The Underdog - The Secret of Moonacre Fanfic

Stonewall

I woke, staring up at my ceiling. I listened for a moment as I heard distant yelling and guards' armor clinking as they ran. I wondered if we were under attack by one of the other clans to the North or East. Pulling myself up, I swung my heavy oak door open and turned down the hall, descending the stairs. As I hit the bottom step, I nearly plowed over into Maria. Richard grabbed my arm, yelling something about the Moon Princess making an escape in only her undergarments. Confused, I joined in the chase.

I pushed myself through the guards, gaining speed and closing the gap between us and Maria. My boots echoed through the halls and were followed by the thundering of the guards. We broke out into the sunlight as she ran through the farm yard. She pulled sheets from the lines, flinging them back at us and climbing over boxes. She remained just out of reach, until she hit the edge of the castle wall.

Realizing her mistake, she climbed up on it, standing before us all in, I couldn't believe Richard was right, nothing but her undergarments. Her dress had been left who knows where. I stepped forward, smirking as she looked over the back edge.

"Princess, what are you going to do now?" I jokingly asked

Taking a step towards her, she shifted back, looking down over the steep edge. With another step backwards as she looked up at me, the terror crossed her face as her footing slipped. The fear crossed my mind as I rushed forward, reaching out to attempt to grab her arm but missing. She slid down the side embankment, no doubt probably getting scraped up. I tore off for the front gates, everyone following behind me.

My heart pumped in my chest against my rib cage, telling me I needed to find her. That I needed to know she was alright. I shook my head, attempting to dislodge those thoughts. I needed to get her back to the dungeon. Then Father would be pleased with me. But things felt all jumbled up in my chest and head. Either way, I needed to find her. The boys and I skidded to a stop as we met my father and his party.

"I want her killed!" He ordered "I won't let her stop the curse, their death is our victory!"

Shaking my head and mumbling, "Stupid girl, you should've just stayed where you were..."

Now I really needed to find her and before my father did. A protective sense kicked in and I took off with the boys following behind me. I looked around for any tracks she could've left or any broken branches. She was still a Londoner, she wouldn't know how to hide her trail like I did. David snapped me out of it when he called for me to come back and look at something he found.

It was one of Maria's blue ribbons from her hair braid. Running it between my fingers, I yanked it off the branch, stuffing it inside my pocket. I didn't know why but I felt like I had to keep it. We were at least on the right trail. I just needed to slow down so I didn't miss any other indications that she had been through here.

Following the trail, we came to the edge of the forest where it overlooked Moonacre. The Merryweather Manor stood looming across the opening. Several yards away, I spotted my father standing in the treeline, eyes fixed on the manor. As I squinted, I could make out the black blob that was the demon dog and the light blue and white clad figure that was Maria chasing after him. At least she was safe.

Back at the castle, I attempted to avoid Father. I purposely skipped dinner, not wanting to be the one he let his wrath out on. Thankfully, it wasn't on me that she had escaped. One of the maid servants had been carrying Maria's dress up from the dungeon. Sweet talking her, I snagged it out of her hands without an issue.

As I closed my door, I looked at the garment in hand. This thing was huge and puffy. How on earth could women in London wear such things and be comfortable? I took it, folding it over, and stuffed it in the trunk at the foot of my bed where it wouldn't be found by anyone but me. 

Sitting on my bed, I pulled out Maria's ribbon, rubbing it between my fingers as my gaze went from it to the chest where the dress was hidden away. Maybe I did have an issue here. Maybe I was falling for a Merryweather. I looked back at the ribbon, its silk texture fascinating me as it glided easily through my fingers. This time, I didn't shake the thoughts from my head.

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