Who is ready for another horribly written chapter? Well I hope you guys enjoy it. Please don't forget to review!
Marinette laid still in her bed. It had been a week since she had to stop seeing Chat, although it didn't do anything for her constant thoughts of him. The young rogue was the only thing on her mind other than her aching heart, especially when she was forced to endure the 'courting' of Lord Theo. The famous artist was sparing no time or expense in trying to catch her attention. He took her to town, bought her gifts ranging from flowers to jewelry, and took her along with him to any houses of his patrons. With him, it was a constantly drinking tea politely and smiling to the compliments about her beauty and her talent and the talents she was unaware that Theo possessed. Followed then by the whispers they had about what a lovely bride she would make for the great artist. It made her sick and it only seemed to make his ego grow.
Her parents were quite pleased with the contributions he made to their household. They fussed over any form of art work he had made for them and praised him for anything he seemed to purchase for their daughter. But while everyone other than Alya and Nino fussed over the obvious affection the man had for her, Marinette's mind always found a way to only be reminded of the affection she had of a man everyone was oblivious to.
It made the pain go away when while people talked about Theo, trying to get a fond reaction from her, that she would just pretend it wasn't. She only thought about her rouge, and the sweet kisses they would share by her window while looking up to the stars. He was all she could think about. From the painful tea times, during meals, and even when she was left in her room to sew. Theo had given her yards of fabric, plenty that should inspire her to make beautiful dresses with, but she didn't touch them. Instead of sewing anything she would only sit and look out her window. Watching the sunlight move across the sky, and once it grew dark enough, a small part of her hoped that she would see him coming for her. But she knew he wouldn't, because she asked him not to. It came to the point that she was restless at night by thinking about him, and started asking for tea to help her sleep. It gave her a few hours, but like every morning, she was awake by sunrise and sat thinking about her Chat until her handmaid came knocking.
She sighed heavily and sat up in bed. She retired to her room to prepare for the party her parents were hosting that night, hoping she could sleep peacefully before she became officially engaged to Theo. She only succeeded in crying herself to a small nap. In her washroom, she splashed cold water onto her face to reduce the redness when the door opened for Rose to come in and help her dress. After a cold bath, Rose helped pin her hair up in an elegant bun, with a few stray pieces curling beside her ear, and then helped her into her dress. Her parents ordered a red and black ball gown for her weeks ago, no doubt another expense paid for by Theo. She did have to admit, the craftsmanship was befitting nobility over her house.
"You look stunning!" Rose gushed, stepping aside from the looking glass. Marinette looked at the gaze her reflection had and sighed heavily.
"It is beautiful." She said before turning away. "Thank you for your help Rose."
"It's my pleasure Marinette. And your parents were nice enough to extend the invitation to the house, so if you don't need anything else..."
Marinette giggled. "Go on then, I hope to see you on the dance floor."
Rose left with a wide smile and Marinette couldn't help but feel jealous of the girl's excitement. She wished she could be excited about this. She wondered if Chat had heard of this event in the city, and if he had it gave her some condolence that he was probably as bitter to this party as she was.
Adrien was barely able to stand the small canter of his horse on the path to the Dupain-Cheng house from his excitement. In his opinion, running along the roof tops would have been faster, but it would have looked uncivil for his hosts. He was donned in a fine suit of complete black and his hair was combed much neater than he usually had it styled for going to the Dupain-Cheng house. The only thing that remained uniformed to his previous nightly visits was the black mask on his face.
He decided to arrive early to the party as his father would come later, and the suspense of waiting for requesting Marinette's hand was killing him. But as a prince and future king, he had to show patience to his father, but that didn't mean that he couldn't arrive early to dance with his princess.
She was all he could think about for the past week. It took every nerve in his body to not run to her and tell the truth. It would only cause a mess if she screamed at the thought of how the crown prince slept with her for months only to lead people to discover said prince in her room. She would be ruined forever and it would have been his fault. But his time for waiting had come to an end. Tonight, her parents wouldn't willing give their daughter to an artist when the prince was interested in her.
Finally, he arrived at the house, lights filled every room, and he couldn't help but trace his gaze up to his lady's window. It was the only room that was dark, meaning his lady was waiting for him inside. He couldn't help but smile and chuckle at the thought of her reaction. It would certainly be priceless and he was ready to see her in person after what felt like so long.
Marinette sighed heavily as she finished her glass in a small gulp. It may have seemed un-lady like, but she wanted to feel as intoxicated as possible at the moment.
"Mari, you have to stop!" Alya hissed at her and slyly passed her a biscuit. "You're either going to get too tipsy or make your breath smell foul."
"Do you think Lord Theo will stay away if I do?" The young girl whispered back. Alya stifled a giggle behind her light green glove. She and Nino made a striking couple that night with their ensemble. Alya wore a beautiful jade gown that was trimmed with black lace. It didn't seem to match the extravagance as Marinette's, but she was beaming happily alongside her fiancée's matching jacket and cravat.
"Dear, you might at least want to wait until after a few dances before appearing drunk."
"Or might try to avoid it altogether too loose humiliation." Nino quipped. The jest on Marinette's pride stopped her from taking another drink and instead she shot a scowl to the young man. "So where is my cousin?"
"I skillfully left him to a group of his patrons." She sneered, sipping a light punch. Theo was trying his best to stick to her side so far into the party as to make it seem that they were already engaged. However, Marinette very cleverly evaded him to go 'greet' any old acquaintances and often left him to elders curious about his art.
"You two are both very kind to stand by me, but please dance, it would be a shame." Marinette insisted. Her two friends shared a look before looking to her with saddened eyes.
"We aren't going to let you be a wallflower Mari." Alya comforted.
"No need to worry about that Alya." A suave voice interjected. Marinette bit a groan of annoyance as she looked behind her to see Lord Theo beaming at her with admiration.
"Come then Darling, we shall join them."
Marinette attempted a smile as she placed her gloved hand in his for him to lead her out onto the dance floor. She lost sight of Alya and Nino as the older artist swept her in a slow waltz with her multiple skirts dancing between their legs.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" He asked.
"Multiple times Lord Theo." She smiled, hoping to sound respectful.
"I keep forgetting, you take all thoughts from me my dear."
"Do I? That's quite dangerous you know." She chuckled as he spun her out.
"Quiet." He agreed seeming to take it as flirting. "You know Marinette, I have really enjoyed your company this past week."
"Oh?" A knot formed in her throat.
"Yes. It makes me sad I have to go. But I would like to make a proposition."
Another knot formed in her stomach.
"Yes…Lord Theo?"
"I…well…I admire you…and would like to know if you would give me the great privilege-"
"If I may have the next dance." A hand touched her shoulder, causing Marinette to turn and meet a formally dressed blonde wearing a black mask.
The blackette gasped but was swept away from Theo before her future fiancée could come up with an excuse. It was no doubt to Marinette that this man wasn't Chat Noir, but he was a masterful dancer that made it difficult even for her to follow his steps.
"So Princess," He murmured into her ear. "Is that the man that you claim to be so in love with? I have to say you could have fooled me."
"That doesn't concern you Chat."
"No? Then correct me if I'm wrong." There was a silence as Marinette tried to come up with what to say in response although he was already looking her straight in the eye. Concentrating on any sort of emotion in her eyes while perfectly keeping pace. "You lied to me."
"What?"
"You said you liked him. But you hate him."
"I don't hate him."
"But you don't want to marry him."
"Does it matter?" His eyes narrowed in skepticism in which she sighed heavily. "Alright! Fine! I don't."
"Then why did you lie to me?"
"Because, it would have been easier for both of us."
"But you didn't think of what could be done to save you from this? Do you not trust me enough to always find a way to be together?"
"Oh Chaton…" She whimpered, pressing a light kiss to his neck. That caused him to misstep, but he was still quick to recover. "There's nothing that we can do to be together. My parents want me married…I need to get married…to someone who can help with my parent's debt."
"Don't worry, I have an idea in mind." He chuckled. "I promise I'll be a better husband than that rat…"
"What? Chat, if I could I would marry you in a heartbeat, but we can't run away…even with your stealth."
"Don't doubt me." He winked as the song ended and he kissed her hand. "I have to go, but I promise I will fix everything." And he disappeared within the crowd. Marinette watched in a sad daze, looking to the floor in defeat as she begged her body to not release the tears she was trying to withhold.
"It's not that simple Chat." She whimpered and scurried off to the powder room where she tried to calm herself. Already her eyes were beginning to puff and look red along with her nose, and looking into her sad eyes made the tears roll down her pale cheeks. She stifled a small sob as she hugged herself for comfort. It was too cruel to hear your love tell you that there was still a way to be together.
The sound of the door opening had Marinette suck in a breath as she looked up to the intruder, relieved to see her friend.
"Marinette are you alright?" Her friend immediately was to her side and rubbing her back soothingly.
"Oh Alya, I can't do it." Marinette choked and clung to her friend. "I can't live this night just yet. Any moment now Theo is going to drop to one knee and ask for my hand in front of all these people. And I of course have no choice but to say yes! Oh Alya, why does this all have to happen? At the very least couldn't it be a quiet engagement?"
"Oh sweetling." Alya comforted. "Unfortunately Lord Theo loves attention I'm afraid. But this isn't about being shy is it?"
Marinette only shook her head and bit her lip to keep from telling about the secret of Chat Noir.
"Will you tell me?"
You have no idea how much I want to tell someone. Marinette sniffled but shook her head again.
Alya pulled away to try and look her friend in the eye and smiled.
"I can't do much for what may happen tomorrow Marinette, but I can help you tonight."
"How Alya? I can't go out there like this." She sniffled.
"Just follow my lead and keep your head down. Trust me?"
Marinette nodded and stood up with her gaze fixed downward. Alya wrapped an arm around her and lead her over to the doorway.
"Oh dear! Poor thing!" Alya fussed. Already Marinette could hear a few murmurs of confusion. Alya…. "The young girl is feeling so unwell after a light drink. There, there Marinette, it's only a bit of alcohol."
Alya! What are you doing?! Marinette wanted to scream as her cheeks flushed from embarrassment, but people parted for the two to pass.
"I'm going to take her up to rest!" Alya announced as people nodded and whispered hopes of her health. Marinette peaked up to Alya as the girl winked, she truly was a genius. They made it up to the second floor when they heard gasps fill the house.
"Announcing King Gabriel of France." A man called loudly. Alya and Marinette exchanged confused looks.
"The King? Here? Did you know Mari?"
"No, my parents didn't tell me if the King was invited."
"Do you think he heard of the event and invited himself?"
Marinette shrugged but glanced down to only catch view of the greying monarch at the bottom of the stairs and then her gaze drifted to where a familiar figure was not bowing in the crowd but watching her. And with great audacity, blew her a small kiss.
Marinette buried herself underneath her coverlet, shutting out the sunlight. Her head was pounding to the few glasses of wine she had downed over the night. Her tipsiness was enough for her parents to excuse her before midnight and thus she wouldn't have to deal with Theo's questioning on not only who the masked stranger was but her health as well. Although she didn't want to think of Chat either.
Chat…the name passed through her mind as she buried deeper. He was just so sure that no matter what we can be together…stupid cat…stupid, stupid, cat!
There was a loud clang as footsteps hustled in. Several pairs.
"Go away Alya. I'm not well."
"There's no time darling!" Her mother's voice cooed, walking around and patting her leg. "You have to get up and we need to make your presentable."
"Why does Theo come to pay another visit with another gift for the family vault?"
"Marinette, there's no reason to be snarky about Lord Theo. Come on and put on one of your gowns, come on up! Alya, please run the water."
"Of course." Her friend chirped, walking into the other room. Marinette rolled out from under the covers to look at her mother going through her wardrobe. She passed several dresses, going to a new rosebud pink that was to be saved for later engagement parties.
"Mama, what's going on?"
"Oh darling it's wonderful! King Gabriel had come to the party last night! And his son has asked to see you personally! So we have to get you ready." Within twenty minutes, Marinette was dressed in the rosy gown trimmed with lace, her hair curled elegantly around her face. Her mother dragged her down the steps before stopping in front of the parlor. She gave no detail about what happened with the King the previous night, and only left Marinette to wonder about their guest now.
"We were quite honored that you came last night." Her father said politely. There was a small hum in agreement as her mother opened the door.
"I apologize for the wait, Marinette has been exhausted lately with all that has happened." Her mother beamed, shoving her daughter into the room.
"It's quite alright." A greying haired man waved a hand in dismiss. He was dressed regally with the royal insignia over his chest. His grey eyes looked over her before turning back to looking at her father. "It seems you have raised a fine lady who takes after her mother, even if she is exhausted."
"I told you Father." A familiar voice replied smugly. A chill ran up Marinette's spine as she slowly turned to look to the opposite side of the room to see a beautiful young man standing against the wall. His hands held behind his back as he walked over to her. He was dressed in a uniform with the royal insignia on his chest as well. There was not a flaw on his perfect face that was framed by gorgeous blonde locks. Although the most entrancing thing were his emerald green eyes.
A smile tugged at his lips as he walked over, her mother taking a seat beside her father with a wide smile. Suddenly seeming to remember all the eyes watching her as she quickly swept a curtsey.
"You're Highness." She bowed her head shyly. Her heart was pounding in her chest as he stood in front of her, gently cupping her chin and lifting it up. He smiled his other hand taking hers to bring up to his lips.
"I prefer to be called purrrrince charming." He replied with a wink. Marinette froze and felt her knees wobble as she swayed and almost lost balance to the ground if he hadn't caught her in his embrace.
"I'm afraid Lady Marinette might need some fresh air." He told the others watching with mild concern. "I wouldn't want my lady to swoon."
Her mother chuckled, standing along with her husband.
"Of course, perhaps a walk in the garden your majesties?" She walked to Marinette and patted her hand lightly. The prince kept his gaze on hers as they shimmered with pure happiness looking into her eyes. "The Prince is right darling, you look awfully pale and you're trembling quite a bit." His eyes flickered to her mother and then caught sight of the shawl her mother wore.
"May I Madame?" He asked nodding to the article. Her mother smiled kindly and slipped it off for him to take as he draped it over her shoulders, lightly tracing down her arms.
"Is this a better accommodation my lady?" He asked, although his eyes told her he didn't mean the shawl.
"Come then, some sunlight could be good for us." Her mother nodded, taking the arm of her husband as they led the way out of the room. The king followed after them and without asking for permission the prince linked her arm through his, his other hand cupping hers gently for his thumb to trace over the back.
Their steps were slow behind their parents enough so that whispers could be left unheard.
"You're the prince." She shuddered a breath. He chuckled lightly and leaned closer down to her.
"What? Did you think your fine feline was a mangy stray instead of royal pedigree?" He teased.
"You did act that way sometimes."
"It worked to woo my princess."
"Am I yours though? My parents last told me I was to marry another man."
"That was before they received word the royal family was wanting an audience in their own home. Bringing along some nice gifts. I think your engagement is in flux right now."
"Is that so?" She grinned cheekily, looking up to him. "Then sire, what do you predict could happen to my availability?"
He grinned, turning his head in thought.
"Forgive me for sounding like a spoiled prince my lady, but if I were a parent, with a daughter ready to marry…who was called on by a charming, handsome, strong, brave, gallant-"
"Are you done yet?"
"Loyal, honorable, intelligent," He listed with a wink. "And kind prince, first in line for the throne of France. Well, I would at least hold off any suitors while he courts."
"Oh? So you plan to court?"
"Well of course. What would happen if I came in and demanded your hand in marriage? Well I'm sure it would work since I could pay your parents a very handsome dowry, I just don't want any courtiers to talk ill about my lovely princess."
"No?"
"No! Of course not! Instead I plan to bathe her in attention and affection much more befitting than a lord ever could."
"I just can't believe this Chat. It's too good to be true, although…it means."
"What darling?" He stopped instantly taking hold of her shoulders. "Please don't tell me you don't want all this."
"I just want to be with you Kitty. But if you do all this it'll be nearly a year before we can be together again."
"Oh Princess, it'll fly by. Nearly every day I'll be coming to court on you. And then we'll be engaged, it'll be time apart from each other, but we will attend anything together. And shortly after we'll be married, and no one will object to me just wanting to be with my wife for a bit. My sweet little wife."
Marinette felt small tears of joy bud in her eyes as she embraced him tightly. His arms wrapped around her form in comfort as the two ended up giggling happily at the thought of being together forever.
Well that finishes the idea but I have a bonus chapter dealing with something pretty cute. If you guys have any suggestions if you want to see anything else in this chapter please tell me! I really enjoyed playing with this idea! I'm sorry for the horrible writing but please leave me a kind review! Thanks for reading!
