Maria could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. She turned her face away, hoping the shadows would mask her blush as she attempted to escape from his grip.

"How did you get in here, Robin? Are you aware of the time?" Maria scowled up at him, standing on her toes in an attempt to appear more foreboding.

Robin couldn't help but chuckle, Maria had the anger of a rabbit and the roar of a mouse. He found it difficult not to show how adorable he found it all and was quick to put on a serious face. He gestured toward the open window; if he was seeking Maria, he would assuredly find a way to her.

"Now, now, Princess. I'm simply here to deliver a birthday surprise."

Maria's face lit up immediately and Robin found a grin rising to his face once more.

"There's just one thing," he said, holding up a piece a fabric that was the length of his arm. "You'll need to wear this."

Maria frowned as Robin made his way toward her, before promptly slipping behind her back and pulling the cloth up and over her eyes.

"Robin!" she squeaked as her vision was obscured.

"I'm afraid it's a necessity, Princess," he replied, brushing long strands of red hair out of his way as he tied a knot at the back of her head.

Maria felt a shiver run through her body as Robin's fingers trailed across her neck, his breath hot on her nape and his feathers tickling her arms. She became aware of the close proximity they held, there alone in her bedroom. Undoubtedly, Robin did too, as his breathing paused and his heartbeat sped up. His hand tangled in her hair as he looked down at Maria's anchored body, fingers moving toward her waist.

An owl cooed outside of the window and Robin came back to reality with a jump. He stepped softly away from Maria, before gently taking her hand, wrapping his fingers through hers in the way he had wanted to earlier that very day.

"Careful of your step, Princess," he murmured as he pulled her from the room and down the staircase.

They crept silently through the darkening corridors, Robin keeping his eyes upon Maria to make sure she didn't stumble. When they came to the front door, he let go of Maria's hand and turned the key in the lock, pushing aside the ancient wood and letting the cool night air spill into the foyer. Maria shivered as the breeze ruffled her petticoats. In an instant, Robin's heavy leather jacket was draped over her shoulders and wrapped around her body. She let a small smile play across her lips before a squealing as Robin lifted her into the air, his arms catching her shoulders and knees as he strode out into the night.

"Are you trying to capture me again, Robin?" Maria giggled as he carried her through the gardens.

"Now that's an idea," Robin replied, tugging her closer into his chest.

Much too quickly for Maria's liking, she was returned to her feet, but not onto the dewy grass as she had expected. Instead, she was resting on a soft blanket, warm beneath her toes.

Robin brought his hands up and carefully undid his knot, letting the blindfold flutter to the ground. Maria blinked as candle light flickered into life, and then gasped at the scene in front of her. A wicker basket lay open on a snow-white blanket, filled with all kinds of morsels and treats. Flowers were delicately arranged around plates and glasses, which sparkled in the candle light and caused gleams and glitters to dance across the grass.

"Oh, Robin, it's so beautiful," Maria gasped.

"Well, of course!" Robin replied brazenly, hiding his bashful smile behind a nonchalant nod.

He caught Maria's fingers within his own and brought her down to the blanket, sitting opposite her as he laid out their moonlit picnic.

"I asked Marmaduke to help me with the cooking," he said as he pulled out some squashed looking sandwiches. "I should really give him more credit for what he manages to serve up every day. It was harder than it looked."

Maria laughed before picking up a sandwich and bringing it to her lips, confidently taking a bite. Robin raised his eyes, hands twisting together as he watched Maria take another thoughtful mouthful.

"Delicious!" she declared, and Robin let out a breathless laugh.

"There's one more thing..." Robin said, reaching into the very bottom of the picnic basket and drawing out a small package, wrapped chaotically in paper, fabric, and string.

Maria cradled it in her palms, peeling back its layers and revealing a small necklace, woven together with feathers and pearls.

"Robin," she breathed. "It's lovely."

Her fingers traced its soft feathers, all unique in pattern and colour. The pearls gleamed between them, intricately laced together and falling like drops of dew. Robin's cheeks blazed as he reached over and took the clasp of the necklace, shuffling behind Maria and brushing her hair across her back and over her shoulder, tracing the smooth skin of her neck. She shivered as his fingers closed the clasp, letting the necklace fall into place.

She turned and caught Robin's shining eyes, but tilted her flushing face away. "How do I look?"

"Beautiful," he whispered.

Maria let her gaze flash up again, meeting his with an unexpected intensity. Robin's familiar smile spread across his lips. "Actually, Maria, there is something else."

She found herself unable to reply as Robin leant forward slowly, hands reaching across the blanket until his fingers entwined themselves between hers. Her breath caught as the feathers around his neck brushed those around her own, and the velvet curls of his hair tickled her forehead.

Their lips met. Starlight coloured their kiss as the two embraced, framed by one another with bodies pressed together as the shadows wrapped them closer still. Breath as sweet and slow as honey caressed Maria's rosy lips as Robin pulled away, placing butterfly kisses upon her cheeks, nose, and temples.

His lips moved tenderly to her ear, and a peaceful sigh whispered across her lips.

"A very happy birthday to you, my princess."

❧

Thanks for reading!

Please note: This fiction was based on 'The Little White Horse' which was written by Elizabeth Gouge and published in 1946. I highly recommend that you give it a read if you haven't already!