Thanks so much for the reviews guys! Their really inspiring me! Considering I feel a Writers-Block approaching I'm trying to brainstorm a lot but I'm sorry if this chapter isn't as good as previous ones and also its bit shorter, sorry :3
Anyway this chapter is set from Maria's POV.
I cautiously made my way down the staircase after awakening from my accidental nap feeling a bit peckish. I had hoped that I could slip into the kitchens unnoticed and receive a slice of pie of some biscuits from Marmaduke, but descending upon a creaky step quickly demolished that plan. I winced as the loud creaking noise echoed its way through the household.
"Maria?" I heard Loveday call from the living room.
I still wasn't in the best mood to begin conversing, but I figured it had to be done at some point, may as well be now. Besides I could always make up some excuse about not feeling well or something. Right?
As I walked quickly down the traitorous steps, across the hall and into the living room I beg to dread the rapidly approaching conversation. I was tired and probably wouldn't make the best company. I told Loveday this, to which she just laughed and patted the space between her and Wrolf on the large, comfortable and vibrantly red settee, which added the nice air of a DeNoir touch to the room. There was a steaming pot of tea settled on a small white table next to the settee alongside a set of three or four beautifully decorated china cups. Looking outside the window I noticed the sky had darkened to a mystical black colour, the stars twinkling against the dark blanket of night. I hadn't realised that I had been asleep for so long! Loveday and Wrolf were illuminated only by the glow coming from the sizeable fire that was settled in the grand fireplace at the front of the room. I brushed off the lack of Miss Heliotrope as she was in her study reading when I left for the forest this morning and she was there when I got back and it didn't surprise me to discover that she was probably still in there! However as I sat down between my soon-to-be aunt and the big shaggy black dog I did notice the considerable lack of male company.
"Loveday?" I said turning to face her. "Hmm?" She replied, pouring some hot tea into one of the teacups and passing it to me. "Where is my Uncle?" I questioned, accepting the tea gratefully. "Oh, he's visiting the DeNoir Castle, something bout organising a feast for tomorrow night." My heart stopped for a split second before ramming into gear again. "What? Why?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm although it still sounded little strained. Loveday gave me a puzzled expression as she poured herself some tea. "Tomorrow's the anniversary of the day the curse was broken? Don't you remember Maria?" Oh No! I had completely forgotten! "My father wants to organise a marvellous celebration to honour not only you and the sacrifice you made for the whole valley on that apocalyptic day, but also the union of our two families, and of Benjamin and I." Loveday explained. "But fear not Maria, you are the guest of honour at this feast." She said winking and taking sip from her own cup. "There will be food, obviously, and drinking, though you can't have a lot, and dancing. There will be special dances as well, for Me and Benjamin and for you and Robin-" My head had been swimming with the realisation that I would have to see Robin so soon after our awkward experience in the forest, but now I had to dance with him? It was too much! "What why?!" I exclaimed in anguish. Loveday gave me another quizzical look. "It's a tradition to have the children of two previously rivalling families to dance together, to express the good faith between the families and uphold alliances. Especially since it's such a special anniversary. The DeNoir clan are very fond of maintaining this tradition, not to do so would be a great disrespect. Anyway I thought you and Robin were friends? I thought you were close now? You seem to be spending a lot of time together. Has anything happened?" She inquired, looking worried.
My head was bursting with questions, I needed to tell someone! But could I trust Loveday? Of course. But did I really want her knowing that I liked Robin? My lips trembled as I took a deep breath and relayed everything that had happened, leaving out some details, such as how desperately I had wanted Robin to kiss me, or how his body pressed against mine had made me feel. "-and I have come to the sudden realisation that I very probably might have possibly fallen in love with Robin." I finished, holding my breath, waiting for a response. During my rant Wrolf had settled his head comfortably in my lap and I started to stroke behind his ear as I awkwardly waited for Loveday to say something.
"I knew it." She mumbled. "Huh? How?" I inquired, shocked. "I see it in your eyes when you talk about him, even if you don't realise it's there." I paused for a moment, admiring Loveday's intelligence. "It's the same look he gets in his eyes when he talks about you you know." She remarked slowly. I choked on my tea, an accident that Wrolf didn't like very much, groaning at me as my body shook, a blush forming on my face as I coughed. Loveday gently rubbed my back as I recovered. "What are you saying?" I croaked. Loveday gave me a warm smile. "I'm saying he loves you too you silly girl" She said with a small chuckle. My mouth formed a tiny 'o' as I contemplated what she had revealed. Was Loveday right? Or had she been mistaken? If she was right then that just opened up even more doors and questions. If what she said was true, then why did he pull away so suddenly when they had gotten close? I was pretty sure that Loveday had gotten it wrong, but as I looked into the flickering fire and sipped my tea I couldn't help but wonder at the possibility that Robin could like me back, and consider what I should do about it.