The Secret of Moonacre - SECRECY

Chapter 14

People scampered straight out of the hall and back to the village in all sorts of directions. It was mostly the women whilst the men stood their ground, slowly inching backwards to shield me.

Robin appeared out of no where with a long blue hooded cloak and he swung it around me.

He zipped the front up "We need to leave, now. It won't be safe here and we can't risk you staying here" He kissed my forehead and we crouched behind the men, running for the kitchens.

We were about to enter the kitchens door when the was a loud voice "Everybody stop moving! Now!"

Duncan.

"The next person to move gets blown" People continued scurrying around "I said stop moving!" And there were two gun shots and gasps and screams everywhere.

I let go of Robin's hand immediately and did the worst thing possible at that moment. I pushed through the bulky men and went face to face to Duncan. Robin called after me and I ignored it. I am in a lot of trouble now.

"Don't you dare hurt these innocent people. How dare you come here and cause terror Duncan" I spat at him.

"It is Lord Duncan to you Miss Merryweather"

"It is Moon Princess to you Duncan" I stood my ground. "You're not a Lord. Not here not anywhere"

He boomed his laugh through the echoing hall. "Well, aren't you cheeky 'Moon Princess'. Looks like we're going to get along perfectly. Now come along girl. I need information"

"As if I would come with you. Get out of my valley, you selfish man" I spat. He was still stood in the doorway, boring his eyes into mine.

"Am I going to have to threaten you Princess or do I have to do this?" He tilted his gun up at one of the star struck villagers.

I was not hoping for this. I shuffled backwards ready to make a dive, but he pulled back the trigger and the bullet flew into the ceiling.

"Well that was a good shot" I announced. I sank behind the protection of the huge men infront of me. I felt like a coward.

Duncan gritted his teeth. He spoke to all the villagers "All of you, get home now. Curfew until further notice. Anyone found out will be thrown into jail"

I nodded at the few looks I was getting from the people, telling them to go and hurry.

Then, from the top of the stairs the Couer De Noir made his appearance. "According to my agreement, you have no power at this side of Moonacre. You have broken that agreement Duncan which means that you shall be asked to leave immediately unless you want to declare something" He looked at the panicked people "I ask of you all to leave, thank you for coming and I am sorry it has the end this way. Please stay in your homes until further notice" Uncle appeared at the Couer side turning his nose up at Duncan.

Something then shifted in Duncan. "I am hereby declaring that I want to cause war on Moonacre"

This again, was all so childish. It seemes like a game to him. One I was willing to play.

"Agreed. It seems like the only logical way to settle this dispute" Uncle called down.

"But Uncle! Think of the destruction to Moonacre and the lives that will be taken!" I cried out.

Uncle shook his head. Goodbye Moonacre.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Duncan had swiftly left the castle along with his few ruffians that were searching the castle for the box, I had later found out. Robin had justified that Duncan wouldn't bother us until the start of this war. We were sat in our room in utter silence.

"I'm sorry about today Maria" Robin said crawling onto my head and leaning against the wall next to me.

I turned to look at him "Robin, none of this has been your fault. You have nothing to be sorry about. Please don't think like that" I kissed his cheek. He went back to silence and I rested my head on his shoulder. "Today has been the best day of my life apart from one small blip. I had never enjoyed myself so much, honestly"

He kissed my forehead "Well lets just say it could have been better but I am happy you enjoyed it"

"Shall we go out for a walk?" I proposed.

"Outside?"

"Yes, I haven't had any proper fresh air in a while" I said jumping up.

"But what if it's not safe..." I grabbed Robin's hand and dragged him out the room before he could say anymore.

* * * * * * * * * * *

We reached a huge field and I held Robin's hand as we walked through it in silence. He suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"Maria, I know it sounds crazy, but would you ever consider marrying me?"

I was speechless... Was he asking me to marry him? Or just saying if I ever would? My mind went mental with so many questions. He wasn't on one knee so I suppose he wasn't at that exact moment.

"I'm sure I would Robin. I love you and want you to be in my life forever" I smiled.

"Good. I mean you know, I was just wondering... Not asking or anything" He started to blush. It was very sweet.

"I know Robin, I know" I pressed my lips onto his and wrapped my arms around his torso. I then nestled my head into his warm chest hoping that things would be like this forever.

There was a low wolf whistle coming from the trees and Robin immediately flinched away from me and swung me behind him in a protective manor.

"Get you two. Don't worry, I'll let you be for now. Then I'll have my hands on you tomorrow" Alex's shadow ran off back to the shelter of the trees. I wasn't sure whether to feel relived or not but all I know that is tomorrow nothing will be the same.