The Dark Side of the Moon

Chapter 18-No Regrets

I heard a soft click and the sound of bare feet padding over wooden floor boards. I opened my eyes to find Robin passing through the doorway that connected his chambers to this one. He was shirtless and barefoot and looked as if he had just shoved himself into a pair of trousers before coming into the room in which he had put me in. I smiled to myself at the sight of his tousled hair and smooth chest.

He set a crystal glass filled with water on the bedside table and I sat up in the bed and held the duvet up to my chest. Robin gave me a lazy grin at that point, when he saw that I had indeed worn his shirt to bed. I grabbed the glass and finished it's contents in one go. I knew it wasn't very ladylike of me but I was beyond parched.

"It's nearly midday..." Robin noted. He slumped down on, to the bed by my feet and leant against the bed post. My eyes widened and fear overstrook me. Had Miss Heliotrope or Uncle noticed my absence? What would they think when they found I had gone? That I had sneaked out all night and slept in the castle? And had been with Robin De Noir?

"As I've said, I've thought this through. I am sure I am more accustomed to this lifestyle than you." Robin began, understanding the frightened look on my face. "When you return to the manor today, do you truly believe that your...family knows of your midnight rebellion? Or could you say that they under the assumption that you perhaps went on a stroll?"

Robin's eyes glimmered mischievously. And after a moment of contemplation, I caught on to his scheme. Robin was right. It is most likely that it is unknown as to which hour I had left. And most assumedly, the hour in question pertains to some time earlier this morning. "Brilliant, Robin. I have much to glean from the likes of you."

"Pleased to be of assistance in the tainting of your mind. Now get dressed. You fancy a meal? Come into my chambers when you are appropriate, I'll have the maid bring something up. I don't much fancy the company of the clan in the dining hall right now."

I smiled to myself after Robin left, the door clicking softly shut behind him and leaving me in a shadow. I threw the linens off of me and padded over to the large windows to the right of the bed. I parted the drapes, allowing light to pour into the room. I then quickly located a door which led to the loo. There was no water in the basin, I hadn't expected so as these particular bedchambers were not currently in use, so I couldn't wash my face and freshen up as I had desired. I pulled on my undergarments and my dress from last night and ran my fingers through the length of my hair in an attempt to untangle it. After I plaited my hair to the side, I slipped into my boots and passed through the door into Robin's bedchambers.

He was stood at his wardrobe, threading the scabbard of his dagger through his belt. I froze. The scene before me felt oddly familiar in a rather comforting way. Robin looked up at me and I flinched, feeling awkward as if I had walked in on him dressing. He smirked at my timid antics and crossed the room to stand before me.

The first thing I noticed was his smell as he stood so close in front of me-leather and fallen leaves with a hint of pine. It soothed me. Robin reached a hand up to my face and I felt myself flush and my pulse quicken. I looked into his eyes. I expected him to kiss me as if it was something of the normal for us. But he took a step a back and held out a tiny piece of something white and fluffy-a feather, "A bit of down...it was in your hair."

I let out a breath not realising it had caught in my chest and swallowed. I had wanted him to kiss me. And was left feeling both disappointed and confused. It wasn't like me to find myself kissing boys, alone and in their bedchambers. I blushed. And Robin gave me a knowing smirk. He knew what he was doing to me.