Guardian of the Sun ~ Robin De Noir Love story

Chapter 1

This chapter mainly is preparing for Maria's arrival and introducing you to the characters a bit more.

The year past quickly here in Moonacre.

I was right in thinking that I wouldn't be seeing Robin for quite a while. By that I mean I haven't seen him since. The separation hasn't been easy and I've felt lonelier than I did the year previously spent without him. I wonder how he explained that one to his father. I couldn't help but laugh as I thought about Coeur De Noir, he seemed to have taken a liking to me, oh the irony. If only he knew.

The kiss replayed in my mind often and more times that I'd have liked, I was caught by my father thinking about him and then having to come up with some excuse; most of which I was amazed he believed. The weather was beautiful these days, clear skies and the sun was shining non-stop. But there was only so many times you could use the weather as an excuse for gazing off into the distance. Yeah, my lying skills needed work.

I jumped at a knock on my bedroom door, once again thinking about... the weather. 

"Little Flame." 

I smiled at my nickname. My father had called me this since even before I could remember. He told me it was because when I was born the first thing my mother said and the last thing she ever said was, "my Little Flame". So that's how I got my name, Áine meaning fire or joy in Celtic Gaelimeantt ment other things too but they were the main. Eliana which meant daughter of the sun. When I discovered that was what it meant and after I discovered my role in everything, I couldn't help but see how close it was actually to the truth. Maybe my mother somehow knew, I guess I would never know.

I got to my feet from where I had been sitting at a small table that was on my balcony, my head stuck in one of my latest books, though I had yet to turn the page for about ten minutes or so.

I returned to my room and opened the door wide to reveal my father standing there proud and strong.

"Morning Father," I said cheerfully as I stepped to the side as he gestured towards my room, asking for entrance.

He strode in, he looked around my room smiling, I could see something in his eyes, pieces clicking into place. It wasn't long before he figured everything out. He would have already figured it out but he is still blind to this curse and I did not know of anyway for him to see sense, so I didn't try. If he didn't want to see it, no manner of convincing would work. My father was a truly stubborn and prideful man. A great flaw.

He slowly turned to face me, I could see the sadness hidden in his eyes. So deeply and so slight, I don't believe he even knew it was there anymore. Sir Benjamin had a talent for hiding his emotions and keeping up a mask but it never worked on me; I could always see through him. He had always had sadness in his eyes these past years, well ever since Loveday left.

But this sadness was more.

 I slowly took a step towards him, placing my hand on his arm, "Father, what has happened? What is wrong?" I asked carefully, waiting patiently for him to answer. I took a seat on my desk and continued to look at him.

He sighed and said, "my brother has unexpectantly passed".

I knew of this brother, my father had ranted on about him often, mainly how he was broke and owed money to many people and wouldn't take any money from him. My father always complained of his pride and I couldn't help but think that might be something the two brothers shared. I was usually silent during these rants. Well aware by now that my father simply had to get these thoughts out in the open and I would sit and listen to give him that sense of relief.

"He left behind a daughter, who is now an orphan and I have had it arranged so that she is brought here" he explained calmly, but there was still a slight bit of despair in his tone.

"She is from the city and has never been to the country, she is said to be around 13" he continued as he now began to pace my room, my eyes following his every move.

I was waiting to see if there was anything else. Apparently, there was, as he said: "I was hoping you could set up a room for her."

I agreed of course, glad there would be another girl with us in the house.

"Also" my father added, as he made to leave, "her governess will be coming to help care for her and teach her."

I gave him a look which seemed to say, 'you aren't going to do what I think you are?' He shot me a small smile, "No, you will continue your studies with me" I sighed with relief. Just as he was about to go I called him back and asked, "when are they set to arrive?"

I was wondering how long I would have to put together her room. "At most a week." With that, he left me to my thoughts.