The Princess from Reynard
"Introducing Her Royal Highness, Princess Lila Rossi of Reynard!"
Princess Lila strode toward the throne, flanked by half a dozen guards in Reynardine orange. She held herself straight, like she was suspended by a line. Her face, a flawless mask of diplomatic regality. Once in front of King Gabriel, she bowed into a precise curtsey.
Adrien watched on from the corner of the throne room, impressed. Her disposition, posture, and manners were all technically perfect. Still, there was something stiff about her movements. She reminded him of a wooden clockwork figure.
Chloe leaned into him, fan to her mouth.
"Scandalous, can you believe her?"
"Believe what?" Adrien asked.
"She came here with only male guards escorting her," Chloe explained as if Adrien was a little slow for not noticing. "Where are her lady's maids?"
"You came here without a lady's maid," Adrien pointed out.
"That was different, Sabrina was ill. Besides, at least I was accompanied by Daddy," Chloe huffed. "Who accompanies Princess Lila as she shamelessly hunts for a husband?"
"What makes you think she's doing that?" Adrien asked, stunned.
"It's obvious, Adrikins." Chloe rolled her eyes. "Have you read her itinerary? First Edoire, then Katana, and then Malcoco? What do all these places have in common? Wealthy, young, unattached princes in need of wives."
"But she can't marry me, I'm the heir to the throne. And I thought Katana's king only had the single daughter?"
"Katana only crowns male heirs, and she has cousins."
Princess Lila rose from her curtsey. Gabriel stood and greeted her.
"Princess Lila, welcome to Edoire. I trust your voyage was pleasant."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, it was." Lila's voice was like Nathalie's. Practiced, considered, and monotone. "Lunimar is beautiful. You cannot tell she weathered a tropical storm less than a month ago."
"How did Reynard fair?" Gabriel asked. "As I recall, the storm was headed in your direction after it passed us."
"Thank you for your concern. It had all but died upon passing through Hunagxa. Reynard only suffered drizzle," Lila explained, head bowed.
"I'm glad to hear it."
"I'm sorry to be rude, but my servants and I haven't broken our fast." Her servants hadn't so much as budged the entire exchange.
"I see. Prince Adrien." Adrien's head snapped up, hoping he looked half as regal as Lila did. "Would you escort Princess Lila to the westerly sitting room? You, she, and Lady Chloe can share breakfast there."
"Thank you, King Gabriel."
Lila followed Adrien and Chloe out to the hallway, where they made their introductions.
"How do you do, Princess Lila. I'm Adrien. This is the Lady Chloe Bourgeois of Troubadour."
"A pleasure," Chloe said, as if it weren't really a pleasure at all.
"I've heard that you've been quite the feature here at the Black Palace, Lady Chloe," Lila said through the smallest of smiles. Chloe's fan flapped a little harder in response. "It's good to finally meet the both of you."
The westerly sitting room overlooked the ocean, same as all the best rooms in the Black Palace. It was tastefully decorated up to King Gabriel's standards. Elegant and luxurious, but not gaudy. The room was poorly lit in the mornings, so the staff had the fireplace lit and stoked, coating the room in a warm buttery light.
Tea and pastries were served first.
"Is it true you will be sailing off to Huangxa this afternoon, Lady Chloe? How sad that today is the only time we'll get to know each other," Lila said as she poured herself a cup of tea.
"Daddy says we've tarried here too long. Surely Huangxa has recovered from the storm by now. They will expect us," Chloe said sullenly.
"Loathe to leave the beauty of Edoire, are we?" Lila cut into an elaborately decorated pastry and smiled at Adrien.
"I don't enjoy sea travel," Chloe huffed. "Daddy says that it's very typical for delicate young ladies like myself."
"Does he?" Lila ruminated. "The trip here from Reynard is twice as long as the one from Troubadour, and the ocean didn't bother me even once… Maybe it's because of the difference in boat design?" Lila suggested, belatedly.
A beat passed.
"Perhaps," Chloe admitted through her teeth.
Was it Adrien's imagination or did Chloe's ice blue eyes grow a shade frostier?
"Do you travel by water often, Princess Lila?" Adrien asked as he placed another pastry on Chloe's plate.
"No, not often," Lila said. "Reynard's capital is inland, so I don't get to enjoy the sea as much as I would like. The water is so clear here. It's dazzling." She sipped her tea as she stared out at the bay.
Chloe piped up, her first few words muffled by a mouthful of pastry, "Huangxa is the country everyone commends on its natural beauty. Daddy says they plant their gardens so that there's a different blooming flower every season. And there are lakes rimmed with salt that come in every color of the rainbow."
Adrien was as surprised as he was impressed by Chloe's knowledge of Huangxa's natural wonders. She wasn't usually the type to retain information like that, much less share it in casual conversation.
"Reynard is so close to Huangxa. Have you seen any of these wonders, Princess?" Chloe asked, eyes narrowed.
Adrien cleared his throat. Huangxa and Reynard had been on opposing sides of one war or another for the past century. No member of Reynardine royalty had been welcome in Huangxa for generations. Surely, Chloe knew that.
Lila's face gave nothing away. "No, I haven't."
"I hear the snow capped mountains in Reynard are wondrous. Is it true that they change color depending on the time of day?" Adrien interjected before Chloe could make any more faux pas.
Lila smiled, "Yes. Purple-pink at dawn, blue on a sunny day, and my favorite, a deep orange at dusk."
"I'd love to see it one day," Adrien said.
"Would you?" Lila looked pleasantly surprised. "I'm sure the king would be delighted to receive you."
Chloe couldn't bear not speaking any longer, "Daddy says that…"
Lila's cup scraped against its saucer, producing a horrible screech. Adrien was so startled he stopped chewing his food. Chloe didn't finish her sentence.
"Whoops, excuse me," Lila said cheerily, setting her cup down. She fixed Chloe with a look of wide eyed interest, "Go on, what does daddy say?"
Chloe blinked, and then said, unperturbed, "Oh? Nothing."
She picked up her own teacup and gave Lila a sugary smile. "Those pesky teacups can make such a ruckus if you don't know how to hold them properly. There's a trick to it," she said leaning across the table. Adrien had a very bad feeling about all this. "You've got to cushion the cup with your pinky finger before setting it down on the saucer. Then it won't make such a vulgar sound," Chloe explained. "I learned this as a small child, as did Prince Adrien. I suppose Reynard doesn't instill such habits into their young royalty, but oh. I almost forgot…"
Adrien's heart stopped. No, Chloe.
"…You weren't raised as a princess, were you?"
Adrien stood up. Bringing Lila's heritage into this was a step too far.
"Lady Chloe. You're out of line. Please forgive her, Princess Lila," Adrien said. Lila's face was stone.
"What should I need to be forgiven for, Adrien?" Chloe asked, dropping his title. "It's not like its a secret. Everyone knows about the Bastard Princess of Reynard."
"That's enough, Chloe! You can't be rude to my guests," Adrien rarely had it in him to be firm with Chloe, but this level of discourtesy to someone Adrien was hosting- no, anyone, was beyond the pale. Was she seriously trying to cause an international incident over breakfast?
"It's quite alright, Prince Adrien," Lila said quietly. Her rigid posture had melted away and her face relaxed into a comfortable smile. She was completely unfazed by Chloe's slight. "Lady Chloe is correct," she said. "My mother was a mere commoner of little renown and absolutely no noble blood to speak of. I didn't know her long, she died soon after I was born."
Princess Lila's story was tragic, but also uncomfortably familiar. A sour taste stained Adrien's mouth.
She continued, "I only hope that the Lady Chloe does not hold my mother's low birth against me… or Prince Adrien."
Adrien grimaced and hid his eyes in the palm of his hand.
Judging by the look on Chloe's face, she realized her error.
"I- I didn't mean- Queen Emelie was…" Chloe was shaken. When her own mother was distant or preoccupied with matters abroad, it was Adrien's mother who coddled and spoiled her on her trips to Edoire.
Lila rose from her chair and glided around the dining table. She knelt near Chloe and placed a hand on her shoulder, her eyes wide and earnest.
"Lady Chloe, don't fret," she said. "I accept your apology. I can tell you understand now that lineage doesn't mean everything. But do you know what does? One day, I will be Queen of my country, and Prince Adrien will be king of his. Regardless of how our mothers were born, we have the titles that befit our rank. Prince and princess. Isn't that right, Lady Chloe?"
Chloe's chair burst out from underneath her, clacking down to the hardwood floor. She bolted out of the westerly dining room, a pale yellow blur.
"Chloe!" Adrien called out after her.
Chloe might have started this fight, but years of friendship and loyalty urged Adrien to chase her to make sure she as alright.
"Don't go after her."
Adrien stopped. He wasn't used to receiving orders from anyone but his father. "Excuse me?"
"She seems to want to be alone," Lila explained innocently. "Let's give her some space, shall we?" She rose from her crouch near Chloe's discarded chair and sauntered over to the bay window. Adrien couldn't recognize her from the stiff, formal diplomat who bowed before his father only an hour ago.
"Tell me Prince Adrien, in your opinion, where is the most beautiful view here in Lunimar?"
-o-o-o-
It was a short day for Marinette. Alya had arranged to leave work early so she could get ready for the party aboard the Liberty later that evening. And rather than let Marinette work and walk home by herself, Alya got her off early as well.
Marinette wasn't sure if she wouldn't have preferred to work the full day. The idea of waiting at home alone in the dark while Alya and Nino were off dancing at what sounded like the most amazing party was depressing. She knew it was dangerous to be on a boat in her condition, but Marinette wanted to go so badly. But she hadn't been invited.
When Alya came to collect her at the library at two o'clock, Marinette was surprised to see Nino was with her.
"I was nearby," Nino explained. "Alya says you made her an awesome party dress. Can't wait to see it."
"It's so amazing. Marinette is so talented," Alya gushed as they walked down the halls toward the gates. Marinette blushed, trying to suppress her happy grin so she didn't look so pleased with herself.
"Oh, look who it is," Nino said suddenly, "Adrien! How are you doing, my man?"
Adrien stopped mid-step. "Nino. Alya, and Marinette too. Hello."
Marinette nodded her head. Had something happened? Adrien looked a little ragged.
"What's wrong? You're looking kind of stressed." Nino noticed too.
"It's Chloe. She's been avoiding me since this morning," Adrien explained rubbing his forehead.
"So are the rumors true then?" Alya asked, a little too excited for the subject matter. "Did the Princess of Reynard really bully Chloe out of breakfast? Aurore said she saw her running away like the dining room was on fire."
Adrien's frown deepened, "I don't know if what I saw was bullying, but yes. Most of that sounds true. Please don't spread it around though." Alya bit her lip, to stop herself from smiling. Marinette knew Alya thought Chloe could do with just a little bullying.
"Chloe's leaving this afternoon, isn't she?"
"Yes, for the better, maybe," Adrien said. "She and the Princess don't seem to get along. I could barely follow it all…"
"Really sounds like you could use a break," Nino said, resting an arm around Adrien's shoulder. "Relax for a few hours out on the open sea…"
The party. Of course Adrien was invited, he was practically a member of the crew himself.
"I still don't think I can," Adrien didn't bother to hide the disappointment in his face. Marinette empathized.
"I get it. I'm just bummed because I know you'd have fun," Nino said.
"Yeah. Well, I'll be out there sailing soon." Adrien shrugged.
"Did I hear you are going to sea?"
Adrien flinched as a lovely young woman in a tangerine gown walked down the hallway. Two burly figures in orange shadowed her from a distance. This must be the foreign princess.
"I love to be on the water," Princess Lila said. Adrien's fingers twitched when she took a step even closer to him, "Would you think me too bold if I asked to come with you?"
"I'm afraid you're misunderstanding, Princess…" Adrien said.
Lila's eyes, rimmed dark with fashionable makeup, flashed with emotion before her face morphed into a mask of apathy. "Oh…"
"Whoa there, My Prince. Not so fast." Nino stepped between them, a wry grin on his face. He gave the princess a cursory bow before explaining, hands raised in excitement. "There is a party aboard the Liberty tonight. His Highness here wanted to come, but gallantly freed up his schedule on your behalf, Princess."
Lila's eyes were immovably fixed upon Adrien, although she replied to Nino, "I think I see. The Liberty is a ship, presumably."
"I'm learning to sail on her," Adrien said.
Lila nodded. "If I'm following then, if I were to insist on crashing your gathering…"
"No need to crash, I am offering you an invitation," Nino said.
Marinette frowned, feelings hurt. She gets an invitation?
"Thank you kindly- but as I was supposing, if I went, then Prince Adrien's sense of chivalry would demand that he accompany me as a chaperone." Lila paced thoughtfully. Her gaze never broke with Adrien's face. She looks like a cat, Marinette thought.
"Would you?" Adrien's brows were drawn, but there was the unmistakable glint of hope in his eyes.
"Won't you ask me?" Lila grinned.
"I don't want to impose on you," he said quickly.
"For salt's sake, just ask the lady," Alya groused.
Lila's head snapped over to Alya and Marinette, and viewed them with barely concealed surprise. Had she not noticed them until just now?
"Would you join me aboard the Liberty tomorrow evening, Princess Lila?" Adrien asked, formally.
Lila rocked on her heels and bit the corner of her mouth. "I don't know. Are the men aboard her of good repute? Prince Adrien, I am only teasing. Yes, I would love to go with you."
Nino clapped his hands. "Fantastic. The Captain will be thrilled. Alya and Marinette will be there, too."
"I will?" Marinette's head shot up. She was invited?
"Nino," Alya's tone was warning.
"Oh, I mean, you don't have to-" Nino started.
Oh! They thought she didn't want to come.
"No, please!" Marinette said, too loud. She clutched her hands to her chest and prayed she didn't sound as desperate as she felt. "I mean, thank you. I- I would love to go!"
Alya and Nino's faces were twinned with confusion.
"Really?"
"Yes. May I?" Marinette begged.
Nino rubbed the back of his neck. "You realize that it'll be on a ship… On the ocean."
"Yes. All the same, I really would like to go. I mean, we won't have to swim there, will we?"
They laughed, not cruelly, to Marinette's relief. Alya pat her back, beaming proudly.
"No, we'll keep you dry," Nino assured her.
Even Princess Lila chuckled. "Oh, how funny you are, Miss…?"
"I'm Marinette, Your Highness." She curtsied.
"And I'm Alya-"
"Are you staff?" Lila asked so quickly Alya almost couldn't get her whole name out.
"Yes, but also friends," Adrien said, smiling at Marinette. She'd be spending even more time with him. It was a bad idea, but such a tempting one too.
Lila laughed, but something about it sounded off. "I believe I'm getting the measure of you, Prince Adrien."
-o-o-o-
The sun crept closer to the western horizon. Adrien wished, guiltily, that Chloe and Regent Bourgeois would just depart already. He was supposed to escort Princess Lila to the Peasant Dock to meet up with Nino, Alya, and Marinette at sunset. There, they would take a rowboat out to the Liberty anchored nearby.
The Troubadour sailors and Edoirean dock workers lugged chests and crates aboard the galleon. Regent Bourgeois was already on board, taking stock, but Chloe was lagging behind, as usual.
Finally, Adrien spotted her descending the staircase, a bobbing yellow mass of skirts. He intercepted her at the bottom.
"Chloe."
She halted, frozen for a moment in what looked like uncharacteristic shock, before regaining her typical haughty composure.
"That little fox, she was twisting my words, you know!" She folded her arms over her chest, back straight and nose pointed to the air.
"Chloe," he said again.
"She's wretched, don't you see that? I have half a mind to cancel my trip to Huangxa. Let Daddy go by himself. You need someone to defend you from her!"
"Chloe," he said once more, firmer. "I'm here to say goodbye for now. Don't make this hard."
Chloe unfolded her arms and pouted. She was still, but Adrien could sense the tantrum she was throwing within.
After a moment, she sighed, and fixed him with a honestly sorrowful look. "Adrien, this morning… I'm so…" she paused, brow knotted. Chloe always struggled when it came to apologies. So rather than that, she said, "I don't think any less of your mother for her origins, or you for being her son."
"I know, Chloe." He pat her arm, his way of expressing that he forgave her. "I hope you and your father have a productive trip. Please be on your best behavior."
"I don't know what you mean," Chloe said, smirking. "I'll be back soon, for your birthday. On the slim chance Princess Lila is not here for your hand, I expect she'll be long gone by then. If she's still here, at least I can take comfort in being completely and irrefutably right."
"Chloe."
"You can apologize to me in a month, Adrikins. Farewell."
Chloe dipped and trotted up the accommodation ladder.
Adrien shook his head, trying to conceal his smile. She was impossible.
-o-o-o-
No more Chloe for a while! Just a heads up, I'll probably need to go on hiatus after I post chapter 9 next week. I have a few papers and family obligations to take care of, and I won't have any time to write. The good news is that chapter 9 is super long and takes place aboard the party on the Liberty. There will be fluff! Thanks for reading.