Adrien felt the same fire in his heart as he made his way back to the East wing. The smile on his face was clear and he hoped it would never go away. Well, a least until he had to deal with his father or Chloe. He returned to his room to give himself some time to come down from the high of kissing Marinette's hand before departing. He wasn't sure why he did it but it felt like something he needed to do. And calling her "lady"? That also felt natural, but not quite enough. She seemed to carry herself as more than a lady. Princess, perhaps? Yes, that seems to suit her better. He couldn't wait to see her tomorrow and the anticipation was palpable. He heard his father come in looking stoic and cold as ever. Adrien refused to let his icy exterior put out the flames of his amour.

"You returned from your errand. Miss Chloe was not pleased with your absence."

"Then she will have to forgive me, father. I had important business to attend to for her father."

"Yes, by escorting a maid to the bakery."

"It was in good manners, father. It wouldn't be right to let her walk the streets herself. While I'm sure she could handle herself, the gentleman in me couldn't let her go alone."

"Just keep in mind your place. You follow my orders and keep Miss Chloe happy."

"I haven't forgotten that," Adrien said stiffly.

"I still expect you to eat breakfast with her even if you go to the bakery with that maid."

"Yes, father." Mr. Agreste was about to leave when Adrien spoke up again. "And her name is Marinette."

Mr. Agreste simply nodded and left the room.

The next morning, Marinette was getting dressed to head to the bakery with Adrien. She was actually excited for it. She had a hard time deciding what to wear, but she settled on a green dress with pink flowers stitched into the skirt, black stockings and black shoes with her blue shawl, leaving her hair down with a pink headband. She wasn't trying to impress him no, she just liked the dress. A knock at her door alerted her and answered it to see Adrien in front of her with a brown cap on top of his blonde locks.

"Good morning, Princess," he smiled.

"Princess? Me?"

"I see no other before me," he winked. "You don't mind do you?"

"No, of course not," she beamed.

First he called her "lady" and now "Princess"? She hoped he wasn't like this with the other maids. The two quickly made their way to the bakery. Sabine greeted them by the back door.

"Good morning you two! We have everything ready."

"Thank you, mama."

"Here, you might want to use this," said Tom pulling a wagon full of bread and treats.

"Is that my," questioned Marinette.

"Yes, your papa fixed up last night after you left," said Sabine. "Oh, I remember how you and your friends used to run around the streets with you sitting in the wagon, acting like you were the Princess of Ladybugs," Sabine gushed.

Adrien's grin grew bigger at this news; Princess was perfect for her. Marinette felt very embarrassed at her mother disclosing that information. After handing the next day's orders, Adrien grabbed the handle while Marinette carried a basket of muffins and made their way back to the manor. Marinette felt bad for making Adrien do the heavy work.

"I'm sorry for making you pull the wagon," she said nervously.

"It's fine, Marinette. I don't mind. Besides, I'll just pretend it's you as a girl who is the Princess of Ladybugs."

"Oh? And what does that make you?"

"Your knight, Chat Noir."

"Why Chat Noir?"

"I'm fond of black cats. They get a lot of grief for bringing bad luck. I feel their bad luck is not their fault. They just need someone to bring them luck."

"Someone?"

"A ladybug princess for one," he said with a sincere smile.

The two talked some more about themselves. Adrien learned that Marinette favored the color pink while he favored the color blue. His reason, though he would never admit it to her, was it was the color of her eyes. Marinette was surprised to learn that when he was younger, he once tried to adopt every stray cat in the city but his father quickly shot that idea down. But every now and again, he'd leave some milk out the back door for the cats that come by. He is so sweet and kind, Marinette thought. How could someone like Adrien have a father that is cold and heartless? They made it back to the manor and dropped off the baked goods at the manor kitchen. Marinette would keep the wagon with her and they would use it for their deliveries.

Meanwhile, Sabrina was in Chloe's room getting her ready for breakfast. Chloe had immediately noticed Marinette's absence.

"Where is that new maid," she snarled.

"Tikki put her in charge of picking up and delivering fresh bread and treats from a bakery until Anton is well again," Sabrina answered.

"Hmphp! She better have my room cleaned while I eat!"

"As far as I understand, she will still do her duties."

"Well, no matter. I hope Adrien will be there; I missed him yesterday. Where was he?"

"He went to the bakery with Marinette."

"What?! Did that little guttersnipe trick my Adrien into going with her?!"

"Actually, he volunteered," Sabrina said nervously.

Chloe was not happy with this little development. She'd figure out a way to punish Marinette for taking Adrien away from her and to make sure Adrien was not allowed to accompany the maid ever again. A talk to his father would do the trick. She then smiled maliciously at the thought of her plan. Later that day, Marinette was helping with the dusting of the books in the library. She was working on her shelf when she pulled on a book and saw the shelf slide away. An entrance to the passageway? She knew that she didn't remember the paths Adrien showed her but her curiosity got the better of her so she snuck behind the shelf and it quickly slid back. She didn't count on how dark it would be and she tried to feel around to find the switch to open it again but she stumbled forward and continued to go deeper down the hallways. She turned left once and right twice, and turned around again. She was getting scared; she had no light and no way of knowing how to get out. Panic began to rise and her heart was beating irregularly.

"Hello?! Can anyone here me?!" She wasn't sure if her voice could be heard through the walls. "Please! Someone help! I'm lost and don't know where I am!"

Tears began to form and she felt claustrophobic. She felt the walls closing in and she sunk to the floor on her knees. She sobbed loudly, since it felt like no one would hear her anyway.

"Help me! Please! Somebody help!"

It was then she barely registered the sound of hurried footsteps behind her.

Adrien was in the passage ways as he had just left a lecture from his father reminding him about ignoring Chloe yesterday and that he had to spend the rest of the day with her to make up for it. While he didn't want to be rude to the girl, her company wasn't always that pleasant. He had a sneaking suspicion that his father was trying to force him to romance the girl. He couldn't do that; he didn't feel that way for Chloe. It was then his mind wandered to a certain princess in his eyes. The butterflies were swarming his insides and a soft smile spread across his face. She was the sweetest girl he'd ever met, completely the opposite of Chloe. He was supposed to escort Chloe to a garden party but he wanted to say hi to Marinette first since he probably wouldn't see her until the next morning. Suddenly, he heard faint cries of help; he stopped and listened. He heard it again and recognized that it was Marinette's voice. He rushed toward the sound. He was glad he had a lantern with him this time. He normally went through the passages in the dark, but something told him to take a light. He heard sobbing and his heart lurched. She sounded so scared so he picked up his pace. He saw her on her knees with her back facing him.

"Marinette! It's me!"

She turned around to see Adrien standing before her with a lantern in his hands and a concerned expression. Her face was of pure terror, tear stained cheeks and quivering lip. He saw the duster in her hands. She must have activated a door while dusting. He knelt down with a soft expression on his face, placed the lantern beside him and opened his arms to her. She latched onto him in seconds. She gripped his brown best over a blue shirt and shoved her face into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her in an attempt to soothe her.

"It's alright Princess," he whispered soothingly. "Your knight is here."

They stayed like that till her breathing steadied. He helped her to her feet and left the passageway at the first exit he found. Being back out in the open and lit hallway made her feel much better.

"Th-thank you, A-Adrien," she said red faced with embarrassment.

He just chuckled and marveled at how cute she looked.

"'Twas my pleasure. A knight always comes to rescue his princess," he said with a bow and his face was red. She smiled sweetly at him, but her heart rate went back up again.

"Yes, you were quite brave," she added with a giggle.

"So what happened?"

"I was dusting in the library and I pulled on a book and the shelf moved," she replied sheepishly.

"I see. I'm not familiar with the path from there but I'm glad I found you nonetheless. It would probably be best if you stayed out of the passages unless you're with me."

Marinette nodded in agreement. She then remembered she was suppose to help in the library.

"I'd best be going back," she said.

"Yes, I must be going too," said Adrien. "See you in the morning."

"Yes, see you."