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Robin POV.
Maria Merryweather. The Name, the girl, the moon princess, that would forever put a smile on my face.
The Merryweather than captured all of our hearts in mere weeks. It'd not as if that smile on my lips would only be there because she said something funny or sweet. No... That's something someone would say, that had never met Maria Merryweather.
Mostly, she would have my attention, because this damn girl chose to do something reckless like jumping of a cliff again, just to make my day miserable and prove a point in one of our endless discussions. Even in those moments - after I reassured that she was okay - I couldn't stay mad for long. Maria would hastily make a joke, bump our shoulders and tell me that I didn't have to worry...and somehow a smile would appear on my lips. I don't know if she put a curse on me, or if I was just naturally that much butter in her hands. In those five years after she saved us all and returned the moon pearls, our bond grew unbelievable strong.
This friendship had some very appealing parts, like hiking, adventures in the forest, rescue missions from Miss Heliotropes French literature lessons and scheming to get Loveday and Sir. Benjamin even closer. But the negative side of that bond between us was undoubtedly the torture I had to endure since... Well... Ever..
Because that Princess holds my heart in her hands and doesn't even know it.
>>Robin de Noir! Would you be so kind to cut the starring contest you seem to like to beginn with me? I'm not a vase in a museum to goggle on! We have a mission! Put your concentration where it belongs! <<, Maria screamed in one of her long dark red gowns from my sister from the Top of a Hill full of dandelions and hurled a stone at my hat. Rude as ever.
>>Princess.. Don't worry.<< I smiled sweetly and put those feelings of mine deep down in the corner where they belong, while I walked in her direction. >>I was just starring at the spider in that bushy red hair of yours.<< While that was a lie to excuse my behavior, Maria's back straightend and she immediately searched for the insect. Someday she couldn't deny the ladylike mindset she still had. >>But just to make something clear... << I stood very near before her and looked down to that face, that somehow turned a bit red. I took one of her locks between my fingers and put it behind her ear, while I smirked at her. >>If I had to stare at something beautiful.... It would definitely be Marmadukes delicious creations! <<
>>Did you...<< Maria watched me like a hawk. A very shocked hawk that couldn't believe her opponent said that. >>Did you just say to my face, that a cake or a pastry are more appealing than I am? <<
There it is.. The teasing has begun.. The best part of this friendship. No other woman has that chemistry with me.
>>Can you really fault me for that? Marmaduke Scarlets food has to be the best aspect about coming to that Manor of the Merryweathers!<<, I spoke in awe of his art.
>>Oh well thank you for such compliment.<<, Maria returned sarcastic and rolled her eyes. >>So we just ignore the one woman thats responsable that you can walk in the manor without an attack from a lion?<<
>>Wrolf would never attack me! He even let's me pet and play with him without so much as a scratch! We share the same addiute!<<, I told her proudly and smirked a bit wider.
>>Oh? Such as? To eat Marmadukes food and look like a wilde animal?<<, she teased sweetly back with a grin.
>>you mean because I don't need a napkin like a fine proper lady like you does?<< that comment earned me a slap against my arm. While Maria couldn't hide the tiny smile, I turned a bit serious and whispered truthfully: >>But no.. Wrolf and I share the same need to watch over your recklessness all the time and keep you out of danger, Princess.<<
Maria seemed stunned and her eyes mapped out every aspect of my face, as if she searched for a lie. When she found none - as always - she gave me a blinding smile that made my heart jump.
I'm so hopelessly in love that it's ridiculous.
>>But back to the point... Everytime I make one step in that Merryweather house, a sweet little dessert awaits me, that is just absolutely heavenly! <<, I exclaimed exited. >>but to be fair to you.... I'm pretty sure no woman on the entire planet could win a contest against his food! <<
>>So that's the way to your heart, you idiot?<<, Maria whispered with a small smile and shaked her head in disbelieve. >>Well, seems like I have to inform Marmaduke that he has a suitor!<< Abruptly her face turned sour, as if she tasted something bitter and a shadow of something close to panic settled in her eyes, before she turned and marched in the direction of the flower meadow. I followed her confused at once. >>Come now Robin! We still have to gain the Flowers your Sister wants for the moon pearl anniversary! I'm sure we find those perfect dandelions, forget - me - not and tulps she endlessly talks about.. <<
>>Princess?!<< I watched her curios and mildly stunned as well, as she seemed to talk to no end at a very fast pace, without so much as a glimpse to me. Something was definitely up.
Maria gathered flowers from the meadow wit a brutal strength that was likely destined for someone else. >>We also should see that those flower arrangements from the town are compatible with ours, so that nothing... <<
>>Princess!<< I ran behind her, trying to catch up and softly tryining to get behind those self-preservation walls of hers. >>Could you just stop for a moment and explain what the hell - <<
>>Oh and that outfit of yours has to be upgraded as well of course!<< Maria talked as if nothing was wrong. But the way she talked, moved and jumped from the left to the right, said something entirely different. >>Loveday said that she wouldn't put it past your father that the de Noirs attend only in the deepest black robes and attire, to tease my uncle, start a fight as always and basically - <<
>>Maria!<<, I yelled at her, put both hands on her shoulders and turned her to face me, while we stood knee deep in a field of flowers. I tried to catch her eyes, but she looked everywhere else but me. My worry for her was rising. >>Princess... I know you like these woods behind me, but could you please look at me instead and tell me what is going on?<< She averted her eyes and tried to wiggle her way out of my hold to get away from me. But nowadays I was far stronger then her. >>Damn Maria! Something troubles you...and it's definitely not a flower arrangement! Was it the starring comment about Marmaduke? <<
>>you dumb birdboy! No! It was not your insufferable love for food.<<, Maria said in a exhausted way, while she stood still in my hold. Then she picked at her sleeves. Her sign of full Nervousness.
And when had the Moon princess looked nervous? Pretty much never.
>>It's... It's just something I said earlier. A comment that reminded me of a very troublesome discussion I had with my uncle.<< Maria bit her lip in agitation and shook her head, with something like defeat in her eyes. >>It's been weeks and it really looks like he is going through with that crazy plan of his! I nearly begged with him... But even Loveday and Miss Heliotrope are slowly taking his side! My time is running out and.. I just..<< She gulped and made a high pitched laugh, full of disbelief. >>I hoped beyond all reason, that they would come to their senses! I'm not at London anymore and I thought that those foolish rules of society would have no claim on me here! But here I am - days before the first insufferable dumb suitors for my hand in marriage arrive, to make somewhat of a match that's good for the economy of Moonacre and take all my rights from me! Because I'm a woman and old enough and the moon princess with a lot to take care of and - <<
>>Stop.<<, I wispered shocked. My mind seemed to fail to register everything after the word 'suitor', while my heart drummed so loud that I sweared the moon itself could hear it. >>That.. That cannot be the truth. <<
Her face spoke of something very different. Tears started to gather in her eyes, as she pleaded not to dig deeper. >>Robin...i .. <<
>>No! << I felt the panic rise in me. It crawled its way up to my throat, so that my speech sounded a little scratchy. My hold on her shoulders tightend. >>That is impossible! Your uncle is as protective of you as Wrolf and myself! You are not such a doll as those woman in London who have no expectations of life! You aren't one of those mindless ladies that just draw the entire day and say 'yes' to everything the man of the house wants! You have fire and spirit and are the goddamn moon princess! I thought Benjamin Merryweather would likely sold the manor before he pushed you into such a marriage!<<
>>I thought that as well !<<, Maria exclaimed tired and closed her eyes. >>But I have found the copy of a marriage contract on his table this morning. He didn't even try to hide it. Its a statement. He said something about that he's about to push me in the right direction and remind me of whom I want to be with the rest oft my life! Either I try to find a man and marry, so that the society in London is at ease - and because my uncle hopes that I found love in that pool of idiots - or he will bind me to the next man that goes to his study! <<
>>He said that?!<< I yelled completely shocked. >>Sir Benjamin Merryweather said such a shit?! <<
>>Robin!<< Maria hit me again on my arm. >>Mind your language! Thats not how the son of the Coeur de Noir as well as any Gentleman should speak!<<
>>Well, here's news for you Princess: I'm not a gentleman in the eyes of the oh - so - precious - society! I climb trees, hills and mountains, I know these woods and every creature, I wear feathers and have more dirt on me than a Londoner would believe exists on this planet! << I screamed at her shocked face. >>If I where even half the gentleman your uncle would like to marry you off, I would be definitely the first guy to march in that office and practically beg on my knees for your hand!<<
Oh no.... No.. No.. I didn't just do that...
>>What... What was that?<<, whispered Maria totally perplex and seemed do hold her breath.
>>I.. I mean... I.. << My mind was blank, while my heart openly had gone into a panic mode. But somehow my lips just keep saying everything from that hidden corner of mine, where all those feeling for her layed hidden, for a very long time. >>Princess, do you really think I walk twice every week in that blasted manor to eat something from Marmaduke?! Every time I don't find you in the woods, the town or near the sea, I practically search everywhere for you. I can only breathe normal again, when I go through the doors and hear your voice near the study, the dinner hall or in the garden... When I know your safe and Only forgot to meet me.<< My fingers - that where still holding her petite shoulders - began to shake a litte. Everything I would admit now, would change our bond forever. But it was to late to go back. >>I've seen how you've grown into an absolute stunning, beautiful woman, the moon princess that cursed me... so that friendship alone is no longer what I feel when I lay my eyes on you. Maria... << I skimmed the side of her face,her cheeks, traced her lips with my fingers and took on of her curls behind her ear...while I gave her a look of utter adoration. >>Nearly five years ago at those cliffs, I was damn near to jump after you because a life without Maria Merryweather didn't got to be my futere... and now I would do it without so much as a second thought.<< Trembling, I put my lips on her forehead and kissed her lightly. This slight connection seemed to put my body at ease. This memory alone would be enough, for the rest of my very lonely life. The gasp from Maria was every Music I needed to hear. >>I love you, Maria Merryweather. Wholeheartedly, that it's practically embarrassing for a de Noir.<<
Thats it. At least I said something.
I took a step back from her, let my hands fall to my side and gave her stunned face a little smile and a bow, before I turned around and began the journey back into the woods and to my ancestral home.
As soon as I crossed the meadow and saw the first line of trees, I heard the rustling sound of grass and plants behind me. As I turned halfway to see whatever animal was running that wildly at me - with the prayer on my lips that it would not be wrolf - someone jumped at me and crushed me down to the ground. My hat fell of my hair and my back hurt from the hart impact, but the biggest injury would be, that a small woman was sitting in my lap and hit me forcefully with her shoe. >>What the - <<
>>You damn foolish bird boy cannot just say something like THAT and walk away!! What is up with you Idiot?!!! Why didn't you oaf said something in the damn last five years of this unnecessary torture!!<< Maria screamed in a confusing mix of anger and happiness at me. >>Do you really think you are the only one with this damn feelings?! <<
>>OW! Princess!<< While my heart exploded after the unbelievable thing that she said.. My body was still manhandled. >>Ow! Stop! Wait could you please - <<
Maria hurled the shoe aside, took my face in her hands and put her lips agoaint mine. Every word died on my tongue, as she pressed her body against mine and kissed me with a sort of power and warmth, that I was close to believe this was a dream or a hallucination. Trembling, disbelieving, but undoubtedly happily, I kissed her back, put my Arms around her frame and held her tight against me.
Because if this is a dream, I would be absolutely foolish to not enjoy it.
But as abruptly as that heavenly experience began, Maria ended the kiss. Her eyes shone full of adoration and hope, but her voice was as commanding as ever as she told me: >>First thing at the dinner tomorrow, you will go in that office of my uncle and ask for my hand in marriage. And if you even think for a second about waiting to do this after Marmadukes dessert, I definitely will let you be Wrolfs new meal. Understood? <<
>>Dear Princess.. << I chuckled and kissed her cheek, her nose and her forehead full of happiness while I whispered: >>Why would I even look at Marmadukes creations, when I have the chance to get the most beautiful treasure of the whole world?<<