"What must I do?"

XXX

The Coeur smiled grimly. Although the sight was not altogether foreign, something in his visage unnerved me. Examining his face closer, I could see reason. The Coeur had aged much in the time I had been away, in a way that was neither proportional nor proper. Though upon our first meeting he was hardly a young man, he now possessed a tired quality that appeared to emanate from his bones. The dark kohl that lined the black eyes seemed ashy, the lines on his brow and eyes deeper. It sent a shiver through my body to know that not only had I ushered in the force to cause such distress, it was one I would soon find myself facing.

"We need to discuss strategy, if we are to expel this infernal creature. Our forces must be ready for any angle. Benjamin will be over shortly to collaborate" the Coeur made a face. Apparently, though old grudges had been mended, the two were still not the best of friends. "I think it would be best if you were to go and rest. Now that you have been informed, we will let you know when we decide on a course of action for us to take."

Go and rest? How preposterous! The notion caused me to nearly scoff in a most unladylike fashion, but I managed to restrain myself.

"Sir," I spoke carefully, attempting to control my disbelief. "Why was I summoned in such haste, if not to assist in dissolving the threat? Surely you do not mean to send me off with needlepoint until you have use of me, whatever that may be."

Apparently, that was precisely the idea, for many of the lords gathered along the De Noir table exchanged surprised glances. Murmuring spread like a wave throughout the room.

"Maria," Coeur de Noir replied slowly. "We are grateful for your presence. Your connection to the moon goddess may prove vital, in the future. But for now, well, it would be best for you to leave this task to us."

I felt my disbelief crystallize into an anger far more powerful than I had felt since my time in Moonacre two years prior. My body stiffened. From the corner of my eye, I saw Robin flinch. I suppose we both knew that my anger was one emotion I had yet to control. My eyes narrowed as I clenched my fists.

"Not my place, is it?" I asked with false innocence. My countenance shifted aggressively."Though I am young, do not presume I have nothing to offer. I will not sit by idly, fretting over niceties while you plan a strategy that could save or consume this valley! It does not matter how you attempt to shut me out. I will fight to protect my people."

With a final steely glance about the room, I swept out of the hall, not trusting myself to hear any more comments. I strode with purpose, but my destination was blurry in my head, my thoughts dominated by mild fury and indigence. I knew I had the ability to contribute; I was not just some incompetent child!

I opened the heavy oak door, leaving the hall that had suddenly become stifling and bursting into the summer air. Sucking in a deep breath, I plopped, rather unceremoniously, on the nearest bench. The valley was breathtaking from the height, but I was still concerned with extinguishing my disappointment by gritting my teeth in a manner Ms. Heliotrope would surely disapprove of.

"I see you still have that temper, Princess."

Startled, I looked up rapidly to see Robin leaning against the doorframe. He had an easy smile on his face, but I could see the tension in his eyes.

"Leave me alone," I muttered, ducking my head to avoid his eyes.

"You wound me!" he exclaimed, mockingly placing a hand over his heart as if I had struck him there. I chuckled a little, in spite of myself, which earned me a grin. Our eyes met for a moment, before I turned away to gaze out over the valley once more.

"My father did not mean to offend you." Robin's voice was quiet, cautious, as if he believed that such a phrase would enrage me further. He was not entirely incorrect.

"I cannot say his intentions were especially relevant," I replied tersely. Robin sighed.

"Maria, take a moment to think. You know very little of strategy, or the preparations of war. We won't have the time to teach you either."

"I am aware of that. I simply do not wish to be pushed to the side, especially when I know I can help elsewhere. This is my home. I have been away for far too long and I need to protect it." Robin just chucked good-naturedly at my ferocity.

"You are always looking out for the small injured rabbits of this world, just like Serena. I will talk to my father about what you may be able to assist in preparing. Who knows, maybe your needlepoint skill will become useful after all!" Robin winked at me. "I know how much you love that particular activity."

"Robin!" I attempted to swat him across the arm, but he dodged my attack nimbly. It was strange how he moved, almost like a dancer. Calm, natural and self-assured.

The smirk on Robin's face faded slowly. His eyebrows pulled together, his eyes sparkling with an intensity which both scared and fascinated me.

"Maria, you may want to apologize to my father. Publicly."

"Why?" I asked, confused by his sudden shift to concern.

"The De Noir clan is different from the Merryweather's. You openly challenged my father, in front of all the lords under him."I had to admit I did not fully comprehend the importance. Surely this imagined slight would pale in comparison to the issues ahead of the entire valley? Robin seemed to read my questioning look." It does not matter that you are the moon princess or that we may be on the brink of war. The insubordination will cause unrest."

"I will," I promised. With Robin holding my gaze so intently, I doubted I was capable of anything else. Enraptured, I leaned inward slightly. Robin mirrored my movements, our faces nearly touching. His lips were so close, I could have sworn I could taste them…

And then he stood. He rapidly headed for the door, only pausing to spare me a curt nod.

And the heavy oak door shut with a thud.

A/N:

Hi guys! I know author's notes are kind of annoying but I think this one is kind of important. I realized I have too many stories going on at one time, so I decided I will put two on hiatus and update the one I keep more frequently, either once every one or twice a week. So, if this is the story you want me to keep updating , send me a PM or review to let me know! Thanks so much!