Chapter 10: Weak

ROBIN'S POV

I entered my bedroom, and with a sigh locked my door behind me. How does that witch keep finding us and what does she want? I walked over to my massive four post bed, stripping off my jacket and hat, and collapsed onto it. Thoughts of Maria flooded into my brain. She wasn't safe here either, not while the girl is alive. Maria's safety is all that mattered now, and I vowed I wouldn't stop until the forest, the valley, was safe for her again.

"She won't hurt my Maria," I muttered aloud. I always referred to Maria as mine when I was alone. Of course, she wasn't mine, she wasn't anyone's. She's like a bird, I thought, independent and strong-willed.

A half hour later, my unfocused thoughts were interrupted by a commotion coming down the hall. It grew louder as it passed by my door. I stood with a jolt, hearing Maria's name mentioned. I burst through the door. Only to see an unconscious Maria lying in Loveday's arms, surrounded by Sir Benjamin, Maria's tutor, Father, and the nurse maid, Elena. I ran over and took my beautiful friend from Loveday's arms.

"What happened?" I demanded, watching Maria carefully. I looked at everyone; they were all at a loss for words. "Well?" I growled. Loveday stepped forward.

"We were talking and she fainted," she replied calmly.

"What were you talking about? It obviously was a very unpleasant subject," I hissed at her. She looked down at Maria.

"I told her," she murmured. "I told her about your theory. That the girl… wants her." She pointed at Maria. I growled angrily.

"Why did you tell her?" I cried.

"I thought she ought to know!" she cried, just as loud. We glared at each other for a long moment, no one attempting to break our little tiff up. "I thought she was strong enough," Loveday frowned.

I turned and walked down the hall, and carried Maria to the bedroom I had picked out for her. The walls were a light red, almost pink, and the room was furnished in white furniture. There was a four post bed with a white comforter and red decorative pillows. A picture of a white unicorn hung above a set of French doors that led to a small balcony. A vine climbed the railing of the balcony. I carried her in and Loveday appeared. She pulled the blankets down and I lay Maria down gently on the bed. I tucked her in and went over the balcony doors. I opened them, letting the fresh air in.

"Robin," Father called quietly from behind me. He was standing in the doorway. "You shouldn't blame Loveday. She had no idea Maria would respond in this way. Your temper is rather uncalled for." I spun around and gave if a furious look.

"Uncalled for? Uncalled for!" I shouted at him, "Considering what you've asked of me, I find my 'temper' very called for!" By now, I was in his face, staring him down. If looks could kill, he'd be dead. "You had no right to ask that of me!"

"Why is this task so difficult for you, boy? This girl has made you weak!" He shoved a chubby finger in Maria's direction, glaring back at me. If looks could kill, I would be dead as well.

"I am not weak," I cried back at him. Maria stirred and I lowered my voice a bit. "I'm just not your idea of strong. I will not murder for you, Father!" Loveday gasped and came to stand beside me.

"You asked him to kill someone," she said. It wasn't a question. She placed a hand on my arm. "He is a teenager!"

"He is almost twenty," Father retorted. "He must grow up-"

"Well, he won't grow up this way!" She replied, equally as vicious. I had rarely seen Loveday without a smile upon her beautiful face. It was a fearsome sight to see my sister act in this manner. "You may insist on acting so barbaric, but Robin will not follow in your footsteps," she hissed. "You are still a heartless fool!" Her words made Father freeze in shock. He quickly recovered.

"You will not disrespect me, daughter. Especially not in my own home," He turned back to me. "You will complete this task. If you don't, the consequences will be severe. Are we clear?" Loveday started to answer for me, but I silenced her quickly, knowing she'd regret it later.

"Get out," I told him. He raised an eyebrow.

"Excuse me?"

"Get out!" I screamed, shaking with rage. He glared back at me for a moment then turned, and stormed out. The rest followed after him, leaving me alone with Maria. I turned back to her.

Her eyes were open wide, watching me.

MARIA'S POV

Robin's expression worried me. No, it frightened me. I had never before seen such anger and his mesmerizing, brown eyes. His face softened as his gaze met mine, sighing, he came over and sat next to me on the bed. I sat up as much as I could, immediately becoming dizzy, and frowned, knowing his father was right.

"I have made you weak," I said apologetically. He shook his head.

"No, Maria, you haven't," he placed a cool hand on my cheek. "You have made me a stronger, more honorable man," he insisted.

"But you're disobeying you father," I frowned. He looked down and shrugged. I could tell he wanted Coeur De Noir's acceptance more than anything. His father, though kinder since the 5000th moon, still had no love in his heart for Robin. "You should do it." His head snapped up and he watched me with unreadable eyes. I slid away from him, afraid I had made him angry.

"What?" his eyebrows creased together.

"You should do what your father said. I see that you want his acceptance. No," I pondered for a moment. "You more than want it. You would do anything for it, and if this will satisfy him, you should." I hated what I was saying, but it was the only way for him to make his father happy.

"If this is the way to earn his acceptance, then I do not wish for it anymore," he told me. I nodded, relieved that he didn't want to harm anyone. I got out of the bed dizzily, and nearly fell backwards. Robin had to steady me. We walked over to the balcony and leaned against the railing in silence. A gust of wind rushed over me and I shivered. In response, Robin pulled off his leather jacket and wrapped it around me. His sweet scent filled my nostrils, making me even dizzier. I leaned against him to steady myself, and he wrapped an arm around me. It first I thought he was comforting me, but then I felt him tense up, his grip tightening around me.

"What is it?" I looked up at him. His face was covered with emotions, the main one being horror. His eyes were locked on the tree line. I followed his gaze and saw what was making him uneasy. A boy came staggering out of the forest, holding his head. Then, the boy collapsed on the ground. My jaw dropped as I realized what had done this. The girl stepped out of the forest and looked up at us, a maniacal grin on her face.

(A/N) It's been a while but i FINALLY finished the chapter (:

This one was so hard to write! I have never appreciated Coeur De Noir, or his lack of

appreciation for Robin.

I'M DESPERATELY TRYING TO GET MY NEW CHAPPIES UP, BUT IT IS TAKING FOREVER!

PLEASE DONT GIVE UP ON ME, GUYS! I'M DOING MY BEST, I PROMISE.

R&&R!

Happy V-Day(Or Single Appreciation Day)

*Kiss Kiss*

~suckr4luv~