- UPDATE 02/04/2018- Hi All, unfortunately, I will have to take a brief hiatus from writing. I'm graduating from college this year and to do so I need to complete a sort of research thesis for my engineering degree. Well... UGH... My professor needs me to present at a conference this March, and well they have been on my case making sure my project is at the level it needs to be. So ... That means I may not be able to write until afterwards. I am very sorry :( I always told myself I never wanted to just leave a story as it is, not only is it frustrating to you all, but it also means I may lose your attention. But I also don't want to betray you all and leave you readers hanging. I know many of you are guests and don't have accounts, which is why I try to push myself to publish by deadlines, but this school year has been kicking my butt and dragging me through the mud. I am very sorry, especially that I don't know when I'll put up the next chapter. :(
Chapter 8:
Where their first kiss was driven by a desperate search and longing, their second kiss was affectionate and tender. His lips were faithful, not once straying from hers as he peppered her with soft kisses. His hands were loyal to her waist, keeping her close and their bodies steady. His senses were devoted to her, inhaling her sweet perfume and savoring her soft and plump lips.
She found herself relaxing into his hold, content in his arms. She absorbed his body's warmth as she was pressed against the cold stone wall. Her hands stroked his soft mane of curls and she felt his smile press into her lips.
It seemed too soon that she pulled away for a breath of air. A shy giggle escaped her, ending with a sigh as she rested her head on his chest, a second kiss…
Though she relished the comfort of their silence, hope fueled her curiosity, "Did you remember?"
Robin's hold slackened. He solemnly shook his head no.
Maria forced a small smile, trying to mask the sinking feeling in her heart. Unsure of what to do, she slid her hands down his chest and fidgeted with a button on his shirt.
Robin's heart twisted, disappointed with himself. The empty void ached his chest. It reached out, wishing to have his memories, wishing to have her.
But he didn't want to pressure her. He didn't want to push her away or scare her. Feeling like he already used up his luck, Robin fell against the wall, pulling away from Maria.
He looked to the floor and Maria felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. Who was she to feel disappointed when it was Robin suffering the most?
She tentatively inched closer. Standing in front of him, she put a finger under his chin and gently turned his face towards her.
"Don't worry, they'll come back."
A corner of Robin's mouth twitched. "What if they don't?"
"Then, we'll make new ones."
Robin nodded to Maria, not feeling hopeful but not wanting to disappoint her anymore.
An unwelcomed silence surrounded them. Maria bit her lip and peaked outside of the tapestry, inspecting the corridor. Though her conscious warned she had been gone for too long, she didn't want to leave his company. Instead, Maria looked around them, wanting to lighten the mood. "I can't imagine how it feels…living without your memories… having so many unanswered questions…. snogging a stranger…."
Robin's eyes widened, and his laugh got caught amidst a coughing fit. His face turned red as he struggled to regain himself, he didn't expect that tease from her. Robin hit his chest and forced his words out of his beating chest.
"Yes, erm, well once you get used to the secrets and meetings going on behind your back it's not too bad," He said looking at his hands. He clenched his fists and looked up, a grave mistake. Maria's beautiful brown eyes stared back at him, brimming with a hopeful mirth. Her cheeks were flushed and her lips plump from his kisses. He felt his heart and stomach twist, doing barrel rolls. Robin forced his thoughts steady, but he couldn't pull his eyes from her and he began to stutter. Robin bit his cheek, he was sobering up and desperately wanted another drink. Get it together Robin, he commanded himself. "Besides, when your stranger happens to be a great kisser, it's not so bad…."
Robin wanted to groan. Did he really just say that? Robin pulled his eyes away from her and stared furiously at the floor, well there was no turning back. He tried to salvage the conversation and mumbled, "And it doesn't feel like you're stranger— at least not much anymore…"
Maria held her breath. Her head was spinning, trying to capture his words. Her smile grew and spread to Robin like a warm summer's day. Before she could respond, the great hall doors burst open. Sir Benjamin and Mrs. Heliotrope rushed out in search for her, shouting her name. Loveday and Mr. De Noir followed searching for Robin. The two families were afraid Maria had gone down to the dungeons, or that Robin had hurt her. So desperate were they in their search, they failed to notice the shaking tapestry by the doors.
Maria was giggling. First at her family, and then at Robin as he failed to quiet her. He moved her close to the wall, trying to reduce her contact with the tapestry. Her giggling grew louder, and Maria squeezed her stomach, trying to hold back the laughter ready to burst within. Robin began to snicker and covered Maria's mouth. He shot her a warning look.
"Maria stop, they'll hear you!" He pleaded with a whisper.
"I can't," Maria heaved in between breaths.
Robin raised an eyebrow, "Then you leave me no choice. I'll have to quiet you with kisses and hope we don't get caught."
Maria's eyes widened, and she clamped her mouth shut. Her family's cries faded, and Robin peaked out of the tapestry. Ensuring the corridor was clear, he quietly pulled Maria out by her hand. They adjusted themselves and Maria was the first to sneak into the great hall. She made her way to the buffet table. A few minutes later, Robin joined her.
When her family returned in a frenzy, they were shocked to find Maria and Robin having a drink, talking amicably. Ever observant, Loveday didn't miss their flushed cheeks. She bit her grin and gave Maria a knowing wink. Mrs. Heliotrope was just happy Maria was safe and unharmed.
Though they insisted they had always been at the party chatting away, Sir Benjamin wasn't taking the bait. He wasn't sure what transpired between the two but considering that only a week ago they refused to talk to one another, he was certain something did. Something, which he had a feeling, he would not approve of.
"Robin, I need to speak with you outside," Sir Benjamin commanded rather gruffly. He moved stiffly through the lively guests. Robin followed, the joy he felt from being with Maria sunk with each step.
Once the doors shut behind them, Sir Benjamin turned on Robin and growled, "Why the sudden change in heart?"
Robin swallowed, "What do you mean?"
"It was only a few weeks ago you couldn't even stand the thought of Maria! And suddenly, today, you two disappear and come back talking as though friends! Before you go back inside, you will tell me, what are your intentions with Maria? Why the sudden friendliness! Did you get your memories back?"
Robin stammered, "N—no…". He didn't know what to say. He wasn't about to tell Sir Benjamin he had just finished snogging his niece.
"Then did your cousin set you up to this? Are you trying to finish her off for Althea, or take her pearls? What are your intentions?" His eyes bore into Robin, looking for—no expecting him to lie.
Robin balked. "No, Sir Benjamin! No one set me up for this! I mean her no harm!"
"Then where were you two! Does she know Althea has escaped, did she go down to the dungeons?"
"N—no! She doesn't know anything, w—we were, erm, just talking—nothing happened."
"Don't you dare falter on me boy," Sir Benjamin grabbed Robin by the shoulders. "I've already lost her father, who despite his stupidity and irresponsibility was still my brother. I will not lose my niece too!"
Robin paled. Sir Benjamin was serious, he had never been more afraid of that man. He tried to defend himself, "I—I would never hurt her."
"Oh really? Then let me jog the little memories you have left and remind you that a few months ago you put a knife to her neck! For all we know, you could be under the beast's control! Did you think I'd trust you to be in her company? Did you think I'd want to risk her life by letting her be around you? No, I would have to be a bloody fool!"
Robin grit his teeth. Her uncle was right. Too many times his family had put the Merryweathers at risk. Two times he threatened Maria's life. First when she came to Moonacre valley, and the second when he lost his bloody memories. There was no way he could prove himself loyal when he had to constantly check Maria's book just to know what happened between them.
Robin narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath. If there was one thing he knew, it was that fighting with Sir Benjamin would get them nowhere. He heard of the infamous Merryweather temper. "I saw her leave the party and I followed her. She was heading to the dungeons, but I stopped her. We talked for a bit, then went back inside."
Sir Benjamin released Robin, and Robin continued his defense. "Sir Benjamin, I promise you, I mean her no harm. I—I just want my memories back. I may not remember, but I read her book and I know what happened."
"Then you know Maria's saved us many times. She needs dependable and loyal people in her life. If you truly read the book, then you know this isn't the first time you've abandoned her." With one last look to Robin, Sir Benjamin huffed over his shoulder as he went back inside. "Her father was already one coward in her life, she doesn't need another."
"Good afternoon, Maria," Mr. De Noir greeted her as he stepped into the dinning room.
"Good Afternoon! Did Robin come as well?"
Mr. De Noir took his seat for brunch and avoided her eyes. "Erm—He wasn't in the castle this morning. I'm not sure where he is actually, perhaps he'll join us later."
Sir Benjamin scoffed and shook his head. He wasn't surprised. Typical of Robin to disappear at any sign of confrontation. With that thought, Sir Benjamin looked to Loveday. It seemed lock-picking wasn't the only De Noir specialty, running away was too.
Maria inspected her uncle as she ate the rest of her meal in silence. Last night, when her uncle returned to the celebration, he was alone. She didn't see Robin for rest of the night. She still had a few more days in Moonacre, she wasn't leaving until the end of the week. She hoped this time, Robin would come to say good bye.
After breakfast, Loveday excused herself from her family. She took Albert by the hand and left the manor towards the forest. Since Albert began to walk, she resumed her stroll through the woods. Like her own upbringing, she wanted Albert to grow with the forest and learn all about it. She took him to her old dwelling and introduced him to her animal companions. He seemed especially fond of birds, much like his grandfather. He still didn't speak much, but she knew he enjoyed their walks together.
Today, she wanted to show Albert the first Moon Princess' cavern. As they neared the old knotted tree, Albert chortled and lunged himself forwards, running as best as a toddler could through the snow and trees.
"Albert, wait!"
Albert didn't stop for his mother. He continued running, laughing along the way, until he jumped on the lap of his favorite uncle.
"Robin?"
Robin greeted Loveday with a weak smile. He lifted Albert on to his lap, and wrapped his red-feathered scarf around his nephew's neck.
"What are you doing here, Robin?"
"Just thinking. The castle was getting stuffy."
Loveday frowned and sat next to Robin. "What happened with Benjamin? You never came back to the celebration."
Robin shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He tried to distract himself by playing with Albert.
"Does this have to do with Maria?"
Once again, her question went unanswered and she groaned.
"Robin, please talk to me… Maria told me what happened."
Robin winced and slowly looked to Loveday. She was biting her lip with worry. Her hand was raised, as though wishing to physically comfort him, but she wasn't sure if he would be open to the affection. After all, it was only recently that he still thought her a traitor. With his memories gone, all the years they spent rebuilding their relationship had also disappeared.
Robin sighed. He hated not having his memories. To this day it seemed everyone still tiptoed around him, making him uncertain of how to behave around them as well.
"Sir Benjamin simply had the curtesy to remind me of the many times I've endangered Maria's life and how he doesn't trust me."
"Oh, Benjamin! Such a mistrusting and stubborn person he is. He's going to hear me out on this—"
"Don't Loveday, he's right." Robin took off his hat and ran his hands through his hair. "Loveday, I feel as though I've taken advantage of her."
Loveday grabbed his arm, "Don't you dare say that Robin!"
"But it's true! Since the very beginning Maria has done nothing but give me her friendship and kindness. I have yet to return it! Who am I to deserve her forgiveness—or anyone else's for that matter—and then for me to just go on and kiss her! I feel as though I've taken advantage of her love."
"But Robin, don't you see? It is her love for you that drove her to forgive you and show you affection—"
"No Loveday, it is her love for the old Robin, her desire to bring him back, not me. I haven't done anything to deserve it. I feel like a fake, a broken replacement."
Loveday shook her head as she listened to Robin's rant. By now, Albert grew tired of their arguing and waddled away to build a family of snowmen.
"And even back then, the old Robin, what a ruddy friend he was! How did I go so long without talking to her? How could he have let her leave to school without so much as an apology? What kind of friend does that? Definitely not one who has a right to her love and affection."
Loveday chuckled and rested her head on his shoulder. At first, she felt him stiffen, but as she spoke he seemed to relax next to her. "Dear brother, if anyone heard you, they'd think you lost your mind! Speaking as though you were two separate people. Robin, you are the same. You and the old Robin. Yes, you made mistakes then, but you have grown, you've learned."
"Have I?"
"Yes! The first time you avoided her for three years, but this time, only a few months. That's a vast improvement if you ask me?"
"Loveday, I was forced to talk to her. If it weren't for you all knocking some sense I would still be the biggest oaf in all of England."
"Then thank the heavens for our patience and let the past be the past. I would imagine without memories you'd have an easier time moving forwards."
Robin shook his head. "Loveday, how was Maria's father?"
Loveday heaved a sigh and brought her knees up to her chest. "By the time I ran away to be with Benjamin, Joseph had long left Moonacre to live his life in London. I can't say I knew him well, if at all. I only knew of him through the letters he sparingly sent Benjamin. It's how I learned of Maria. Though he was older than Benjamin, he wasn't responsible and spent too much money. He gave Benjamin many headaches.
He left Moonacre to avoid the curse, taking with him Moonacre's book. Benjamin claimed he was angry at Joseph for stealing the book, but I knew it was a lie. He missed his brother. He was left all alone in the decrepit mansion to deal with the curse."
"So, it's true then, he was a coward?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "I can't say… though a father who squanders his money then leaves behind an orphaned daughter with nothing to survive, doesn't seem like a good man to me. He was putting a lot of faith in Benjamin to accept Maria."
"Sir Benjamin wouldn't have abandoned her, would he?"
Loveday smiled, feeling her chest swell. "No, he wouldn't have. He is temperamental, has a rage that could frighten any De Noir—it sure frightened me—and he can be stiff and unyielding to change. But, despite all that, he is a passionate, loyal, and incredibly faithful man, dedicated to his family. Its why I fell in love with him. I learned from Digweed and Marmaduke he spent ages searching all through Moonacre for me. I'm sure it's why he remained in Moonacre, waiting for his brother and I to return, he never lost hope."
...oOo...
Maria sat with her uncle and governess in the piano room. It was nearing supper and she was playing melodies, Sir Benjamin was reading, and Mrs. Heliotrope was embroidering a new handkerchief for Digweed. Mr. De Noir had returned to the castle after brunch.
The pitter-patters of Albert's steps broke the sweet melody of Maria's playing. Albert came running in and tackled Wrolf who was nestled by the fireplace. Wrolf let out a quiet roar. He tried to shift away from the melting snow falling off Albert's coat and into his own, but Albert was relentless. He continued burrowing himself into Wrolf, determined to steal his warmth. A soft knock on the doorway distracted them from the adorable sight before them.
Maria sat up and gapped. "R—Robin, what are you doing here?"
He stood sheepishly by the door with a large, old and weathered, trunk by his feet. All his confidence from the night before was gone. Instead, a swarm of butterflies pushed against his stomach and left him feeling sick. It didn't help that Sir Benjamin was glaring over his book… or that Loveday tried to push him into the room while eagerly standing on her toes to peer over his shoulders. Perhaps he should have taken his friends' offer for a quick drink before coming down to see Maria.
"Maria! Is that any way to greet a guest?" Mrs. Heliotrope scolded.
"No, no, its fine," Robin tried to say, though it sounded more like a croak. He cleared his throat, his ears burning as he saw Sir Benjamin smirk. "Good afternoon ladies, Sir Benjamin."
Sir Benjamin grunted his greeting and pretended to go back to his book, but neither Robin nor Loveday miss his sidelong glares at the De Noir heir.
"I don't mean to intrude, and I apologize for not making it to brunch earlier. I—er, actually came to try to make amends." He added nudging the crate by his feet.
Sir Benjamin set his book down and narrowed his eyes. Loveday shot him a warning look and urged Robin to continue. She finally budged him into the room.
"Erm—I was reminded by Maria last night that I promised to teach her how to properly defend herself. Well, that promise is long overdue, and if Maria would still have me as her instructor, I would like to begin immediately, before she heads off to school."
Sir Benjamin tightened his jaw but nodded his head. He would feel better if Maria had some basic understanding of defense. So long as he could observe them, at least the first few days, he could make sure Robin truly meant no harm.
"The boys told me Maria and her friends had trouble with their gowns, so I- erm- went and found some old clothes for them to have."
Mrs. Heliotrope squawked, "Heavens n-no! Maria can't wear such clothes! The in-indecency, the—the audacity! To dress as a man a-and partake in such activities—It will be her social downfall!"
Sir Benjamin now directed his scowl to Maria's governess. "Mrs. Heliotrope, I think we all know that so long as those pearls remain with her, Maria must not only be protected by us, but must also be able to protect herself."
"Y—yes b-but with her ma—magic there should be no need for Maria to resort to actual f—fighting!"
"Though Maria herself has made that point," Robin interjected, "She still has no control over the pearls and there may be the worst-case scenario where Maria won't have the pearls with her. We need her to be prepared."
Sir Benjamin cleared his throat, "Robin's right. However, before I let you anywhere near my niece," Sir Benjamin walked up to Robin and met him eye to eye. "Know that one step out of line and I will make sure you never set foot in Moonacre again." Sir Benjamin inched closer and whispered in his ear, "You may have easily won over your sister's and Maria's trust, but not mine. I'll be watching you."
With that, Sir Benjamin walked out the door and left to his office. Loveday groaned in frustration. She squeezed Robin's arm in support before following her husband.
Mrs. Heliotrope aggressively fanned her face. "Maria, Robin, p—please excuse me. This seemed to have riled my indigestion. Oh, where is Digweed I must speak with him!"
Mrs. Heliotrope rushed out of the room and left Maria and Robin alone.
Maria clasped her hands behind her back and stepped out from behind the piano. She walked to Robin, "Hello."
Robin returned her smile. "Hi. You play beautifully."
"Thank you, you once played with me."
"I did?"
"Yes, Loveday's waltz. You were wonderful too."
"Thanks." Robin shifted his weight. Not many knew he played the piano. He wished he could remember that.
"Would you like to sit down?"
"Actually, if it's alright by you, can we start today? I don't want to keep this promise waiting."
Maria rocked on the balls of her feet and gave Robin a smile that sent his heart beating. "Alright, but first, could you help me take the trunk to my tower."
"You sleep in a tower?"
"That's right."
"How very, princess-y of you," Robin smirked.
The walk to Maria's room was quiet. Now that he wasn't trying to catch her, Robin took his time to admire the manor. The winter sun bounced off its cream-colored walls and the crystal chandeliers decorated with garland and berries. He recognized Loveday's favorite flower plants, waiting to bloom with the upcoming spring.
Inside the tower, Robin set the trunk down. Right by the door was the portrait of the first Moon Princess. "Is this her?"
"Yes. She's beautiful, isn't she?"
Robin marveled at it, astonished by how similar she looked to Loveday.
"There is another I'd like you too meet!" Maria cradled her rabbit and plopped her into Robin's arms. "This is Serena! My Moonacre Rabbit. I believe you read about her? You trapped her and I set her free, it was one of our earliest encounters. Second after that," Maria said pointing to the scar on the back of his hand.
Robin nodded his head, unsure of what to do with the soft ball of fur in his arms.
"Robin, come, I have something else to show you!"
Robin's brow creased at the tiny door Maria was crawling through. He carefully placed Serena on the floor and followed Maria into a circular room. It had a balcony that faced the snow-covered forest and ocean beyond. Murals of the ocean, in hues of blues and greens, contrasted with the heavenly white unicorns that decorated her walls. He stood in awe. His mind stirred, it all looked so familiar, but he couldn't recall a previous time he'd seen it.
A faint whisper disturbed his thoughts, warning him this could be a trap. Robin shook his head and admonished himself for thinking that.
"Is something wrong?"
"N—no," Robin forced a smile. "Your room, i—it's nice."
Maria laughed. "Though I appreciate your forced admiration, that's not what I wanted to show you. Come, stand by me."
Robin moved stiffly besides her, keeping a respectable space between them. Maria wrapped her arm around his. She felt him tense.
"Do you trust me?"
Robin processed her words. She was waiting for him, staring with her wide eyes and a playful grin on her rosy lips. Robin swallowed, once more shoving his lingering doubts to the back of his mind. He nodded his head.
Maria's grip tightened. "On the count of three: one… two…—three!"
Maria stretched out her free arm. She let herself fell back on her bed, pulling Robin down with her. Robin's free hand instinctively flew to his sheath but he stopped himself. His yelp was cut short and he landed on her soft blankets.
"Look!" Maria pointed at her ceiling.
Robin's mouth fell open. Fluffy white clouds rolled across the enchanted ceiling. Birds flew in between, twirling amongst themselves. The sky was a beautiful blue, but turning pink on the western-most wall, the sun was setting. Robin was speechless.
"It's magnificent, isn't it? It's what I miss the most about home back at school. Well, I miss my family the most of course, but this ceiling comes in close second."
"How is this possible?" Robin asked breathlessly.
"Magic." Maria excitedly whispered back. "Oh, I wish you could see it at night. The stars twinkle so brightly! It faithfully replicates the sky up above. I used to spend my nights searching for constellations."
"Used too?"
"Yes, I've now finished. I wish there was a way to observe the night sky in other locations, but it seems to only act as a window for Moonacre's sky."
Robin was curious of how the night looked on her roof. He made up his mind to one day find out.
Maria turned on her side to face him. She rested her head on her hand. "The last time you were here, you tried to fight William. You were so worked up about him, and the monster, we never got to admire the stars on my ceiling."
Robin's face scrunched in disgust. "Why was he here?"
"Oh, don't you start, he's my friend. The Harrisons was here to pick up what was left of their shipwreck."
Robin huffed. "Still don't see what you like in him and I still think his family was responsible for Althea. He's bit of a fop."
"Think what you want, but he's been a true friend, much like Bast, the rest of your gang, and the girls back at school."
Robin couldn't help but notice she left him out and felt a pang of guilt. Perhaps it was just like what Sir Benjamin said, he really had been a cowardly friend to her.
"Speaking of whereabouts, Robin, why didn't you come back to the party? Did my uncle do something?"
Robin turned back to her ceiling and released a low breath. He should have figured Maria was going to ask too.
"Don't worry about it. Your uncle was simply making sure you were safe."
Maria frowned. "Safe from Charles and Althea… or safe from you…?"
"…Both."
"Don't listen to him, my uncle shouldn't be accusing you of such wickedness."
"He has a point. For all we know Althea could be somewhere in the depths of my head. I'm sorry. I've caused you so much trouble," Robin said.
"Nonsense!" Maria prodded his shoulder. "The only trouble you've caused is obstructing my mission," she huffed. "I was supposed to confront Althea and find how to get your memories. When can I talk to her? It hardly seems fair you've all kept her to youselves."
Robin blanched. He couldn't reveal she had escaped. "Erm, you should talk to your uncle or my father about that."
"But why not you? You said you're not allowed to see her, aren't you curious?"
It was true, many nights he tried to find them. But the dungeons were massive and filled with guards. He couldn't get far without being discovered. And now, Althea was gone. He had missed his chance.
Robin shrugged his shoulders, "It's too dangerous."
Maria pouted. She got down her bed and made her way back to the trunk filled with clothing. She opened it up and began to inspect the old clothes. There were leather trousers, black and white tunics, a few old leather jackets, and a red scarf. "Well then what else am I to do? You're my friend Robin, and a very dear one at that. I want to do all that I can to help you! But without talking to Althea, we're left in a rut!"
He came up behind her and leaned against the doorway. "How dear of a friend?"
Maria bit her lips. She glanced at Robin before resuming her inspection. "Dear enough for me to kiss you…." She mumbled feeling her cheeks burn. "So, it's true then, you're really going to try to teach me this time?" She tried to change the subject.
Robin smiled, his heart fluttering with hope. "Yes, why? Did you think I only came for another kiss?"
Maria rolled her eyes but couldn't stop her grin. "I hope you'll forget those kisses. Not like they worked anyways."
"You're asking the impossible." He turned to Maria with a hint of a playful smile and said, "I can't say I remember, but I will never forget your kiss. And I promise if I ever remember you will be the first to know. Until then…we can keep trying until I do?" His smirk was light as he raised an eyebrow. He was testing his ground. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable.
Maria was caught by surprised and laughed. "Who do you think I am?" She mockingly scolded. "Someone you can just kiss whenever you feel like remembering? It isn't respectable and considering it hasn't worked, I'm afraid last night may be the end of our snogging sessions. We'll have to find other ways to get your memories. Perhaps spells—" Maria gestured to her peals "—or potions made from frog feet and bat wings!"
Robin grimaced, "Hang on, that's not fair, I've only gotten two kisses so far—"
"Yes, and you will get no more! At least not until your memories come back. You should consider yourself lucky you even got two."
Robin leaned closer to Maria. "Hmm, considering that we've only kissed twice….and out of those two kisses, only one seemed to work—and even then, only slightly might I add—I would say it's too soon to tell if it did or it didn't work. Perhaps we need to test the kisses out a bit more, break down the mental barrier."
Maria raised her brows, "Oh really? On account of simple arithmetics, you think you need more kisses?"
Robin shrugged his shoulders, "It's in the numbers."
"Numbers or not, it is neither proper nor respectable. If we were caught, I would be in so much trouble! My reputation would be ruined! No calculations could excuse or save that."
Robin recalled Richard's scolding. "You are not just someone to kiss whenever, you are the Moon Princess anyone would be honored to have your kisses," Robin stated. "If someone ever makes you feel anything less than the respectable London lady you are, they will have a gang of ruffians, bandits, and plunderers, led by a most ruthless leader, to deal with." Robin winked.
Maria rolled her eyes and laughed a beautiful chime to his ears. "Go away bird boy, I must change," Maria said pushing Robin out the door.
"Unfortunately, I have many promises to make up for, so you won't be rid of me that easily. I'll wait downstairs for our lessons, princess."
- UPDATE 02/04/2018- Hi All, unfortunately, I will have to take a brief hiatus from writing. I'm graduating from college this year and to do so I need to complete a sort of research thesis for my engineering degree. Well... UGH... My professor needs me to present at a conference this March, and well they have been on my case making sure my project is at the level it needs to be. So ... That means I may not be able to write until afterwards. I am very sorry :( I always told myself I never wanted to just leave a story as it is, not only is it frustrating to you all, but it also means I may lose your attention. But I also don't want to betray you all and leave you readers hanging. I know many of you are guests and don't have accounts, which is why I try to push myself to publish by deadlines, but this school year has been kicking my butt and dragging me through the mud. I am very sorry, especially that I don't know when I'll put up the next chapter. :(
Hi readers, I'm so sorry for the delay! For as easy as this chapter was supposed to be, it took me way too long to edit.
Kasia 24, Hadassah the Bunny, and SilverScarlet625: I'm so glad you all liked chapter 7! Would you believe that after I posted it, I started panicking thinking that I was rushing the story? Since no one said anything, I'm assuming its ok?... But seriously, thank you for your reviews, it was the only thing motivating me to keep writing this week- ive been so tired! (school)
And Kasia24, fanfiction reviews don't let people post emails, so I can't see it :( . I should have my email in my profile (immergladsss at gmail dot com) without the spaces and with the appropriate signs lol. I could really use some book recommendations haha.
As for my plans: this chp was the last of their holidays. I wanted to get Robin 'up to speed' since he's going to play a big role in the next chapters and well, I need him to be friendly (*wink* ) with Maria. I want to be honest and say I have been struggling with motivation, so I will do my best to publish the next chapter by Feb 3. I could also use some feedback letting me know what you want to happen? is the pacing ok? Is there something I can do to make this story better? I see the read count growing, and though I am incrediblythankful to all readers who read this, it would be great if I could get some feedback :)
Until next time!
-gladsss
