That was a very ambitious first chapter. Definitely continue. I want to see where you're taking this story.

As food for thought, (you can take this how you like), Maria didn't quite strike me as the type to have such dramatic outward show of violence. She's curt and sharp, but I don't think she would have gone so far as to pull a weapon or such a threat out on a fellow soldier. I may have missed something, but she seemed a bit angsty to me. Who knows? Pain and loss can do a lot to a person, but she could be in a mighty heap of trouble for her actions, and she /is/ treading a fine line right now with Robert not covering for her.

So with that being spoken, I would just be careful with how you characterize Maria. It's hard, with her being an OC.

I was a bit surprised by your opening chapter in comparison to the summary, so I assume that the next chapter will further elaborate on what the summary suggests. Again, I'm excited to see where you go with this. Your summary was well put, and makes the story sound like it's going to have an exciting journey. :)

I like it. :D Good lob. There aren't enough stories with Maria in them. Will this continue through and after Bloodlines? That would be very interesting, no to mention fascinating! Please do continue!