The Secret of Moonacre - SECRECY

Chapter 36

I didn't bother trying to be quiet as I stormed up the stairs. I had returned to the castle to pick up the last of my belongings from my room and wasn't really looking forward to it. I doubt anyone really cared that I had left last night anyway, they probably didn't notice.

I pushed open the chamber door and there was a lump covered in bedsheets lying on the floor. I heard a few mumbles and I stopped dead in my tracks.

"Maria, Maria, Maria I'm sorry. Maria" I was guessing it was the alcohol talking.

I carried on walking to my drawers, ignoring Robin's sleep talking. It took all my strength to not go and comfort him but blankly ignore and carry on. His mumbling drifted off again until I made a small crashing noise due to the draw getting stuck whilst I pulled out a jumper.

Robin sprang up from his bed on the floor and drew his dagger from his waist and I took a few steps back with my hands in the air. He scared me for once in my life, and Robin never scared me. My eyes were wide as we continued to stare at each other, none of us moving an inch.

"What do you think you are doing?" Robin demanded lowering his weapon and I flinched.

"I was... I was just, uhm, collecting my things, I'm leaving, uhm now, I'll get out of your way" I stammered badly keeping my eyes on the dagger. I quickly turned around and picked up my bag but Robin caught my arm and pulled me back to face him again and I squeezed my eyes shut.

"You honestly think I would hurt you Maria? I saw... You flinched at me"

"I, I don't know anymore. Maybe not physically but emotionally, I think you've hurt me enough now" I regained my strength and yanked my wrist from his grip. I picked up my bag full of clothes and left the room but I caught on to what Robin said as I shut the door.

"I would never hurt you Maria. I shouldn't have done this... I am sorry" He muttered but I wasn't going to believe a word.

* * * * * * *

All my clothes were stacked in the trunk at the end of the bed and everything was set for my make shift home. I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do about food, I'd probably go to the village each morning until the manor was fixed but I'd just delayed the whole process.

Footsteps echoed through the little room and I dived down by the fireplace with my dagger drawn.

"Knock knock" that voice said.

My dagger clattered to the floor and I rushed to the door to open it.

"John! How did you find me here?" I asked pulling him in to a hug. I wasn't quite sure why I did that, I hardly knew him.

He chuckled "I think I guessed this is where you would come"

"Oh! Well welcome to the Moon Princess' home" I waved to the room and pulled my hand through my hair.

"It's cozy" He complimented.

"Yes, quite" I laughed.

"So, what were you going to do today?" John asked me, wondering around the room.

"I don't know really. I need to collect a few things from the village I suppose" I said.

"Mind if I join you?"

"Be my guest, it would be nice to have some company" I smiled. I quickly grabbed my cardigan off the bed and John opened up his elbow for me to link as we walked out the door.

"Quite the gentlemen" I looped my arm through his, and it somehow felt a little uncomfortable.

"That's me"