Hey everyone! Another long awaited chapter is finally here. I had some major things happen in these past few months, so, emotionally, I am trying to pick myself up and get back into writing again. Anyway, without further delay, here is chapter 3! I hope you all enjoy it and I shall see you at the bottom of the page! :)

ALSO: For those looking for my Instagram page...MY NAME HAS CHANGED! I now have a Wattpad account as well, which I am using to work on a revamped version of a story I once wrote on here. MY NEW INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT NAME is stories_elking7541 so go follow that if you haven't!

Dinner went as quickly as it had arrived. Robin and I exchanged endearing glances across the table, unnoticed by many at the table excluding Loveday. She seemed to have some great interest in our newfound courtship. Yes, Robin and I had become incredibly close after the darkness covering Moonacre had been defeated, but we both decided we wanted to start over. We wanted a clean slate, with no pressure from our pasts. We loved each other, we knew that, but we wanted our love to grow naturally. After the men had finished their evening drinks, and the women had exchanged in their gossip, it was time to bid everyone goodnight.

"Robin, would you be a dear and help Maria up to her bedchamber? I have to help Marmaduke with some cleaning before we retire," Loveday requested of her brother. Robin smiled at me and nodded his head in agreement. My uncle did not quite seem thrilled at the idea of Robin coming up to my room, but he was not going to protest his wife's decision. Robin intertwined his arm to brace my back while I threw one of my own over his shoulders. I had made it down the hall and up one flight of stairs before feeling an intense pain in my wounded ankle.

"Don't worry, princess. I shall come to your rescue, like always," Robin teased.

"Like always?! I beg your pardon Mr. De Noir, but mind you I was the one who escaped from your clutches on my own some time back. I am perfectly capable of handling myself," I said as he scooped me into his arms.

"Ah yes, but when your ankle is in pain you require my assistance."

"I am grateful for your assistance, no matter how stubborn I am when it comes to my independent nature," I replied. Robin kicked open my tiny door with his foot, and I realized he was about to put me down. Before he was able to do so, I made sure to capture a mental picture of this moment, of the way he held me close to his chest, and the way he smelled of deep pine, or how his raven curls hung so carelessly around his eyes. I wanted to remember times such as this. He placed me gently on the bed and lifted my legs so that I was laying down properly.

"Is there anything else you need before I bid you goodnight?" he asked.

"You have been a true gentlemen and I thank you for your kindness today, bird boy." We simultaneously laughed at the way we would joke with each other. He leaned down and placed a single kiss on the top of my head before wishing me goodnight, and disappearing through my door. Loveday entered moments later to assist me in changing out of my day dress. As I lay on my bed I could hear the echos of her giggles as she observed the mud and stains that I had created on the skirts of my dress.

"I knew Ms. Heliotrope would throw a fit over my muddy skirts," I said to Loveday as she arranged my pieces of clothing on my dresser.

"Oh my darling you are so much like me at your age," she replied.

"What ever do you mean? Did you muddy your skirts and receive lectures from your governess?"

"Something like that. When your Uncle Benjamin and I first met, we spent much of our time exploring the forest. We would ride our horses for hours until our feet were swollen and tired. We would talk for hours until our voices had no air left to speak. I ruined at least two dresses a month because of that man. And you know what, my darling? I could have cared less. I wouldn't have traded any of those moments. That's part of the reason I learned to sew as well, I could fix the ones I ruined or create new ones," she explained.

I couldn't help but smile as Loveday recounted the earlier days that she and my uncle spent together. To be that young and in love must have been an adventure. Of course I am referring to the times before they realized they were naturally born enemies. I wanted that type of love. I wanted to love someone so much that I would risk everything I possessed just to be with them. As I previously said, Robin and I had already admitted that we loved each other, but that love was not filled with passion, yet. Would it ever be? It was too soon to tell. We needed time to explore one another and understand each other on a deeper level before any major commitment was made. It would take time, but Robin was worth it.

The next morning I came to find everyone already seated at the table for breakfast, except for my uncle.

"Ah, Maria! How are you feeling this morning, dear?" Ms. Heliotrope questioned as I hobbled into the dining room.

"Still in a bit of pain, but nothing I cannot handle. Thank you for your concern. Will uncle not be joining us?" I asked as I eyed his empty chair at the head of the table.

"Your uncle got up quite early this morning to handle some business in town. It seems there were some issues that required his immediate attention," Loveday explained.

"Surely nothing of any bad nature?" I added.

"I would like to think not. He was very vague with me when I saw him departing this morning. I'm sure he will explain himself upon his return," Loveday said.

I did not realize how hungry I was until Digweed sat a bowl of eggs and porridge in front of me. I must have devoured all of the food within minutes, most probably not in a lady-like fashion, but I did not care. I spent my morning with Ms. Heliotrope where I studied a bit of my french and practiced a few new pieces on the piano. By the time lunch was served Uncle Benjamin had still not returned. I began to worry if the situation in which he had gone to resolve was more bothersome than we had originally believed. Moonacre had just been relieved of any type of danger just recently, surely there was no more to be had; for now, at least.

"Loveday, has uncle still not returned?" I asked Loveday as she entered the parlor.

"Not yet, my darling. I am hopeful that he will be back soon. He has been gone for quite some time," she replied as she sat down in a chair by the fireplace. I took a deep breath and continued the piece of embroidery laying on my lap. I could feel the tension from the other women in the room. Something was wrong, everyone knew it, but no one wanted to say it out loud. I so desperately wanted to lighten the mood to avoid this type of awkwardness.

"Loveday, why don't we talk about plans for your birthday celebration. It is only a few weeks away and you have not mentioned anything that you would like to do!" I said to her. Her eyes immediately lit up a the thought of a party. Loveday deeply loved to immerse herself in any type of party planning or organizing. In the event that anything was awry, this might be a good distraction for her.

"You are quite right. I have not thought much about it if I am being honest. It has been some time since we have had a celebration around here. How about we plan a gathering at the De Noir castle for a fortnight? Perhaps a small dance to accompany a dinner?" she added.

"I think that sounds lovely. I think it would do us all some good to relax and have some enjoyment for a night," I replied.

"Your ankle better be in a good state otherwise you shall not be dancing at all," Loveday said as she examined the bandage.

"Oh, Loveday, you know I never miss an opportunity to dance. Plus, I would love to see Robin on the dance floor. He and the idea of dancing have an interesting dynamic," i said. All of a sudden the front doors to the manor swung open, and in entered my uncle. Out of breath, he entered the parlor.

"It seems that we have a problem..." he said.

Yeesh. Another problem? Why can't these characters ever catch a break? Oh..wait...that's because of me. Well I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did! Before I turn it over to the shoutouts, I want to address something.

I realize that in my past story, Return to Moonacre, Robin and Maria had already confessed their love for each other and grown very close, but, they still had many obstacles to face and issues that needed attention. It's as if they are starting over a bit in this sequel. The two of them will be learning a deeper side to one another and, now that they are more mature, will be taking their relationship a bit more seriously. So, now that that is explained...lets head over to the shoutouts!

Shoutouts:

DaughterofLoki: Oh no! I am so sorry your aunt's dog had other plans for your ideas! I will always listen to any ideas that my readers have, so feel free to send any my way! Thank you so much for your continued support! :)

WhenPigsFly2018: TESSA BE COMIN BABE TRUST ME ;D

Immergladsss: Theorize all you want my dear reader! I love it when you all try to make guesses on what is going to happen next ;) It is definitely titled "Runaways" for a reason! Keep reading to find out! Thank you for your kind review! :)

DCcolaxxx: (Not sure why it wouldn't let me type the dots in between your username?) You are so kind! Your review made my day and I appreciate your sweet words! I'm so glad you feel that way about their love confession in the last story. I specifically did not want to rush that moment so I am so glad that it came off in the correct way. There will be lots of Robin and Maria scenes in this story so stay tuned! Thank you so much for your support and encouragement! :)

Mimulus22: I appreciate your realization that it can be hard to write when you have a life, too! There has been so much going on in these past few months that writing has just taken a back burner in comparison. I am so happy to be back, though! Thank you so much for your support! :)

Joha6486: Thank you so much for favoriting this story! I really appreciate your support! :)

MortumIsoptera: Thank you very much for following and favoriting this story! It means so much to me! :)

NonaV: Thank you for favoriting this story! I am so glad you are enjoying it so far! :)

1Princesshea: Thank you very much for following and favoriting this story! I really appreciate it! :)

Rosegirlz: Thank you so much for following and favoriting this story! I'm so glad you are enjoying it! :)

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Well, that looks like all for tonight everyone! Remember to go follow my instagram page (stories_elking7541) for more updates and contests! :)

Until next time my dears!