Maria chose to avoid everyone as much as she could for the rest of the day. She had no desire to run into Nic or any of his men and she wasn't prepared for the mental gymnastics involved in hanging out with Cassandra. The other woman wanted to be pals with Maria, but Maria just wanted out of this whole situation. She didn't want to make friends. She didn't want to get comfortable. She just wanted out.
With that thought in mind, she spent the next few hours scouring the house, getting an understanding of the layout and taking note of all exits. She studiously avoided any areas with people in them. She wandered outside too but didn't go far. Nic had told her to stay away from the wall, the gate and the guards, which wasn't easy when all three things she was supposed to avoid were on the grounds.