Red To Black

Chapter Nine

Robin woke to the sound of light humming. The sweet sound floated throughout the room, almost lulling her back to sleep. Instead, she discreetly opened her eyes. A young blond maid skipped back and forth in the room, dusting windowsills and wiping down the ornate vanity.

Where am I? Robin tried to turn her head, but couldn't without the maid noticing. I guess I'm in Blake's castle. I should probably look for a way to escape.

She slowly moved her hand towards her side pocket. I really hope they didn't search me while I was out. I need this dagger to be here. She let out an inward sigh of relief when her fingers met the cold metal of a hilt. She pulled it out, wincing at the slight rustle she made as she did so.

Luckily, the maid remained oblivious.

Robin glanced around the room, sizing up possible escape routes, obstacles, and hiding places. So much white. Not good. I'll stand out like a sore thumb. Her eyes scanned the windows. I can't tell how high up I am, but I'm definitely not on the first floor. It wouldn't be practical for me to jump out and have to make my way back with broken legs.

She closed her eyes hurriedly as the maid moved to dust the fireplace beside her. She heard a heavy sigh.

"I know you're awake. You don't have to keep faking." The maid said, her voice as soft and sweet as her singing. Robin stayed still, eyes shut. "Oh, and don't bother pulling that dagger on me. I'm not as defenseless as I look."

The young girl turned her back to Robin, and, despite her warning, Robin flew into action. She moved to put her blade against the girl's throat, but a hand stopped her. "Tsk, tsk, too predictable."

Before Robin could pull away, she was flipped onto her back, hitting the floor hard.  Never one to give up, she swept the maids feet out from under her. She leapt forward to pin her ams down, but the blonde was faster, kicking her back. Robin tightened her grip on the dagger. Fine. It's time to play dirty.

She dodged the maid's grip  as she tried to grab her, and went in with her blade to slash her side. But her blade was stopped. She gritted her teeth and tried to push past the blade that had appeared in the blonde's hand. "You didn't think it would be that easy, did you?"

The blonde shoved her back with surprising force, and executed a series of moves that left Robin on the defensive. What is with this maid? She's insanely good at this, so much so she might beat me! I have to do something to gain the advantage. Maybe I can- Robin was snapped out of her thoughts as an elbow collided with her face.

She fell to the ground with a thump. Dammit, I should've been paying her more attention. She struggled to get up but the maid was on her in a flash, her knife to Robin' throat.

"Well then. I suggest you settle down now. I don't want to hurt you any more than I already have, but I promised Bl- His Majesty I'd keep you here." The maid smiled at her, but Robin noted the small slip up.  Playing along for now, she surrendered her dagger. "And the other ones."

She stood there, pretending she didn't know what the girl was talking about.  "I mean the one in your boot and the one strapped to your thigh." Robin started. How does she know? Did she see them during the fight? 

"How did you know?" She asked as she handed over the two blades.

"And give away my secret?" The blonde smiled. "Nah. After all, you'll probably try to escape again later." She slipped the daggers into a hidden sheath Robin hadn't noticed.

The young maid reached out her hand. "My name's Amie." When Robin hesitated, she laughed. "I'm not going to flip you again, I promise."