Chapter 1
"Are you kidding me?"
Marinette screamed
"Those are the rules Marinette, in order for you to truly become queen, you need to marry within 30 days"
King Fu said, putting his hands up in defense.
"And what if I don't?"
"Then that means I'll have to revoke your miraculous and you'll no longer have the opportunity to take my place"
She couldn't believe this. It was absurd. Ladybug doesn't need anyone to help her rule Paris, no one.
"I know Marinette, it's frustrating but, those have been the rules for centuries, it's nothing new". King Fu said taking her hand in his.
"I wish I was informed of that when I first agreed to come here. I've sacrificed so much to be here and just when I think I'm comfortable and happy you have to dump this on me?"
Marinette was fuming. She ripped her hand from his and stormed off to her room.
Tikki flew up to her, obviously knowing what was just told to her.
"Marinette, please it's not that bad."
She turned to Tikki stunned. Could she seriously be telling me that marrying someone I just met is not that bad?
"You've never had to marry someone in order to keep your powers" she spat
"Actually I'm married"
Tikki said matter of factly.
"what?"
A tiny knock was heard at the door.
"Marinette, please open the door we need to talk"
It was King Fu.
Before Marinette could say no, Tikki flew right over to open the door up for him.
"I know you're angry and I know you're upset but, I have an idea that you might like"
He offered a sympathetic smile
"What is it"
"Were holding a costume party this evening and inviting Paris's most eligible bachelors to ask for your hand"
She let out the most exasperated sigh.
"But! Here's the best part. You don't need to wear your super suit. I've set up a sewing station down stairs so you can make your own dress for tonight's event! The only thing I'm requiring you to wear is your mask so you can hide your identity, but that's it! I promise"
He seemed scared of her. This is the first time he's seen her truly and utterly livid.
Maybe designing something will take my mind off this whole mess. She thought
She turned to King Fu, arms crossed.
"Fine, but whatever I make is what I'm wearing tonight, no revisions, no 'touch ups', nothing at all"
"That's fine! Yes-just fine-perfectly fine"
She let out another sigh
"Also I invited Alya, it was supposed to be a surprise but you were so angry, I thought the news would make you simmer down a little"
It did calm her nerves, but she would never admit that. Alya coming still didn't fix the real problem. Getting married to a complete stranger.
"The party begins at 9 tonight, so I advise that you begin sewing"
King Fu said closing the door behind him.
"You're married?!"
Marinette hadn't forgotten what Tikki had told her right before King Fu had interrupted.
"Yes Marinette I am"
"To who?!"
"You don't know who he is, and you probably never will"
Marinette had to admit she was a little disappointed. Tikki was the thing she was most fond of (besides Alya) and she wanted to know who her other half was. Or if it was a situation like the one Marinette's going through right now.
Maybe that's why she said I'll never meet him
"While I work on my dress, do you think you can tell me about him?"
Tikki looked skeptical.
"Pretty pretty please?"
She said in her most squeaky princess tone.
"Fine"
"It's gorgeous Marinette!"
Tikki squealed
"Thank you, I didn't want to wear something traditional, so I took the traditional idea and put my own spin on it!"
Marinette said, admiring her creation.
It was a floor length ballgown with a sweetheart neckline at the top. The entire thing was red and had black polka dots littered all over it. The bottom was a gigantic fluffy cloud of red tulle with more polka dots. It was just. Perfect
"I think you're ready"
Tikki said clutching her paws.
"Tikki, can I ask you something?"
"Of course Marinette, anything"
She fiddled with the dress, picking out loose threads as she tried to collect her thoughts.
"Do you love Plagg?"
"Of course I do!"
"Were you forced to marry him?"
Tikki frowned.
"No Marinette, we were made for each other."
"Where is he?"
"He's with his keeper just like I'm with mine"
"Well who's his keeper?"
"I can't tell you that Marinette"
She was frustrated now. If Tikki and Plagg were made for each other than maybe his keeper and herself had the same connection. But him being at this ball tonight was impossible. She didn't even know him. Maybe he was a complete jerk and if Marinette did end up meeting him, she would just get her hopes dashed and then have to marry someone even worse.
"Why can't you tell me?"
"Because I don't know who he is"
"Really?"
"Marinette I haven't seen Plagg in 18 years"
Tears welled up in Tikki's eyes. Marinette went to her and held her tiny body in her hands, trying to comfort her.
"That's awful"
Tikki quickly composed herself and smiled.
"It's not about me tonight, it's about you! And who knows maybe we'll both find Prince Charming tonight"
It was 8:59. Marinette was standing at the top of the long staircase with Alya who was fixing her dress, making sure it was perfect. She came dressed as a bunny, looking cute as ever.
"Have I told you how glad I am that you're here tonight"
Marinette sighed.
"Yes, 15 times actually"
Alya chuckled
"Well if you weren't here I think I would've killed someone"
Marinette said, over exaggerating.
"You look beautiful girl. I have to go, the party is going to start and I want to watch you come down those stairs, looking like the princess you are"
Alya gave her a kiss on the cheek and adjusted the bunny ears on top of her head.
Alya was the only one besides Tikki who knew she was Ladybug. It took a lot of pleading and begging for King Fu to let Marinette tell her.
"Are you ready Ladybug?"
Tikki said smiling as big as ever
"As ready as a cold hot pocket"
Marinette sighed
"Oh come on. Stay optimistic"
The clock struck 9 and the large bells on top of the castle rung through the ballroom. She could hear the talking down at the bottom of the stairs reduced to whispers.
"It's time"
Tikki squealedp
Don't fall down the stairs Don't fall down the stairs Don't fall down the stairs
Marinette strode down the staircase in the most elegant way possible. She saw a plethora of men dressed up in their finest costumes, smiling up at her, as well as Alya standing next to Marinette's guard Nino who was dressed as a giant carrot. What are the odds?
Nino stood on the bottom step of the staircase and proudly introduced her.
"Presenting Princess Ladybug! Leader and defender of Paris!"
There was a roar of applause, which always made her blush.
"Let the party begin!"
Marinette began circulating through the many people that came. Her hand was kissed many times and she wasn't blown away by anyone just yet. Her eye kept falling onto a man who came dressed as a black cat. But he always disappeared. She came upon a boy with lovely ginger hair and a sweet personality. He was dressed as a painter. She learned that his name was Nathaniel and his family owned several art galleries and museums throughout Paris.
She thanked him for his time and snuck out the side door of the ballroom into the garden. She needed a break.
"Are you okay?"
Tikki said emerging from the tulle.
"Yeah, I just needed a breather."
Marinette said as she sat on the ledge of the giant fountain in the middle of the garden.
"Do you like anyone so far?"
"Just that Nathaniel. But I keep seeing this other man. He's dressed as a black cat. Have you seen him?"
Tikki turned a pale red.
"You saw what?"
Just as Marinette was about to describe the man again, the man in question was right next to her, spotting Tikki, who quickly flew back into her dress. He had green eyes with blonde hair and a Cheshire Cat smile.
"She's just-its not that- I can explain- she-"
"Sorry for interrupting your conversation with your lovely kwami but, do you mind if I sit here with you purr-incess?"
to be continued...? ﾟﾐﾞ