Chapter 3

Eleven days left

"Ouch! You bloody PIG! How dare you impale me with those spears. I should have you hanged for this!"

The poor tailor's hands shook as he continued to measure the length of the arms on Lila's wedding gown. It was an impressive creation, with long burgundy sleeves and skirt, with a gold belt that was embroidered with pearls from the southern seas. Lila had chosen the fabric as she deemed it to be suitable for the future queen to show of her status. Adrien felt bad for the tailor, whom did not get much rest as Lila was not happy with the length of her sleeves or skirts and changed moderations as much as she made new ones. It was no wonder the poor man was going paler and paler by every word.

Adrien had already finished his sitting and waited patiently by the side while his bodyguard hovered above him. He wanted this session to be over. This very morning after his chambermaid had woken him, he had asked for an audience with his father, which he was surprisingly granted as soon as the fitting would be over. The best tailors had been brought right after lunch and sadly Adrien feared they would one day end up with one good tailor short in the way Lila acted. She was undoubtedly a hard woman to please.

"Get out!" Lila shouted suddenly making them all jump. The poor tailor quickly gathered his needles, measuring bands and scissors before dashing out the door.

"The King better explain!" Lila half screamed, half wailed, "how he can employ such incompetence for the future queen!" she tore at the sleeves that the tailor had worked for very long until they tore straight off. Locks of her usually perfect hair had fallen out and Adrien was reminded of the creatures he had heard from mythology, that had snakes for hair. That picture seemed to fit her quite well.

"I will not stand for it." She calmed as she spoke but walked around to finally end up pointing her finger straight into his chest.

"I don't care what they say about me, you are mine and no one else."

Adrien sighed, in the same way that had started this outbreak in the beginning. Ever since he had met his Lady the previous night, he couldn't help but to sigh and gaze tenderly toward the sky. The feelings he had the previous night had not died down the slightest. When he first saw Lila this morning, she could tell something had changed. At first, she had been her kind self, asking nicely as to what made him so happy this morning. She had giggled and tried to get close to him, but her fingers on his skin felt wrong. Without thinking he had acted on pure instinct and pushed her from his lap. Her charade had dropped in an instant. Lila knew he did not have any affection toward her and she wouldn't have it. She had turned on him from that moment on, reminding him that his father had indeed made them betrothed without either his consent or his knowledge.

She glared at him. Her olive-green eyes bore into him trying to read more about the woman he had met. It was as if she thought that his eyes would tell. When she came out blank she gave a hiss and left the room. The great doors to the room slammed behind her. Adrien sighed deeply in relief. He looked at the large man who was his bodyguard.

"I guess I might see father at once and explain what happened. Sadly, I think he already knows."

The older man nodded before opening the large doors once more to lead Adrien to see his father. Lile was already gone, probably having fled the scene to either head to her chambers or to tell Gabriel of what happened. Adrien's shoulders slumped as he started counting the candles along the wall, trying to busy his already nervous heart with the interior of the corridors that he was already so familiar with.

-oOo-

King Gabriel was once more in his study, a large book open and several documents sprayed across his desk. It was unusual to see any kind of mess from the king, but Adrien chose not to comment. He was led to a chair by Nathalie, who stood by the King's side. At first King Gabriel didn't look at Adrien, but then he slammed the book shut.

"Curse them all!" he said. He clasped his hands over the cover and stared at Adrien, who met his eyes. His father cleared his throat and nodded to Nathalie, who sat down by a nearby table, parchment and quill ready to take notes.

"Adrien, have you ever heard of Miraculouses?"

"Of what?" this was not the conversation he had imagined. He was prepared for everything but this. His father seemed genuinely thoughtful.

"A Miraculous, is an object of royal heritage. It was once given to all the Royal Houses of these lands and are said to hold unimaginable power. No one knows what these powers truly are, but as they are unanimous with royalty it was believed that only Royal blood could ever wield them. Some even believe that their power can grant wishes."

Adrien blinked. The ring Plagg had given him was safely stored in a box in a hidden compartment in his chambers. This whole story sounded eerily familiar. He wondered briefly if his father knew.

"Look here son." His father said and took out a large treasure box. Adrien leaned forward. Indeed, inside the box lay several items, brooches, bracelets, necklaces even hair ornaments. They didn't look any different, in fact they looked like something a commoner could wear.

"What are they?" he asked.

"These, son, are the Miraculouses I have conquered through our many battles." Gabriel explained.

"What… conquered." Adrien was confused. His thoughts drew to the many battles he knew his father had been part of. "Why?" he asked.

"It is for our safety. If our enemies possess power we do not, we can be easily overthrown. I have gathered all that power here, or almost all of it. Many years ago, I conquered the lands of the Dupain family in the south, but their Miraculous was lost in the battle. I have yet to find it."

Adrien glared.

"Don't look at me like that, son. I have summoned Lila here and I firmly believe she can help us, you see, her family is the only one who were never granted a power to wield, and yet they have thrived. I believe her power as a witch can help us locate the miraculous, which grants an immense power."

He turned to Adrien and frowned.

"I heard what happened earlier this morning. I refuse to allow your personal feelings for Miss Rossi to get in the way of this union. She is a vital part, both for saving you from your curse and for granting us the final power that we will need to dominate and unite these lands."

Adrien glared at him.

"I am not some toy to be given away." He said firmly.

"You are a prince. You are not meant to marry for love. All we royals do is to play in the game which is all about power. Remember Adrien, your mother is very weak. If we do not win this war, we may lose her, and that loss will be all upon you."

Adrien stood up briskly. "You may think of this as a game, father, but I know my life is nothing to be gambled with."

He walked out, his bodyguard followed him and for once in his life Adrien was in charge of the direction. He exited the main halls of the castle, walked quickly to the middle of the courtyard and confronted Mr Ramier, their pigeon carrier, straight off. A quill, parchment and his own royal insignia was sent for immediately. Adrien wrote quickly and tied the note to one of Mr Ramier's most trusted pigeon. The note said:

General

I, Prince Adrien Agreste, declare that all battles will cease among all borders of Champetre and peace will be negotiated with all affected parties as of the start of my coronation and marriage. If my father sends words to negate on my terms, do not heed his words but mine alone because I am the son of Queen Emelie of Champetre and my words are of the next ruler of the kingdom.

Adrien Agreste

Adrien watched the pigeon fly away. His blood still boiling from both the words of his father and the events with Lila he turned back for the night, ready to talk to Plagg on how to continue.

-oOo-

Plagg waited for him on his bed.

The black cat was burrowing himself into the many pillows and near half asleep when Adrien entered the room and slammed the door behind him. He waited for a moment to ensure that there wouldn't be anyone to barge in after him before turning to Plagg.

"Plagg."

Plagg opened his eyes sleepily.

"Yes." He said in a drowsy yawn.

Adrien walked over to his hiding spot and took out the ring.

"What is this ring?" he asked. "My father tells me it's called a miraculous and only given to royalty, so why and how? Why did you really give it to me and how did you get it?"

To his surprise Plagg wasn't phased by any of this, instead he heard a hissing giggle.

"I see that you have finally found out about what true sin is." Plagg said and if cats could, he would have smirked widely. "Have you ever wondered why that fairy cursed you to destroy these lands?" he asked.

"I know why she did. She lost her family, did she not?"

"That fairy" Plagg continued. "Was guarding the order of these lands, as have almost all magical creatures. When your father began this war he killed them all off. He completely ignored the order of things and selfishly sought to make himself stronger. He collected the miraculouses he thought would grant him power."

"But they do, don't they? I mean, this ring. I wouldn't have met her if it did not."

"Pfft… I see you are still as green as ever. This ring, its power is not in changing your appearance nor is it there to scream of your royalty. It's just a ring, nothing more, nothing less."

Adrien shrugged.

"Speaking of your little alter ego, I have something I need to talk to you about."

"About what?"

"About the lady friend of yours."

Adrien rushed at him. Plagg jumped, alarmed by the sudden motion.

"Hey, slow down, I'm just a cat. I was just to say, put two and two together. That girl you met. I don't think you are as far away from each other as you imagine."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm a cat, I hear things and most importantly, I have a brain and I can put two and two together. First off, she knows too much to be some faraway princess. She bumped into you and could immediately point you to a good baker. Also, if you haven't noticed through that lovesick brain of yours, she smells too common to be a princess. She's from around town, I am sure."

"If you say so, but how would I find her?"

"Well, there aren't many ladies who walk around in red dresses. Ask a tailor or something. Oh, and while we are out, find me something nicer to eat than that dead bird I tried to much on yesterday. And if you have to leave me at that stable again, tell that stable boy to stop giving me hay. I'm a cat. Give me apples or at least something I won't throw up hairballs from."

Adrien shook his head. He was ready to leave. He didn't feel like being anywhere near his father and his Lady was waiting for him.

-oOo-

When Adrien left Plagg this evening he made sure to tell the very confused stable boy to bring him the best apples he could find. He also gave him a silver coin for the trouble, which was more than he had ever paid for anything in this town, but he feared if he flaunted his richness there would soon be a number of bandits who would start to follow him.

For once he didn't start his journey to the pub but crossed the street to the first tailor he had first laid eyes on the first day of his freedom. It was the same tailor he had seen Chloé enter and he figured if the tailor was good enough for the Mayor's daughter it had to be good enough for his princess.

The curtains by the windows were drawn, a few select dresses were on display at the front with delicate designs. At first glance the shop seemed closed, but he saw movement behind the curtains and he got curious. He stepped to the door and tapped with the knocker on the heavy door. He waited, silently contemplating what to say.

He was met with the sounds of several locks being opened and the door widened to reveal a young woman whom he guessed would be around his age. She had dark blueish hair, blue eyes and an expression that clearly said that she was not expecting him but someone else at the door. Perhaps, a husband or a lover. She wore a simple grey dress, no shoes and a leather apron, where he could see pins and needles sticking out from a large pocket. Her hair was tied in two buns. He smiled and she blushed slightly but made no efforts to shut the door on him.

"Hello." She said in a soft voice. "How may I help you? I am afraid our tailor is out, but I could leave him a message."

He smiled back, pretty sure his appearance had to be odd for her. "I was wondering," he started "if you could assist me with something. You see, I was looking for a dress."

She raised an eyebrow but didn't comment further. Instead, she stood to the side and let him in.

The shop was simple by design. The first floor was made of two rooms, one which could not be viewed from the door and the other the main workshop. A large wooden table stood in the centre, packed with fabrics of all types and colours. There were shelves upon shelves of even more fabric along the walls and by the wall furthest from the door was a fireplace where an iron was left to heat. Surprisingly, seeing how much material there was, the floor was impeccably clean.

The young woman walked to the table to bring out a large book.

"I am the tailor's apprentice. I could take your order and forward it to Master Fu. He and his assistant make most of the dresses here. She opened the books and he could see that each page held various samples of fabrics.

'Oh,' Adrien thought. 'She thinks I want a dress commissioned.' He cleared his throat.

"Actually, I am not looking for a dress to be made." He said. She looked at him sceptically. "No, please here me out. I am looking for this girl, whom I met yesterday. She wore this amazing dress I have ever seen, but I am afraid I never caught her name or where she lives. I do not know how to find her apart from her dress and seeing how amazing it is, I figured it had to be made by someone close to the skills of a royal tailor or equal when it comes to skills. Please, if you know anything, please tell me."

He reached for her hand, but she backed slowly. "I am sorry, we are just a normal shop, we do not commission for such high level of standard."

"I saw the Mayor's daughter enter here a few days ago."

She shrugged, "Well, we do have a good reputation. But I am afraid… I'm afraid I cannot help you, and quite honestly, if you are looking for a dress, there are bound to be more dresses like that. Once a dress hits the shelves each dressmaker makes several of the same style. That is how fashion works. The rich orders something and suddenly everyone wants it copied."

She looked close to forlorn as she spoke. Adrien groaned. He didn't like what he was hearing, mostly because he didn't want to think that there was a possibility that he might ever see her again.

"But maybe you know something" he tried. "I have to find her."

"Why is that?" she asked, puzzled by his determination.

He stared at her, held her gaze and he wasn't sure why he needed to. She was a stranger, yet there was something comforting in talking to someone who didn't seem to argue with him to decide what he should do.

"I… I met this girl the other night. We danced and it was probably the best moment in my life. She left me and I want to find her again. I need to know if she feels the same."

She blushed. "You know, it sounds as if she means a lot to you. But if you ask me, you should be more careful to whom you give your heart to. Not all of us are like we seem."

"Really, why is that?"

"Well" she pondered for a moment and after a few seconds she twirled.

"Who am I?" she asked.

He blinked. "Pardon?"

"Who am I?" she said much slower this time.

"Well, you said you are the tailor's apprentice, so I guess that is who you are. And you are a girl, obviously… quite a lovely girl" he added, seeing that she raised an eyebrow once more. "And, well… you work here, I guess, for this Master Thruh…"

She shook her head.

"Don't be so quick to judge people." She said and motioned for him to sit down by the table. Her back turned and she walked to the fire to remove the iron before it got too hot to use.

"They call me Mari here." She answered while she walked back to the table to iron out some creases on an unfurled fabric. "I am not from here, but Master Fu and Mistress Tikki moved here when I was young. You see, we lived in another town, but it burnt down and my parents perished in the fire. I am an orphan, but Master Fu and Mistress Tikki knew my parents so they brought me here from my family's ruined house. I have worked here since, stoked the fire, cut fabric, brings the fabrics to the eastern parts of town to get the coloured. Lately, I have helped with the designs. You see, Master Fu is old and Mistress Tikki isn't very young herself. So, I basically run the shop while they gather supplies. With this darkness there aren't many places left that sell fabric and the fabrics aren't as good as they used to."

"I'm sorry." He said, adding her to his ever-growing list of people affected by his curse. It was a grim reminder he wasn't too keen on at the moment.

She chuckled. "Really, you don't need to apologise. You cannot help it. None of us can. My father used to say that the faiths of others are not down to one man, but to everyone. Even if a person is cursed that person doesn't carry all the responsibilities to cure it. We are all part of the same world, so we should learn to help each other and if we stand united, we can bring down anyone's curse."

"Wow, your father sounds like an amazing man."

"He was." She admitted and dried a tear from her eyes. "I miss him a lot. We used to sit together late nights and look at the stars together."

They were silent for a moment. Adrien felt slightly jealous. He couldn't remember the last time his father had spent some time with him just to bond. In fact, he could barely remember having a conversation with him which wasn't related to the kingdom, his curse or how he needed to become a better prince.

"What about you? Why are you dressed that way and where are you from?"

"I'm…" he had to think fast. "They call me Chat Noir. I'm just someone who tries to find my path in life." The last part wasn't completely untrue, he was after all looking for a way to make drastic changes to his fate. To his surprise she laughed. She set the iron back to the now cooling embers, then turned quickly to face him.

"Chat Noir, huh? You know, some believe black cats to be quite unlucky."

He groaned and blamed Plagg for giving him black cat ears in the process. "An unfortunate coincidence, my lady." He said.

"Is that why you chose such unusual attire?" she asked.

"I did not" he protested. "Someone gave me these clothes for my journey."

Mari walked close to him and gently touched the ears. "Well, whoever made them has good skills. They fit you. I'm almost a little jealous, I wish I could be this creative."

"Surely you could." He said, almost teasingly.

"Perhaps, but I doubt anyone would buy it. Mistress Tikki always says to waste none. Fabric is expensive, so we cannot waste it. She saves everything and if there are scraps we sew them together and donate to the children of the town."

Adrien thought back to the girls he met the previous night. "Are the townspeople that poor that they cannot afford their own clothing.

"Some are, it is getting harder and harder for everyone seeing how dark it has gotten. My best friend, she tells me that things weren't always this bad, but with all the wars and the money the King needed for it, the taxes became so high that most people had to sell what little they had to not be sent of to the mines to slave."

"The mines?"

"There are mines north in the mountains. She says that people there dig for coal and irons day out and day in and never get paid and if they don't work someone will force them. You work until you die, basically."

"How can she know?"

"Well, her sister was sent there. Don't worry, her sister is quite strong and capable. She is doing fine so far."

"And you can confirm this?"

She paused briefly.

"Well, I know for a fact she does not lie."

Adrien thought for a moment. He would have to write more letters in the morning to find out how bad things were. This new freedom of his was wonderful, but he realised after twenty years there was so much pain in his kingdom.

"I'm sorry." He said once more, more or less to himself.

"Stop apologising."

Mari walked over to him and placed her to hold him to her face. He blinked. Close up there were images of a similar face from the day before and briefly he wondered if Mari was his lady?

"We are common people and common people cannot do much to change the world. One by one we have little strength but together, no matter how bad it gets out there, we will look after each other and survive, somehow."

Adrien chuckled. Her positivity was more than he could manage to keep his charade.

They looked each other in the eyes for what was most likely a little too long to be a normal first conversation. Eventually she let go of his head and turned. He couldn't help but to note the slight blush that coloured her cheeks.

"Fine" she said suddenly in a way that made him blink. The tone of her voice changed from soft to somewhat determined. "I have five dresses to cut out and I don't really have much time to talk today. Could you come back tomorrow. I… I might have something you wish to know."

His ears perked.

"Pardon."

"Tomorrow Chat, the shop closes at 8pm and Tikki and Master Fu will be out again in the evening. She paused, there were shadows outside the drawn curtains. "This way," she hissed and grabbed him by the arm. She hauled him up a stepladder and a trapdoor, that he realised moments later had to be her bedroom. There was a second trapdoor, which she quickly opened and beckoned for him to get through.

"Mari!" voices said from below. They looked at each other. She looked panicked, obviously he had overstayed his welcome.

"See you tomorrow" he said and hurried out to the roof. He heard her walk back downstairs and greet her guardians cheerfully. With a content sigh he scaled the roofs back to Plagg.

Had he been more observant and raised his head he wouldn't have missed the obvious red dress with spots of black hanging over a thick wooden wardrobe at the end of her room.

A/N: Hi guys, quick note to say thank you all for reading. I know I never beg for response for my stories, but I hope you haven't forgotten that there is a review button and I would love if you could tell me what you think of this story so far. Until next Saturday!