The Secret of Moonacre - SECRECY

Chapter 11

"Oh my, Maria, you're alive! I feared you were dead!" 

My eyes slowly awoke, and focused on a familiar face leaning down in front of me. 

"W-what ha-" I couldn't muster my words. 

"Hush, it's okay, you need to rest, I'll fetch you... I'll get the maid to fetch some water" Robin said, stroking my head with his thumb.  He quietly called for a maid and she was back within moments. She poured us both a glass of water.

I took the glass and had a sip. My thirst began to rapidly increase, and I found myself chugging the whole glass before Robin had time to take it away.

"Let's take it easy now Maria. You're in a sensitive state right now". 

"How - how long have I been..." Talking was becoming increasingly difficult. 

"You were with them for three days maybe, it felt so much longer. You've been back home, here with me, for one". 

I shut my eyes again. I refused to cry at such a time, I was stronger than this. But when I reopened them and examined my blood stained, stitched wrists, a tear crept down my cheek. 

Three days was a long time. Moonacre wasn't huge, I could have been found, I could have been safe. "Why - why didn't you-"

"Find you sooner?" he finished. He sighed and stared away for a brief moment. "Maria, I haven't slept in three days trying to find you. I never stopped for a single moment, there were too many leads". 

I felt guilty for having such thoughts. I felt crazy for being so reckless and for putting myself in harms way. 

As if he could read my thoughts, Robin spoke softly, "Don't beat yourself up, Princess. You're safe now. As long as you are with me, you'll always be safe".

* * *

"All set Robin?" I asked placing the last candle in place.

"Yes, I think so. Loveday is going to love this" Robin smiled.

Robin and I were doing the last touches around the castle, just to make sure it looked like it hadn't been touched. Loveday and the Couer De Noir were returning from their long trip, and we were trying to make it as special as possible for them. 

However, given the current circumstances of the valley, we could not make it as happy as we had wished. And to add to that, we still hadn't found where Uncle, Marmaduke and Ms Heliotrope were. Word had it that they were staying somewhere quiet in the village but I wanted to find them before my birthday in two days. I'd be turning sixteen at last. Free from my uncle's grip.

Robin came over and took my hand and placed a small kiss on my forehead. Since the days I had returned after being missing I had not been allowed out of his sight for one moment. I was glad to feel safe again.

Meanwhile, in Moonacre village, Duncan had placed guards all around the rim of the area, mostly to prevent unnecessary trade and trouble out. Robin thought that I was banned from being allowed in too.

Suddenly, the massive doors behind us clattered and Robin pushed me behind him in defense.

Then there was a loud booming laugh "It is so good to be finally home!" The voice said.

Robin relaxed and rushed over to the door. They were home a day early! I followed closely behind like a lost puppy.

"Father!" Robin exclaimed as the Couer engulfed him in a huge hug. I caught sight of Loveday in a beautiful green dress. "Maria darling! You look so grown up all of a sudden!" Loveday rushed over to me and too wrapped me into a huge hug. It was nice to finally see a happy, positive thing happening.

"Well, well, doesn't the place look dashing. I'm guessing this was Maria's touch?" The Couer asked raising an eyebrow and peering over to me.

Robin came back over to me and wrapped his hand in mine and chuckled "Yes it was"

I started to blush. I had never thought of what they might think of Robin and I being together. I didn't think the Couer would approve.

"Looks like plenty has happened since we have been away" Loveday beamed, elbowing her father who's expression lightened up.

He agreed "Well you two shall have to fill us in on what's been happening then. Come let us sit" He wondered over to the table and sat down at the head, whilst I sat next to Robin and Loveday sat opposite. Robin explained everything that had happened from where I found out about Duncan to the present with me chirping in at bits he had forgotten about.

"Right then, looks like we are going to have to do something about this Duncan. We can't let him be destroying everything now. Have you seen your dear Uncle since you left Maria?" The Couer asked me.

"No, apparently they are staying in the village somewhere, but I am forbidden to enter" I replied. Robin placed his arm on my leg under the table and I smile.

"We'll find him and bring him back here to stay Maria, don't you worry" The Couer replied nodding to Robin and I.

Robin stood up and took me to our room. He sat me down on the bed. "Maria, you aren't worrying about Moonacre are you?"

"I am a little. I hate watching it change" I admitted curling up to the wall.

Robin did the same and placed his hands on mine and put his bowler hat on my head. His curls were all flattened.

"My father shall do everything he can Maria, have trust in him"

I smile "I do Robin, I do"

"Good" He says pressing his lips against mine. "That hat really suits you"

I blush "Looks better on you mister" I say and place the hat back on his head. He tickles my waist and I fall onto him.

His lips suddenly crash against mine and then move to my neck. "I love you"

"I love you too".