On Christmas morning Maria jumped out of bed, threw on her robe, and wrapped her neck in a pretty blue scarf that Loveday gave her. The bruises had now dulled to a feint purple.
She ran down her tower and up to Albert where they played by the fireplace. After breakfast, she and Albert were allowed to open one gift each. The rest would have to wait until the De Noirs arrived. Maria chose the largest box from Loveday and Sir Benjamin that contained an assortment of clothing for her. There were three beautiful dresses, a blue, a green, and a burgundy colored one. The burgundy and green ones were velvety and of the style that Loveday wore. The blue one was a bustle grown, however, it came with two bodices. One was a matching blue with a sweetheart neckline, and the other was a white high-collared blouse. Maria scowled at the wink that Loveday gave her over Sir Benjamin's shoulder.
There was also a long ivory cloak and matching gloves and scarf that were lined with wool and fur on the inside. After thanking them, she rushed to her room and changed into her new green dress and new cloak, scarf, and mittens to keep herself warm.

As Maria and Albert played in the snow with their family, a carriage led by black stallions pulled up.
Maria tensed, and her stomach flipped. Coeur, Mr. Havisham, Dulac, and Robin dismounted from the carriage. Robin was formally dressed in black slacks, a black dress shirt, and his leather jacket. Robin caught Maria staring and his heart quickened, whether from fear or curiosity, he wasn't sure. Before he could decide, Maria took Albert by the hand and walked in his direction. His heart stopped and his mind flashed scenes from the book of their supposed time together. She greeted his family with all her charm, but when it was her turn to greet him, she averted her eyes to the ground and dropped a short curtsy.

Robin gave her a short nod, conscious of all the eyes on him. He didn't like the smile Loveday had on her face. She was enjoying this far too much. He was wary and wanted to stay away from her, yet another part of him was drawn to her. It was as though she held a piece of him he so desperately wanted back.

He wondered what she thought. Was she mad at him for leaving? Or perhaps, disgusted at their kiss?

During dinner, Maria and Robin were seated next to one another, no doubt thanks to Loveday. Tension oozed between them. This made for a quiet dinner. Sir Benjamin and Loveday didn't mind their silence, they were just happy neither was trying to kill one another.

Maria was very conscious of their proximity. When her hand brushed against his, or her knee bumped his thigh, Maria would quickly retract until she sat as still as a statue, barely nibbling at her food to keep herself from accidentally touching him.

Albert soon grew tired of his food and whined until he was allowed to roam free. He walked over to Robin and reached out his arms. With a soft chuckle, Robin lifted him into his lap. Much to everyone's amusement, Albert rummaged through Robin's torso, searching for his feathered scarf. When he couldn't find it, he grumbled and asked to sit on Maria's lap, which she was happy to oblige. Unfortunately for Maria, Albert was determined to stuff his mouth with her soft scarf. It became a battle between nephew and aunt, both refusing to let go. Feeling bad for her, Robin tried to help her out.

He lifted Albert from her lap, but her scarf snagged on a button from his jacket's sleeve and she was pulled along with him. With a yelp, Maria was yanked off her chair, dragging Robin by the sleeve down with her. Their family gasped and stood to help them, but Maria waved them down.

"I'm alright!" She managed to say.

"Erm, Maria your scarf is stuck to my—"

"—Yes, I can see that!" She snapped, her face red with embarrassment. She tried tugging herself loose but only managed to pull him down until he was on his knees behind the table with her.

Maria began to pull harder, she needed to get loose before he saw her neck. Oh, how she wished she wore that high-collared shirt!

"Would you stop pulling, it's making things worst," Robin asked trying to pull the button off.

"Well, could you hurry? You're choking me!" Maria retorted.

"I'm tryin—" Robin stopped mid-sentence. His eyes had fallen on her neck and grew wide.

Maria paused her struggling to look at Robin. His eyes jumped between her eyes and neck. His mouth opened and closed, unable to say anything.

"Forget it! Just keep the scarf!" Maria took it off and threw it at Robin. She then left the room in anger.

"Did I do that?" Robin murmured to himself.

"Do what?" Loveday asked with a sly smile.

"N—Nothing," Robin stuttered casting a sorry look to the door.

In the safety of her room, Maria locked her door and let out a frustrated cry. How could things have turned out so horribly?

She stayed in her room all night, not even coming out to open presents.

By New Year's Eve, Maria's neck had fully healed, and she felt better than ever. She was determined to make the most of it. This year, Mr. De Noir was throwing a large New Year's Eve celebration at the De Noir castle and Maria was on a mission. She was going to sneak out of the festivities to find Althea and make her answer some questions. Changing into her new burgundy dress from Loveday, Maria put on her white cloak, mittens, and scarf, and grabbed Robin's gift from her desk. She didn't have the chance to give it to him on Christmas after their... incident...but she was determined to give it to him today. Besides, what need would she have for it?

The New Year's Eve Celebration was in full swing when Maria and her family arrived. They were quickly ushered through the gates and into the great hall where a large buffet of food and drink was laid out for all to enjoy. Maria greeted Coeur and his guests, then had a late dinner while she chatted with her family. Unbeknownst to Maria though, Robin had been watching her from afar.

It wasn't hard to miss the entourage of colorful Merryweathers entering the party. Robin spotted Maria trailing behind her family and his mind went blank. She looked ethereal in her white cloak and red dress. Her long copper curls framed her body and fell to her waist. There was no doubt in Robin's mind she looked magical, but now the idea of her being an evil witch was losing strength.
Leaning against the pillar and hidden under its shadow, Robin continued to observe her. He couldn't do so on Christmas. Sir Benjamin kept a close eye on him and whenever his eyes strayed to the princess beside him, Sir Benjamin would make a loud noise and lock eyes with the De Noir heir. Then she left after dinner.

This evening, however, he had yet to be spotted and was allowed to observe as much as he pleased. His friends were out at the pub drinking, and his father was busy hosting guests. As Coeur's son, Robin was technically required to run around and check on their guests. He, however, shirked his obligations and found a quiet and secluded spot where he could drink in peace and comfortably observe the girl, who according to the book, had once been a great friend. He was sure her kiss did something to him. Since then, his dreams were plagued by scenes of him and Maria together. Some of which matched those in the book. Others, however, he was sure were just his head running off with his imagination.

Robin noticed the white scarf wrapped around her neck and felt a wave of guilt wash over him. Richard was right, he did take it too far. But at that moment, when she was wrapped in his arms, for those brief seconds, he didn't feel lost or confused. His heart no longer ached for something, it was like she was all he ever needed. It was a feeling he didn't want to let go of.

When Robin pulled himself from his thoughts, Maria was nowhere in sight. She had disappeared. His face fell. He swirled his chalice before downing it in one gulp. He knew where she was going.

Giddy with excitement and buzzing from the wine, Maria covered herself with her hood and made her way for the dungeons. Walking between the dark stone walls, she was reminded of her first time in this castle. She felt a rush of excitement and a new sense of hope in her heart. Today was going to end differently, she just knew it.
As she rounded the corner, she came across a familiar black cat. He sat in the middle of the corridor, waiting for her.

"Zachariah! It's been so long, what are you doing here?"

He twitched his tail in response. After stretching into the air, he turned and walked down the corridor, as though escorting her way. Having once been a reluctant resident of the dungeons, she knew just where to go, but she was happy for the company.

At the entrance, Zachariah rubbed against her leg, then pushed open the door. Maria followed him down the cobblestoned steps but soon came face to face with a guard at the bottom.

"State your purpose," the guard commanded.

"Good Evening, I'm Maria Merryweather and I am here to speak with Althea."

The guard shifted his eyes with a worried look. "Erm, do you have an appointment?"

Maria frowned, "I don't mean to sound so impolite, but I don't believe I need one."

"I'm afraid I can't let you pass."

"Why not?"

"The prisoners are busy at the moment."

"Busy doing what?"

The guard stumbled for an excuse. He had strict orders not to reveal that the prisoners had escaped to the Moon Princess or let her down to the dungeons. Finally, he blurted, "The boss won't allow it!"

"Please, I must talk to that creature! I need to figure out how to get Robin's memories back."

"I'm sorry miss, but bosses order."

Maria scowled and crossed her arms, "Who, Mr. De Noir? Trust me, he won't mind. It's for his son's own good."

"My orders," Robin said coming down the stairs. Like on Christmas day, he was dressed formally and without his bowler hat or scarf. His curls were combed back, revealing his shapely face and dark eyes. "You're not allowed down here, it's for your own safety." Then turning to the guard, he said: "Thank you."

Maria huffed, "That's ridiculous!"

Robin ignored her and instead gestured towards the exit, "Please, let's go. The party is upstairs."

"No. I want to speak to Althea and Charles."

Behind Maria, the guard chuckled and shrugged his shoulders.

"You can't speak with them."

"Then I won't move a single muscle." She crossed her arms and challenged him with her stare.

Robin groaned and scratched his head. Muttering a quick sorry, he lifted her from her waist and threw her over his shoulder. His march back upstairs was accompanied by her screaming and hitting his back.

"Put me down, you oaf! I hate it when you carry me like this!"

"I know."

Maria stopped and looked over her shoulder at the back of his head. "You do?"

"I read the book."

Maria's brow creased. She yelped as she was tossed back over his shoulder and landed in Robin's arms. One arm was under her legs, and the other one was supporting her back.

"Is this better?" He asked, his eyes still fixed up ahead.

Maria pursed her lip and muttered, "Yes, but I can walk myself." Her stomach fluttered, and her eyes scanned his soft lips, now pursed with determination. Maria's cheeks began to warm, and she focused on the black button of his shirt.

"Don't trust you. You might just stun me and run back down there."

"Oh yes, as though I've ever done that to you," Maria snapped. She huffed once more but dropped the subject. There was no use in arguing, he wouldn't believe her and would probably find another way to stop her.

Robin pursed his mouth, knowing what she said was true. Neither book nor memory could conjure up a time she ever hurt him, despite the many times he's tried to hurt her.

After some minutes of silence, Maria said, "I ran into Zachariah, why is he here?"

"We don't do much trading over the winter. When Harold and Luke return, they bring him along with them."

"Well Zachariah wanted me to go down there, he was leading the way."

"You can't go down it's too dangerous."

"Robin De Noir, you know more than anyone I can take care of myself!"

Robin scoffed, "As you did with the pillows? I seemed to recall your fighting stance needed more work."

"A particular birdbrain promised to teach me, but he hasn't been very good at keeping his promises. Besides, with my magic, I may not need to learn hand-to-hand combat."

Reaching the outside of the great hall, Robin set her down. He pulled away, leaving Maria feeling cold.
With the little dignity she had left, Maria straightened herself out. She put down her hood, then took off her scarf and mittens and stuffed them into her purse. She didn't notice Robin's watchful inspection of her neck.

"So just because you're the 'moon princess' you believe you have every right to barge in wherever? Even I'm not allowed down there. Heard Mr. Havisham and Henry say they're worried I may be compromised." He rolled his eyes.

"That's not at all what I meant! Not once have I been allowed to speak to her. How do you think that makes me feel? I'm supposed to be the one who breaks this curse, yet I can't even speak with her. How is that fair!"

"Fair? You want to talk about fair? I'm the one who got cursed and I'm still kept in the dark! How do you think that makes me feel?" Robin yelled back. "Ever since I came to, all everyone's done is order me around, trying to tell me what to think and feel! Meeting in secret without me! Evading my questions. Then every single time I see you my—I just—Ugh! It's all so damn confusing!"

"Robin, we tried," Maria pleaded. "I tried so hard to speak to you, but you wouldn't come near me. It's why I left you my book. I—I just don't know what else to do. I want to get your memories back, but you need to let me help you. You need to let me speak with Althea."

Robin was sure he heard her voice drop to a whimper at the end. He shook his head but didn't say anything else. He didn't know how to respond. She was right, Robin knew. His family and friends all tried endlessly to help him realize the truth. Why was it so hard to just accept it? He read the book. He heard the stories countless times. Even now here with Maria, he could see how much she cared for him. Then why was it so hard to believe it?

'She would be better off without me' A gut-wrenching thought broke through Robin's mind. He stilled, scared by both the familiarity and foreignness of that thought. At that moment, scenes flashed before his eyes. Before he could make sense of them, his mind began to fog up. He shook his head, he needed to get away. He gave one last look to Maria before turning to leave, only to be stopped short.

Maria grabbed his hand. "Robin, please, please let me help you," she begged. "Don't leave, talk to me."

"I—," Robin's voice was hoarse, "I just need to think."

"Is it me?" She asked, her voice going weak.

'Isn't it always?' Another invasive thought broke through his fog. Robin gritted his teeth, struggling to comprehend why that statement felt so wrong. It was nauseating, Robin wanted to leave her. He needed to escape. The heat of her hand in his own, however, reminded him of his conversation with Richard. If he wanted to know the truth for himself, he needed to give her a chance. He needed to stop running.

"Let's go somewhere quiet, I need some fresh air." Without a second to lose, he led her out to the courtyard. He shifted her hand so that it was now clasped within his.

The frosty air was a welcome relief to Robin. He breathed it in, letting the chilliness seep in and slow the chaos in his head. Once Maria felt his hold relax, she led him to a nearby firepit, abandoned by guards who had joined the celebration. She sat him down next to her. Maria rubbed soft circles into his hand with her thumb.

"How do you feel?"

Robin bitterly laughed, "Better, I guess. Now that my head's not threatening to explode."

After a moment of silence, Maria said "Could... could you help me understand what happens to you? Like what do you feel when I'm near you?"

Robin gave her an indecipherable look. His face scrunched, "What—I, how do I tell you when I myself don't get it? ..." Robin paused, "Thoughts that sound both familiar and unconceivable invade my head..." He began slowly. It was difficult to find the words. "I begin to feel like I'm losing control, like a daze, or fog of some sort wants to overpower me." Robin paused, his voice dropped quietly as he finished, "I'm filled with regret, resentment, hate. It's terrifying... I'm afraid I'll wake up and my life will be a lie all over again."

She nodded her head, taking in every word. "I wish I could do more to help. I'm sorry you had to go at it alone."

Robin shook his head. "I want to be alone. It's easier. I trust myself, it's harder to trust others."

The air was heavy around them and Maria finally dared to ask, "Is that why you left? I—I felt something, that day."

He closed his eyes, trying to ignore the torrent in his mind. "Yes... I—I think I saw something. I saw us falling after Althea cursed me."

"...Does that mean it worked?"

Robin shrugged his shoulders and continued to stare deep into the fire. "I don't know. Since then, my dreams have been strange. But I don't feel any different."

Maria sighed and looked crestfallen. It had been worth a shot, but just as she thought, it hadn't worked. Or so not how it was intended. She was sure this was because he didn't truly love her. How could she even expect that of him? It's not like she was sure he loved her even before he lost his memories.

With another sigh, she squeezed Robin's hand before letting go. She then took out his gift and handed it to him. "Merry Christmas."

He looked at her with confusion and hesitantly took the gift.

"Don't worry, it's not cursed," She added.

"But Christmas passed..."

"Yes, well due to my wardrobe malfunction, I was not able to attend the rest of the dinner. I bought this for you three years ago, but you were so determined to avoid me, that I never got a chance to give it to you. I doubt that bit was in the book. Moonacre's book only records events related to its magic here."

Robin opened the gift and found a beautiful, scarlet-dyed leather sheath, perfect for his curved dagger. "Thank you, er-erm I'm sorry I don't have anything for you."

Maria gave a small smile and shrugged her shoulders, "I didn't expect anything." Though getting his memories back would have been the perfect gift.

"It seems all I'm good at is running," Robin said with a note of dejection. "I've been avoiding you for a while, haven't I?"

Maria shrugged her shoulders and plastered on a soft smile, one that didn't quite reach her sad eyes. "Well, I wouldn't say that. It wasn't all your fault; I was responsible too. I am pretty good at avoiding you as well. My pride can get the best of me," she said with a small laugh.
"And let me just add, no, running isn't all you're good at. You may be surprised to learn that underneath this tough roguish shell is a brilliant survivalist and hunter, successful businessman, loyal leader, and more importantly—" she added with a nudge to his shoulder "—a dear friend and partner-in-crime whom I owe so much too."

Robin couldn't help the small smile that formed on his lips. He turned to look at Maria who was now also intently studying the fire. Perhaps it was from the frosty air, but he noted a pretty dusting of pink on her cheeks and nose. He focused on her lips and shook