The Merryweather group got to De Noir castle just as the sun was beginning to rise. Maria yawned still not fully awake despite being awake for an hour and having to ride in a bumpy carriage for another half an hour. She got a disapproving look from Ms. Heliatrope who sat beside her and a sad smile from Loveday across from her.

"Really Maria. That's so unladylike," Ms. Heliatrope instructed as the carriage pulled to a stop outside the gate.

"Sorry Ms. Heliatrope," Maria sighed getting out of the carriage after her uncle and Loveday. The group followed Loveday up to the gate guard that Maria had slipped past the last time she came her. The memory made her shudder. The guard took one look at Loveday and pushed open the gate letting us pass. We made our way into the entrance hall of the castle and were immediately greeted by a booming voice.

"Loveday," the gruff voice of Coir De Noir filled the room. "Sir Benjamin, and of course Maria. It's so good to see you all. It's been too long." He walked over to us and pulled Loveday into a quick hug then turned and shook Benjamin's hand.

"Too long," Loveday questioned with a laugh. "I was just here the other day Father. And you came to the Manor not three days ago and saw Benjamin and Maria."

"I saw Benjamin yes but I barely saw Maria for more than five minutes before my son showed up and she disappeared," he said with a laugh.

Maria blushed but decided to remain quiet. She vaguely remembered seeing Coir at the manor the other day before Robin showed up. She had told him hi and had been polite but had kind of forgotten all that when Robin had shown up in his leather jacket and signature bowler hat. She always forgot her 'proper lady' side when he was around.

"Let's go," Coir said moving towards the hallway that led to the dining area. "The foods ready and everyone's waiting."

"What about our bags," Ms. Heliatrope spoke up for the first time since they came inside.

"I'll have the boys get them after we eat and they can take you to your rooms too since the rest of the staff are busy with the preparations for tonight."

The group followed Coir as he led the way into the dining hall. The hall was alive with noise as people chatted with one another. Maria noticed that the place didn't seem as dreary as when she'd first come. It seemed brighter, not as scary. There was a long table in the middle of the hall decorated with food. The smell that filled the air made Maria's stomach grumble in hunger. The table was filled with people and there were only five empty seats. Coir sat in the seat at the head of the table and motioned for us to fill in the other four. Maria spotted Robin sitting on his father's right and there was an empty chair beside him. he looked up and smiled when he saw Maria. He motioned for her to take the seat beside him which she did happily. Loveday sat to her father's left and naturally Benjamin beside her. Ms. Heliatrope took the last vacant seat that was beside Sir Benjamin. Once everyone was seated Coir stood and the hall fell silent.

"I'd like to welcome our guests, the Merryweathers," he said to the table. "You all remember my daughter Loveday. Her soon-to-be husband Sir Benjamin, his niece Miss Maria, and Madam Heliatrope have all come to join us today the day before my lovely daughter gets married. Let us all eat and have a wonderful time."

With that Coir sat down and everyone began to eat. Maria piled eggs, bacon, toast, and a biscuit onto her plate ignoring Ms. Heliatrope's disapproving looks. She would probably lecture Maia later for eating such unhealthy food but right now Maria didn't care. She was tired and hungry. As she began to eat she listened to the conversations going on around her only vaguely paying attention until Coir made a comment that had her blushing as red as he hair.

"I'm glad that I'm finally able to see my son for more than 10 minutes. It seems that every second you have free you spend it with dear Maria," Coir said eyeing his son with a smirk.

"I don't mean to keep Robin away from you," Maria said trying to hide the blush on her cheeks but failing miserably. "Sorry."

Coir blinked and seemed to be frozen when he heard the apology. Then he laughed. "No need to be sorry my dear. I'm not mad about it. Honestly I'm trying to say thank you. I mean I haven't seen Robin this happy since before Loveday left."

This time it was Robin's turn to blush. "Father," he grumbled ducking his head low to cover the blush. Maria smiled at him. Robin looked over at her and returned the smile.

When they finished eating Robin stood up and took his group of friends out to get the Merryweather's luggage. Coir informed them to take all the luggage to the prepared rooms and he would show them where they would be sleeping. Loveday and Sir Benjamin had a room together of course and Ms. Heliatrope was down the hall a little ways.

"Which room is Maria's father," Loveday asked after she had checked her room.

"I've made up your old room for her. I hope you don't mind. I'll have Robin show her where it is once he gets back. As if on cue, Robin ran down a set of steps and walked over to the group. "Robin will you show Maria to the tower? I have some things i need to finish up before tonight."

"Sure, come on Princess," Robin said grabbing Maria's hand and pulling her back towards the stairs. Maria had to pick up her skirt so that she didn't trip as they climbed the stairs. They went down a hall all the way to another set of stairs that Robin started to climb. He turned to look at Maria as the climbed. "You're going to love the room. It may not be as perfect as the one back at the manor but Loveday decorated it to be fit for a princess and so well, it kind of fits I think."

Maria giggled and they stopped as they reached a door. Robin grinned and pushed the door open, stepping aside to let Maria through. The room was gorgeous.

Sorry don't feel like describing it today. Maybe later.

Maria turned to look at Robin who was watching her from the door. "Robin this is beautiful."

"I'm glad you like it. Loveday will be pleased to. Your bags are in the wardrobe. You can relax for awhile until the party starts. I have some chores to do but I'll see you when I'm done okay?"

"Okay, thank you Robin," Maria said kindely.

"Anything for you Princess." And with that he left the room.

Thanks for reading. I may be a little slow on updating because I have other stories that need to be worked on but I'll try and update every week if possible. I know what it's like to wait for a review. If you want a specific story drop a review and tell me about it and I'll see what I can do. Love you guys. RxR