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bedofthistles · 1 year

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Matches

There, nothing else to be done

“Princess, what are you going to do now?”

This is the part of the story where all the dust settles, when the battles come to an end, and the war is finally won. Supposedly.

One marriage is hardly enough to put to rest all the hundreds of years of hatred. No, there were plenty of little things to fight over.

The official border of where Merryweather property ended and the De Noir line began, whether or not they could reach an agreement on sharing the seaport, starting a reasonable trade between the two families, and, of course, the future of both families.

Sir Benjamin was not going to be given a bad deal on anything, and the Coeur De Noir was still inclined to more dishonourable business practices.

In the month since the curse, and the lead in to the long anticipated wedding, the two Lords of Moonacre were usually found in each other’s studies.

And neither could stop their families from tagging along.

The Coeur De Noir arrived at Moonacre Manor with daughter and son in tow. Likewise, Sir Benjamin dismounted his steed in Castle Black's courtyard the same moment Maria did.

Let’s go by one, shall we?

While Maria Merryweather had become an honourary part of the De Noir family, the Coeur De Noir still had to face the backlash of his Clan.

The Curse had not come to pass and the Valley would remain divided. Many of the De Noirs were disappointed, some ready to arm themselves and go to Moonacre Manor and conquer it for themselves! They had yet to realise that their two families would forever be tied.

Likewise, Sir Benjamin had to go to his tenants and announce his engagement, and it went something like this.

“The people of Silverydew!” From atop his steed, because he knew the minute he was on his two feet, he would buckle and far into the mud. He was nervous, what can he say? “I would like to cordially invite you all to-”

“Ah, we’ve heard this before!” An old crone shouted, waving him off before returning to whatever work she was doing.

“Let me guess, another De Noir?” A man crossed his arms, and the people around him guffawed.

“Well-”

“What did she say her name was this time! Mair?” And they laughed together. “Better double check that this time!”

“Oi, what’re you doing getting married as old as ya are? Let us young boys marry some of the girls!”

“I am not that old!” Sir Benjamin snapped out, despite the many things he could, and should have said. “Would you listen? Before I disinvite you!”

Which, of course, earned some sarcastic ‘oohs!’ from the crowd.

“I am marrying Loveday De Noir, to unite our two families and end the turmoil of the valley!”

They quieted.

“What?”

And then they rioted.

All they knew about the De Noirs was every despicable rumour that had reached their ears. Not that they had ever faced the De Noirs, as none ever ventured into the forest, but they still had their opinions.

They, of course, had all met Loveday years before, either seeing her walk in the streets with their Lord, or in person when she came up to them, striking up a lovely conversation, and buying some thing or another, even if she didn’t truly need it. But, just as any De Noir, she had been a liar, hadn’t she?

“I heard the reason her hair is so floofy is to hide the horns!”

“Don’t be ridiculous! Although, I heard the Coeur De Noir was hiding a tail!”

“They can fly! I’ve seen them in the skies! With wings like bats!”

And suddenly, the people of Silverydew got away from themselves, describing monsters instead of people. If the Coeur De Noir had heard he, of course, would have smiled. He was always fond of his own mythology, and a terrifying beast was sure to precede any truth about him in the history books!

Sir Benjamin, despite having just caused a riot, forced Atlas to turn back around and return to the Manor.

Ms. Heliotrope fainted at the sight of Maria on the night of the 5,000th full moon, and immediately began to fuss over her as soon as she came to. She wanted Maria to return to her studies as soon as possible, and make up for the lost time, but Maria had gotten used to her freedom, and more often than not, snuck out before Ms. Heliotrope could find her.

Digweed and Marmaduke were finally able to introduce themselves to her formally, both reminiscing about the months before her birth, when they were deciding which foods the little babe would take to. They, of course, never found out, but they were eager to get to know as much about her as possible.

Wrolf remained in his lion form, and while it took some time for them to figure out the large black lion was indeed Wrolf, and he had not eaten the hound, he was welcomed into the Manor and into the family as if he were that same dog. And, while he kept to his own devices, he could be found by Maria’s side most of the time.

Then of course were the De Noirs. Each had gotten used to the Moon Princess’ presence. The cook had to scold himself for picking strawberries, the maids stopped themselves short of returning to Maria’s room to change the bedding, and the boys mindlessly strolled into the family wing as if to take their shift in watching over her.

Richard himself had been whistling, tossing an apple into the air, a hand in his pocket, as he turned down the hall and ran straight into the Coeur De Noir.

“Ah.” He said. “You.” The Coeur patted himself on the back for not outwardly calling him the annoying one.

“Sir.” Richard said, as he took a bite of his apple.

“Just where are you going?” The Coeur, with that deliciously evil voice of his, leaned down into he was eye level with the boy.

“It’s four, sir, I was-”

The Coeur quirked a brow.

“Oh.”

“Boy, I would suggest running off and fulfilling some other duty, rather than standing in an empty room.”

Richard gulped, before nodding and running off.

Which leads to Robin De Noir.

One might have said he no longer resided at Castle Black, save for crawling back in the kitchen door late at night, or the days when the Merryweather’s were already at the Castle.

When asked, David, Henry, and Richard lied, and told the Coeur Robin was hunting in the forest. Though they all knew no one believed that.

How could they?

No, what Robin was doing was stalking Moonacre Manor.

As he was now.

Robin smirked as he crossed his arms, neck craned as he watched Maria climb further up a large oak tree.

In the early morning light, when mist still clung to the ground, Robin had been a few paces away from the Manor, covered by the trees, as he bemusedly watched Maria tear out of the Manor and, more or less, launched herself into the oak.

Robin chuckled, about to walk up to her, when he saw the old governess pop her head out of the door.

“Maria! Maria!” She called, and even headed in the opposite direction to look for the Moon Princess.

Maria scurried further up the tree and settled onto a high branch, and Robin was sure she was waiting for her governess to give up before she came down.

So, why not make her a little anxious?

“Princess,” He called, his lips flickering into a grin when she startled. “What are you going to do now?”

One hand tethered to the branch, the other pressing to her heart, Maria urged her heart to stop galloping, before she glared down at him. “Shh!”

“Oh, but Maria!” He called loudly. “What are you doing up in that tree!”

“Robin, I swear-” Maria quieted, and Robin turned his head just in time to see the Governess rounding the other side of the Manor.

She smiled at Robin and waved - despite the fact he had kidnapped her pupil, she had grown fond of him over the weeks, and found him to be a polite young man, despite Maria’s arguments that he was anything but - before hiking up her skirt and making her way to him.

“Woohoo! Mr. De Noir! Tell me, I was just looking for Maria, you didn’t happen to see her, did you?”

Robin straightened his spine, and held his hands behind his back, like a proper gentleman. “No, ma’am, I can’t say that I have. I was just on my way to the Manor to speak with her.”

“Ah.” Ms. Heliotrope sighed in defeat, before patting his cheek. “Such a nice young man! Well, if you do see her, please come find me! She has been putting off her studies almost as soon as she returned to me! I can’t have her mind becoming dull, hmm? How would she find a suitable husband then?”

Maria rubbed her forehead in irritation, and Robin did his best not to burst out laughing.

As soon as Ms. Heliotrope turned her back, Robin began to climb into the branches of the tree, so soundlessly, Ms. Heliotrope did not seem to register the action.

“Oh no, you don’t!” Maria whispered to herself, as she too began to climb the branches. But, they became too thin, and her dress and boots were too difficult to climb in. Robin gained on her, and before she could get any farther, he grabbed her ankle.

Maria bit her tongue to stifle her scream, but it gave Robin just enough head way to climb up next to her on the other side of the trunk.

She glared, and he smiled.

“So, what’s this I hear about you skipping lessons?”

“I’m still smarter than you.”

“No doubt about that, but not for long.”

Maria rolled her eyes.

“And how are you to find a husband if you’re-”

“Watch your tongue!” Maria snapped, as she kicked his boot, displacing it from its position on the branch. It was not enough to make him fall, but he did lose a bit of balance.

“Manors!” He scolded, clicking his tongue. “And I thought it was a lady I kidnapped.”

“Well you thought wrong.”

Robin raised his brows.

“You kidnapped a princess.”

“The true Moon Princess. Do you finally believe us?”

Maria rolled her eyes. “Of course not, but I do rather like being a princess.”

“Your refusal astounds me.” Robin shook his head. “You saw the Castle after we returned! I was dead!”

Maria huffed. “Don’t joke about that. You did not die, you- you were just-”

“Well, maybe I’ll only call you Princess, once you believe it.” He said.

“How can I!” Maria laughed. “You’re all insane.”

“Well, come on then, my lady, unless you want to spend all day in this tree.”

Maria rolled her eyes, but let him help her down, and soon, they were off, running into the forest.

From her spot in the Manor, Loveday smiled.

To her knowledge, Maria had not been a prisoner at Castle Black, as much as she had become their dictator. Even her father acknowledged that he let Maria do things no one else was allowed to do.

She never would have believed that peace between the two families would be achievable, and yet it had come to pass.

More importantly, however, was what Loveday saw in her younger brother.

Soft eyes, easy smiles, and a blooming love.

Her father and betrothed were in the room across the hall, going over some final details about the division of the sea port, but she was thinking well beyond that. After all, what better way to inscribe peace? And perhaps, they could unite the land, and it would not be Merryweather and De Noir, but one family.

Of course, she was getting ahead of herself, uniting Moonacre under one family would surely be an issue for the next generation.

Still, as the door to the Sir Benjamin's study opened and her father stepped out with her betrothed, Loveday bounced out of her seat.

“Good morning, Father, Benjamin.” She grinned, and both men sighed. “I couldn’t help but notice that neither Maira nor Robin are present.”

“Maria is in her lessons, with Ms Heliotrope.” Sir Benjamin said, a slight warning in his tone.

“Oh? Ms. Heliotrope couldn’t find her this morning, and asked to find her should I see Maria.” Loveday bit her lip. “And I believe, Father, that Robin came with you, did he not?”

“Yes, I think he did.” The Coeur, too used to his daughter’s schemes, smiled, and let it pass without argument.

“And, as I was sitting at the window, I could have sworn I just saw them leaving into the woods. Together.” Loveday bit her lip to contain her grin, but it was monstrous at this point.

She had come to love Maria dearly as a daughter. She was kind, funny, she rolled her eyes when she thought no one was looking, and as much as Ms. Heliotrope instilled in her proper etiquette, Loveday could see a headstrong and independent young woman behind the veneer.

She also spent some time getting to know the man her baby brother had become.

Somehow, even without her presence, he had become the soft-hearted man she had been attempting to raise. She may have only been his older sister, but without mother, and she in her early twenties, she had dismissed the idea of a nanny, picked him up from his cradle, and claimed him as her own.

Loveday had been too afraid to return to Castle Black, and so returning to Robin was out of the question.

Loveday watched as Sir Benjamin’s face twitched.

“Alone? Without a chaperone?”

Loveday nodded. “Yes, although you have nothing to worry about!”

“Yes, my son will protect your niece.” The Coeur said.

“Protec- that is hardly my concern! Someone needs to protect my niece from him!”

Loveday rolled her eyes. “Oh, what do you think is going to happen? Maria is very responsible.”

“Respon- what of that boy? Hmm? He’s a De- I mean.”

Sir Benjamin’s eyes flashed between the two De Noirs, and he clamped his mouth shut.

“My son is a gentleman!” The Coeur gave a wolfish grin. “Nothing will happen, you have my word.”

“Yes, although-”

“Although?” Sir Benjamin crossed his arms at his lovely bride to be.

“Although.” The Coeur De Noir nodded his head.

“They are quite the stunning match, do you think not?” Loveday’s face was sure to split with how wide her grinning had become.

Sir Benjamin fumed. “She’s a child! I- I will not even be considering matches until- later! Much later!”

“Sometimes,” The Coeur began. “Betrothal contracts can take some time.”

“Years.” Loveday said,

“Hammering out every little detail. It would be… prudent to get an early start.”

“Such wise words, Father!” Loveday nodded.

Sir Benjamin glared at them both. “You would plan a marriage contract between- those two without even consulting Maria?”

“Sir Benjamin, how modern of you.” The Coeur praised.

“Actually, I think just by looking at her it becomes apparent her mind on the matter.” Loveday said.

“She’s not- she’s-” Sir Benjamin huffed. “No! My Maria- will not be married. Ever! She will stay right here. With me.”

Loveday rolled her eyes, as the Coeur did his best to hold in his laughter.

“You would prevent a happy union? Just because you don’t want her wed?” Loveday raised a single brow at him.

Sir Benjamin pursed his lips. “Yes.”

And the Coeur could not hold back his laughter any longer.

☾

Loveday and Sir Benjamin’s wedding was beautiful.

They had agreed to marry in the amphitheatre, to bring to completion the happy ending, and it seemed the most neutral of territory for both families.

Maria watched it all quite happily. Sir Benjamin had kissed her cheek before meeting his bride at the stair steps, and together they walked to the cliff’s edge.

With De Noir’s on one side, and Merryweahter’s on the other, it did not feel like a battlefield, as she half expected, but like a proper wedding.

The sun began to set behind the trees, and the moon rose out of the sea just as the ceremony began and Maria sighed happily at the romance her Uncle had been blessed with.

“Don’t they seem happy.”

Maria did not jump, not anymore. She was too used to Robin trying to scare her, she had almost adapted a sixth sense whenever he was near.

He appeared like he had for her birthday. Groomed and dressed up, as handsome as it made him, Maria couldn’t help but prefer the worn jerkin.

Maria rose up on her toes to ruffle his hair. Smiling when she disarmed his confident look. Curls fell over his brow, and he looked closer to himself.

“Yes, now, be quiet. It’s rude to talk.” Maria settled back into place, her hands clasped in front of her. She smiled, and kept her eyes forward, even as she felt his eyes burn into her.

There was a rambunctious cheer as Sir Benjamin and Loveday kissed.

Perhaps not an end to the bitterness, but certainly the start of a new chapter.

The party dispersed back to Moonacre Manor to take part in the first celebration.

The Merryweather portion.

As neither Sir Benjamin or the Coeur De Noir could agree on which traditions should take place, Loveday settled the argument. Two parties.

This of course led to the need to show each other up.

Moonacre Manor had been decorated as it never had been before, Sir Benjamin spared no expense on musicians, floral arrangements, and had even hired a whole team for food preparation. Much to Marmaduke’s opposition.

Likewise, the Coeur De Noir outdid himself. Course after course, the finest spirits he could afford, and entertainment that amused them all. Fire Breathers, ribbon dancers, even a jester that wasn’t half bad.

For the wedding, Loveday had worn a white gown, and had not changed out of it for the Merryweather ball. However, the next day she had worn a proper De Noir bridal gown, made from velvet and dyed a brilliant red close to the colour of blood.

Maria herself wore her blue dress to the ball, and, at Loveday’s suggestion, a red dress that belonged to the Moon Princess herself.

Or, in Maria’s mind, a distant ancestor of the De Noirs.

Sir Benjamin and Loveday danced nearly every dance together, their eyes hardly parted, and their hands always touched.

Maria herself danced with any and all who asked, but usually it was Robin.

The first dance she had, she shared with a young merchant’s son from Silverydew. After that, however, she did not dance with any one from the Merryweather side.

David, Henry, and Richard were allowed, of course, but if anyone, with the slightest look of intent, tried to walk up to Maria, Robin appeared before her and took her off to the dancefloor before they got too close.

“You know, this is hardly appropriate!” She said, at the Merryweather ball. “I can’t dance with you all night, it's rude to all the other gentlemen here.”

Robin picked up his head and looked around. “Where? I don’t see any gentlemen. Besides, you just danced with Richard.”

Maria rolled her eyes. “Yes, you however are taking up my entire dance card!”

“You don’t have a dance card, therefore, I can disregard that.”

“My metaphorical dance card.” She amended. “Besides Mr. Smith-”

“Was that his name?”

“I haven’t danced with anyone! David, Henry, and Richard do not count.” Maria lifted her chin. “You have been stealing all of my time! And I would like to dance with someone else.”

Robin tightened his grip on her waist and hand, not hard enough to hurt of course, but just enough so she could not slip out of his grasp. “Am I not a good enough dancer?”

“You’re a fine dancer, but I would like to have more than four partners.”

“Really? That’s rather promiscuous of you.”

Maria scoffed, though she did not make any move to step away from him, or even stop dancing. “It is a ball and party, I am allowed.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t let you attend anymore balls then.”

Maria narrowed her eyes, “Oh? I didn’t realise you got any say in what I do or not do.”

“I am your keeper, Princess.”

“Keeper? And I thought you weren’t calling me princess anymore?”

Robin shrugged. “It suits you.”

Maria smiled, though she was not done with him yet. “Thank you for the dance, but this will be your last.”

“Oh I think not. I’ll keep you right here all night if I must.”

“And how are you going to do that?”

“I could tie you up again, it worked well for me before.”

Maria smiled at his insolence, “Would you like to take a walk in the gardens?”

“Of course, Princess.”

And don’t worry about what happened between them in the garden, it was nothing too substantial. Just know that no one saw neither of them return until well after the party had ended.

The next night, Maria did her best to dance with all the young De Noir gentlemen she could. (The term gentlemen is applied very loosely, here. Maria could not help but find him in the crowd after each one had taken up her hand, and sent him a victorious smirk.

She had only succeeded because she kept her eyes on him, her new found Robin-sixth-sense never allowed him to slip out of her sights. But when her partner had been switched with Richard, Maria knew she was in danger.

Richard spun her around and round in circles until the Castle hall became a blur of black and red and white. When he finally stopped, she was so disoriented, she had no way of telling of what was up or down.

As Maria whipped her head around, Robin was no one to be seen.

“Richard, what-?”

“Princess, I have to ask, is it true that you threw the pearls away?” He asked.

Maria rolled her eyes, as she had already told him this and he was clearly distracting her. “Yes, Richard, right into the sea!”

“And when you came out of the sea you were on top of a white horse with a horn on its forehead? A Unicorn, one might say?”

Maria sighed, yes, she had woken up on the back of a horse with a horn on its forehead, but she was unconscious! Anyone could have pulled her out, and tied what was obviously a fake horn to its head. Strange, but that did not mean it was magic.

“And yet, you still don’t believe there was a curse?”

“Richard, if I ever believe in curses, call a doctor, because I will have lost my mind.”

“Sure, Princess.”

Maria rolled her eyes, but her head had stopped feeling so dizzy, so she chanced a look around. Only, Robin was nowhere to be found. Where on earth had he gone?

“May I cut in?”

Richard giggled, and Maria sighed as she was passed off to David.

“David, where is he?” Maria asked, with a single brow raised.

David shrugged, but led her through the steps.

What she had not realised was that Richard had led her to the very edge of the grand hall, and David was carrying her the rest of the way. When he let go of her hand, she was at the door, with Henry waiting on the threshold, his arm extended to her.

She looked back over her shoulder, finding her Uncle and Loveday engrossed in themselves at the head table. She smiled, her absence would not be noticed.

Henry led her out into the darkened hall, but she did not have to guess where they were going, as she and the Coeur had gone down this hall many times before.

Maria thanked Henry when they reached the door, and when she opened it, the greenhouse was lit up with moonlight.

Maria found her way to the stone bench where Robin sat.

“The party is inside.” She said, her smile meeting his own when he turned towards her.

“Yes, but I’m still debating whether or not you should be there.”

“Oh?” Maria crossed her arms. “Because I’m promiscuous?”

“Yes, and I much prefer having you to myself.”

Maria shook her head. “And yet you have not. I’ve danced with at least ten others. Your awful friends not included. I’m rather thinking of going back now, and having some more partners-”

But before she could say another word, Robin leaped up, and took hold of her. His hand around her waist, his other unbound her arm from their crossed position and he led her into a new dance.

Maria jolted, her free hand clasping his shoulder as she turned her eyes to their feet.

“It's a De Noir dance, you won’t know it.” Robin tapped her chin, encouraging her to look up. “Let me lead.”

And she did.

There was no music, and the steps were rather complicated. At one point they separated and returned, Maria spun into his chest and looked sheepishly up into his eyes. He did not laugh, or tease her in any way, but simply smiled.

They stopped, and Maria felt her heart begin to pound in her chest.

“Princess, I-”

But she stopped him, pushed to the tips of her toes, she leaned up and kissed his cheek.

In both their opinions, the De Noirs threw a much better party.

☾

Maria used to be a sheltered London Lady, born and raised for polite society, proper and rather unfit for the countryside. She grew up in the month from her father’s death leading up to the breaking of the curse, not that she would ever believe she had broken any curses. She had found freedom in the forests of Moonacre, a more attentive father in Sir Benjamin, and a rather odd extended family in the De Noirs.

She fell in love with Moonacre Valley, no matter which side of the border she was on, in Castle Black halls, or sleeping in Moonacre Manor’s tower, Maria found a home and a family.

As the years passed, she became a fierce advocate for both sides. She helped the tenants of Silverydew come to terms with the fact that the De Noirs were not devils - devilish as they may be - and the De Noirs found new purpose in guarding the forest rather than frightening everyone away.

She was beloved by both families, and no one could deny that she was Princess over all of Moonacre.

Talk of magic made her roll her eyes, the mention of curses made her scoff, and if anyone asked about pearls, she laughed them off.

Unless, of course, it was Robin.

Though he only broached the topic of pearls once, many years later.

He handed Maria a long, black box, and while he tended to bring her presents like a faithful crow, she was used to them being unwrapped and small.

“What's this?” She smiled fondly.

“Open it, Princess, and find out.”

Maria wasted no time in releasing the bow and pulling off the lid. She gasped, as inside was an exact replica of the pearls she cast into the sea.

“Oh Robin, I completely forgot about the pearls!” Then, she moved her hair over her shoulder, and he clasped them around her neck, kissing her shoulder as he did.

“Only you would completely disregard magic pearls.” He said, and she laughed, before saying there were never magic pearls.

Of course, what no one realised over the course of hundreds of years, was that the Merryweathers and De Noirs were not born enemies. They were made. And, if anyone had taken the time, they would have seen how well matched the De Noirs were for the Merryweathers.

As Family, as friends, and as lovers.

And yes, Sir Benjamin did eventually give in and allowed the marriage contracts to be drawn up between his daugh- niece and the Coeur De Noir’s son. But only after Maria herself had stormed into his office, crossed her arms and glared at him so furiously he was terrified she herself would cast a curse over him. Pearls or not.

#tsom #the secret of moonacre #moonacreweek2023 #last day!#its late!#and it sucks!#but its here!

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