The Secret of Moonacre - SECRECY

Chapter 29

We all returned to the De Noir castle to have drinks and celebrate the end of the war which everyone was delighted with.

Uncle, Loveday, Ms Heliotrope (who had been sleeping most of the day due to indigestion) Marmaduke, Digweed, Alex, Couer De Noir, Robin and myself sat at the great table enjoying ourselves with drinks and food. It was getting towards the early hours of the night and Robin and Uncle went to have a talk down by the kitchens. I wondered what it was about. I didn't worry about it as it couldn't have been anything bad.

Meanwhile, I was at the back of the hall talking with Alex who was as drunk as could be.

"I am so - sorry - for almost - killing you a while ago" Alex stuttered "I don't - know what - was wrong with - me"

"It is fine. I am alive now any how" I kept my words simple, knowing that he wouldn't remember anything in the morning. I still was a little weary of him. He could get extremely angry and I didn't want to start anything. I knew Robin was weary of him too as he was so protective over me. He didn't want any funny business.

Alex leaned his head in closer to mine and I could smell the alcohol in his breath "Robin is a very lucky boy. You are a very pretty girl. And stubborn. And mean"

I started to lean back slightly as Alex got closer. "Alex, you are drunk. You should go find somebody else to mess with" I put his hand on his chest to stop him coming any closer.

"But I like you Maria!" He almost cried like a baby, saying it a little too loudly.

Robin appeared and stormed up to him. "What's happening here?" He asked also looking at me.

"Alex is a little drunk I think" I quickly moved my hand off Alex's chest.

"I see" Robin looked a little hurt. I slid away from Alex and went to talk to Robin instead.

"He didn't do anything I promise" I said rubbing Robin's arm. "All he said was that you are a very lucky boy, I am very pretty and mean and stubborn"

"Well that's true isn't it? Even for a drunk boy" Robin laughed.

"Robin De Noir! I am not mean!" I retorted. Although I didn't deny being stubborn, I was renound for that.

"I didn't mean that, silly" he laughed at me "I am very lucky to have you. And pretty is an understatement, you are beautiful"

I blushed at his last comment. "And I am very lucky to have you" I looked deep into his eyes and he smiled down at me.

"Ew" Alex moaned from his seat on the bench. "Find a room"

Robin and I laughed at Alex's drunkness and went to join the rest of the family. Uncle was stood by the wall and ushered me over.

"I'll be back in a moment" I whispered to Robin, walking over to Uncle.

"Is everything okay?" I asked him.

"Yes everything is perfect. The question is would you rather live here with Robin, under the Couer De Noir's roof, or back at the manor with Ms Heliotrope, Loveday and I?" He asked me.

I knew this question would come up and I dreaded answering it. I wanted to stay with Robin in our room in the tower more than anything but Moonacre Manor was my home. It took me a few minutes to decide. "I want to stay with you in the manor. It is my true home. But why cannot Robin stay with us?"

Uncle frowned "He is a different family Maria. He should belong here with his father, he is very lonely. But, given that, if you want to stay with Robin some nights that is fine by me and I shall let you. I shan't keep you from him forever. He looks after you more than I ever could and I can't stop him doing that" Uncle explained.

I hugged him as tight as I could "Thank you Uncle. I will always stay at the Manor during the week but maybe at the end of the week?"

"Whenever you should feel like it" He chuckled. "Now go enjoy yourself child!"

I let go of him and skipped back to Robin.

"What was that about?" He asked taking my hand.

"I am going to return to my home at the manor in a day or two" I stopped as Robin looked at the floor. "But, Uncle said that I can stay with you here whenever I feel like it so that I can still look after you"

Robin looked slightly happier "Well I suppose I can't turn that offer down... I'll be happy with that for now" he looked back at me.

"I thought you would be. I promise I'll spend everyday that I am not here with you to make up for it" I promised him.

"I couldn't be happier. Come let's go get some drinks and relax" Robin offered, linking arms.

We stood around chatting and drinking for most of the night until Robin and I were tripping over each other and laughing. I hadn't been so happy in a long time.

We soon both became very tired so we said goodnight to the drunken people in the hall and went to our room. Robin fell up a few stairs and I had to keep catching him once I had stopped giggling so much. We eventually made it to our room and collapsed on the bed in fits of laughter.

"What even is so funny?" I asked.

"I'm not so sure myself. It must be you" Robin looked at me.

"Me? Why you're the one making me laugh!" I retaliated. I jokingly hit him on the arm and he rolled over so he was on top of me, pinning my arms above my head.

"Am I making you laugh now?" He asked.

"No you're not" I said with a serious face. I just had to look at his eyes to send me out in laughter again.

"You're crazy" He said.

"Hm" Was all I said as I contained myself. I looked into his eyes without laughing this time and they locked together with his. He was still hovered above me and he cupped my face in his hands. He leaned in and his hat touched my forehead and rolled off his head. I did very well not to laugh. His lips grazed mine and I wrapped my arms around his neck, holding him there. The alcohol took over him and he started to become more passionate and rough and my fingers twined in his curly hair. A small moan escaped his mouth and he pulled away before he got too carried away. "It's too cold in here" he complained.

I laughed at his comment. "It's boiling in here"

"I'm tired" he complained again.

I had to agree with him and I slipped out from underneath him and changed into my night clothes and curled into bed. He took his shirt off and put on some shorts and crawled in next to me. I felt his chest and it was much colder than usual.

"Are you feeling alright?" I asked him seriously.

"I'm as fine as a daisy" He replied jokingly.

"Obviously..." I pushed him away but he rolled back and wrapped his arms around me, keeping me snug. I felt so much safer being in a room with Robin. Maybe not whilst he was intoxicated but knowing that he was always there made me feel secure. I wasn't looking forward to sleeping alone but it was something I had to just do.

A/N - I hope you liked the cheeky bit towards the end! (It was so awkward for me to write and it's not even half as bad as some that I have seen?!) tell me if you like it and I'll write some more if you do ;)