Stunned is probably not a strong enough word to describe Maria's feelings after that shocking announcement. And pleased was not a strong enough word to describe Helene's expression as the seconds dragged out between them all. Maria stood there, frozen for many moments before beginning to speak. But Helene interrupted her before she could get even a word out.

"We'd love to have you at the wedding, of course," she spat out. She turned and placed a soft kiss on Robin's cheek, her eyes seeming to shimmer in the dim lighting. Robin, usually observant, seemed to have eyes only for his fiancée. He never noticed the pain that filled Maria's eyes as she began to back away.

"I'm... I'm very happy for you," she muttered, hardly able to get the words out. But she shook her head and cleared her throat, leveling her eyes with Helene. "For you both." Not wanting to let this strange woman see her falter, Maria forced a smile. "If you don't mind, could I steal just a moment with my friend?" she asked, her eyes only on Robin. This was the first time she'd dared to call him that for many months. Though it felt strange passing from her lips, she couldn't resist the possessive term in the face of this woman who so blatantly claimed him.

"Why, of course," Helene smiled. "It'll have to be a quick moment, of course, as we have wedding plans to make." Maria nodded and almost let her eyes fall to the floor. But something in Helene's eyes caught her attention. Just before she turned to leave, Helene once again kissed Robin's cheek, and as she did so, her eyes shimmered as they had before. Maria thought it strange but put it behind her as Robin and she were now alone.

She waited for what seemed like ages for him to speak, to say something, apologize. But nothing came. It appeared as if Robin had left his mind with Helene, for as soon as she left the room, he seemed as lifeless as a puppet. His expression was similar to one deep in thought, though it seemed to Maria that no thoughts were running through his mind. This was not the boy she knew. He hardly looked the same at all, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what had changed about him.

"Robin?" she murmured, trying to catch his attention. She ended up having to walk forward and physically shake his shoulders before he responded.

"Maria," he said, simply. His eyes seeming heavy as he struggled to lift them to meet hers. "You're here."

"Yes, I'm here, you dolt," she whispered harshly. "I came to see if you were okay and I come to find you're already in the lion's mouth!" His confused expression did nothing to calm her nerves. "Surely you can see she's not who she says she is. She's dangerous, Robin." The vision from the painting was all she could think about. The blood on the dagger. Robin's blood. That woman's eyes...

"Maria, I have no idea what you're talking about." Maria looked up quickly to see Robin's disapproving gaze. "I can see why you would be jealous of Helene, but that's no reason to make such wild accusations. Helene wouldn't hurt a fly, let alone me." His eyes cut to her in anger. "Perhaps you should return home, Prin-"

Robin stopped himself. That wasn't allowed anymore. She couldn't be that anymore, not to him.

"Listen, Maria, I'm sorry. But I think it would be best for all of us if you go home now." He took a breath, the life seeming to return to his eyes for just a second.

"I am sorry."

With that, he brushed past her and left the hall. Maria watched until the last trace of him had disappeared behind an archway. She could hardly believe what had just happened. She had only a moment to think this before Loveday appeared beside her, catching her arm in her tender grasp.

"Loveday," Maria spoke. "Let's go home."

She nodded, taking Maria's hand in her own and starting back the way they came.