The walk to the castle felt all too long. Neither Adrien nor Marinette said a word. Both were furiously blushing as they walked, hands interlocked. Plagg and Tikki hid in Marinette's purse. As they ventured through town, they received a few strange glances. Some people stared them down for a moment or two, then shook their head, believing they had seen the impossible.

Adrien noticed the stares. It only caused the knot in his stomach to grow even tighter. Already, he wondered if this was the right choice. Maybe it would be better to cast the spell again and turn back into a cat. There would certainly be less people watching him that way. As they neared the castle, his heartbeat quickened and his breath became labored. The only thing keeping him calm was his lady's hand.

The castle came into view. "Wait here," Marinette told Adrien as they approached the castle gate. "I'll talk to the guards. Hopefully they won't cause too much of a fuss." Adrien nodded as Marinette walked up to two guards, protecting the entrance. Both brandished their swords as the young girl came close, giving her a cautious look. They were trained to be on their guard no matter what.

"Excuse me..." Marinette politely began as she bent over and curtsied. "Would you let me and my friend in? We need to see King Gabriel. It's incredibly important."

"Did ya hear that?" one of the guards howled, slapping his hand against his metal armor. He turned to his partner and said, "She wants us to let her in. Says it's important."

"But it is!"

"Run along kid!" the other guard frowned as he sheathed his sword. "We ain't got time to mess around. This is a serious job and we definitely ain't letting some snot nosed brat see the king."

"B-brat?" Marinette repeated, feeling offended. She had politely asked them to let her in, but they didn't have to be rude when denying her. The guards' teasing didn't stop there either. Marinette's blood began to boil as the guards continued to poke fun at her.

"Why would a girl like you want to see the king anyways? You look like an urchin off the streets."

Marinette looked down at her dress and realized she was quite dirty. She had been sitting in the grass while they were visiting Prince Adrien's grave and had gotten dirt everywhere. She was so preoccupied with taking Adrien home that she had forgotten to clean up. Prince Adrien probably looked the same.

"I need to speak with King Gabriel!" Marinette shouted, trying to push her way past the guards. "Please let me in!"

Both guards grabbed her arms and pulled her back, roughly tossing her onto the ground. "Beat it, kid," one of them sneered, kicking dirt in her direction. "Or else things are really going to get ugly."

"What are you doing to my lady!"

A shadow fell over Marinette and she looked up to see an angry Adrien. His fists were clenched and his muscles tensed, a sign he was ready for a fight. Anybody that dared to hurt Marinette would get a piece of his mind. His anxiety melted away to his natural heroic instincts and the desire to protect the girl he loved.

Marinette grabbed his hand and pulled herself up, resting on his shoulder. "It's not worth it, Adrien," Marinette sighed, trying to calm him down. "We'll have to find another way in later tonight."

"A-Adrien?" the other guard stammered, pointing a shaking finger at the boy. "As in P-prince Adrien?"

"Idiot!" the guard's friend knocked him on the head. "You know Prince Adrien's been dead for over a year."

"But look at his face, man! He looks exactly like the prince!" Both guards went silent.

"If you both would kindly stop harassing my lady and I and let us in, it would be greatly appreciated." Adrien held his fists behind his back and smiled, but it was the kind of forced smile that showed he meant business. He wasn't afraid to let fists fly especially if it meant defending Marinette.

The guards stood frozen like statues. Adrien hissed, a bad habit he picked up from life on the streets. "Let us in now and we won't tell my father." His eyes glowed an eerie green, making him even more intimidating.

"Yes sir!" the guards saluted as they immediately ran to open the gate. They removed the lock and opened the doors, gesturing for Adrien and Marinette to enter. The teens walked through, Marinette closely holding onto Adrien's arm. She nodded at the guards as they passed while Adrien stared forward, pretending not to notice them. After they walked through, the guards closed the gate, their entire bodies shaking in terror. They thought they had just met a real life ghost!

"I didn't know you could be so forceful," Marinette whispered as she released her grip on Adrien. "I thought you really were going to beat them up."

"I'll take down anyone that tries to hurt you," Adrien smiled, patting Marinette on the head.

"Being Chat Noir has certainly made you rough around the edges. Princes don't normally get into fist fights."

"I'm a prince in name only. I don't know what I was like before, but right now I certainly don't feel very royal. I'm probably the worst prince in existence. I had a hard time entering my own palace!"

"That's not true," Marinette giggled as she stepped in front of him. She grabbed his hands and began to spin around, dancing. "You're an excellent dancer and I've heard your piano skills are quite good. You can't cook to save your life, but there are people to do that for you. Most importantly, you've got a selfless heart and that's the only thing a good prince needs."

"He might need one more thing." Adrien dipped Marinette backwards, carefully supporting her back with hands. "His princess," he grinned, ignoring the scowls of Plagg who was sticking his head out. The black cat was quickly getting tired of mushy romance.

"You'd be amazing on your own, but I admit you'd be even more amazing with me." Marinette pulled herself back up and playfully pushed Adrien away with her finger. "Still, I'm no princess, just a baker's daughter."

"And Paris's greatest hero."

"That too, but what I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't worry. No one is expecting anything from you so don't be too hard on yourself. Chat Noir was always a confident kitty and you shouldn't be any different. I think you'll make a wonderful prince." Adrien only blushed in response, grateful for having Marinette.

But his blush quickly vanished, replaced by a sense of uneasiness. The palace still looked so menacing. Inside was man everyone called his father except for him. A man he had come to fear.

"Here..." Marinette said. She grabbed Adrien's hand and pushed something into it, closing his fingers around the object. "This might make you feel better."

Adrien opened his hand, revealing King Gabriel's broach. It was the butterfly miraculous. "But why?" Adrien asked with a frown.

With a slight smile, Marinette began to explain. "Your father was driven to desperate measures. He used that miraculous to put people in danger all because he cared about you. I can tell you're nervous about seeing him. Things may be rough, but this is a reminder that he loves you. I truly believe that."

"Thank you..."

"Of course. Now, let's go inside!"

They walked up to the castle's giant wooden doors which was normally the entrance during balls and such. Before Marinette had the chance to knock, the door swung open and revealed a slender young woman in glasses and a red streak in her hair. At first the woman was calm, but when she looked over at Adrien, the disbelief in her eyes was clear.

"My prince..." the woman bowed. "Though I do not know what has transpired, I welcome you home."

"Um... thanks?" Adrien replied hesitantly. He hadn't the faintest idea who this woman could be, but decided to play along. "Would you... err... be able to take me to my father? I need to speak to him right away."

"Of course, my liege. The master isn't aware of your return, but I'm sure he will be most pleased. He is in the sitting room. Please follow me."

Marinette and Adrien followed the woman, presumably a butler or assistant of some sort, through the castle. Marinette thought it was much more welcoming in the daytime. On the lower levels, there were less creepy portraits and no untouched dusty bedrooms. Everything was clean and neat in case guests arrived. Marinette feel like she stood out since she was covered in grime. This was not how she wanted to me the king in her civilian form.

The butler took them to the second floor which Marinette remembered from the blueprints. It was nicely decorated with a few landscape paintings and fine carpeting. If she recalled correctly, the sitting room should be at the end of the hall which was where they were headed.

Marinette was holding Adrien's hand and walking along until his sudden stop jolted her back, pulling on her arm. "Ouch!" she cried, letting go of him. She rubbed her shoulder and frowned. "What'd you stop for?" she mumbled.

She caught Adrien staring at a large portrait on the wall. It was a painting of a beautiful young woman with long, blonde hair and emerald eyes. She was smiling, but it looked so natural as if that was just her usual expression. Her dress dark blue and complimented her body so well Marinette felt a little jealous. The woman was gorgeous, but it was clear a kind heart lay underneath the exterior.

"Who's this?" Adrien asked, unable to tear his gaze away. He reached out and touched the painting, wishing it was real.

"That's your mother, sir." The butler rose an eyebrow and cocked her head to the side. "She passed away when you were young. Don't you remember?"

"My mother..."

As Chat Noir, he assumed that he had a mother, but never bothered to think of where she might be or who she was. And now that he discovered he had one, she really was gone. Adrien's heart stung as he admired the portrait as if his body was remembering something his mind couldn't. He wondered what his mother's voice sounded like when she called his name. For the first time in a while, Adrien desperately wanted his memories back.

"It's complicated," Marinette announced, cutting through the silence. "He's had some memory issues lately."

"I see," the butler nodded. She was a little suspicious of a purported dead prince who had come back from the grave with amnesia, but seeing Prince Adrien's face was enough to reassure her. She had taken care of the boy for many years and could recognize that smile anywhere. By some miracle of magic, the true prince had been returned.

Marinette gently took Adrien's hand and pulled him along though she noticed how he kept glancing back at the portrait. "It must be awful to forget your own mother," Marinette thought sadly. "And she isn't even here to welcome him back home. Poor Adrien..."

"We've arrived."

They stopped in front of another set of doors. The butler slowly opened them and stuck her head inside. "Master?" she called out. "There are guests waiting for you."

"Send them in," a rough, but weary voice said back. "And then please bring me some tea."

"Please excuse the master," the butler apologized. "He had a rough night and didn't sleep well. As such, he might be irritable, but I promise he will be glad to see you. Perhaps that will turn his spirits around. Now if you'll excuse, I have some work I must attend to."

Adrien curtly nodded. "Thank you." He was about to enter the room when he felt a tug on his tunic. It was the butler whose composed face had turned into a more empathetic one. She had a faint smile which look good on her. Adrien wondered why she didn't smile more often.

"I don't know how it's possible, but welcome home, Adrien."

"Thank you," Adrien smiled back. Something about this woman was also familiar, but he couldn't recall anything specific. Despite her harsh exterior, she was kind. Adrien knew that, but wished he could say "thank you" with her name.

The woman vanished back downstairs to bring the king his tea, leaving Marinette and Adrien waiting outside the door. Noting the nervous look on Adrien's face, Marinette said, "I'll go in first." She carefully opened the door, a loud creak coming from the hinges. "King Gabriel? May we come in?"

She poked her head into the room and saw King Gabriel sitting in a large chair beside the fireplace. His back was to her, so he couldn't see her face, but he recognized her voice. "Only if you bring good news," he half-laughed, half-moaned. "And if you brought that alley cat, leave him outside. I don't want a stray leaving tracks on the carpet."

Adrien's heart sank. "This was a mistake," he thought, preparing to leave. "This man hates me. There's no way I could be his son. Prince Adrien or not, I'm still Chat Noir. That's never going to go away. And he doesn't like that, then maybe I'm the one that should leave." He turned his body, but was dragged back my Marinette.

"No you don't," she whispered as she shoved Adrien into the room. Marinette cleared her throat and announced, "I actually do have good news. See for yourself."

"I don't have time for foolish games. Just tell me what you came-" King Gabriel turned his head and stopped speaking as he laid eyes on Adrien. Marinette noticed he looked more withered than yesterday, but at seeing Adrien, his face lit up. "A-Adrien..." he stammered, still reeling from shock. He tried to stand up from his chair without his cane and hobbled over before quickly falling onto the ground. His legs had gone numb.

"King Gabriel!" Marinette ran over to help him up while Adrien stayed stationary. He never took his eyes off the fallen king. Marinette slung the king's arm around her shoulder and slowly helped him up. "Nice and easy," she coaxed as the king returned to his feet. Marinette helped him walk towards Adrien until the two were standing face to face.

"It's really you. You're alive," King Gabriel breathed as he reached out to touch his son. He expected the whole thing to be an illusion, but his hand hit flesh. It wasn't like all his other dreams. His son was really standing before him. "I've missed you." He pulled Adrien into a tight embrace and began to weep. "W-where have you been? Why did you leave?"

Adrien had been weary of the king since their first meeting. He tried to hurt Marinette. He tried to hurt him. He tried to hurt Paris. Yet King Gabriel's hug was warm and loving. Something about it felt right. Adrien buried his head in his father's chest and began to cry himself. He didn't remember anything, but continued to cry.

"Father..."

"Look at them," Marinette smiled from afar. "They've finally been reunited."

"Well it was his fault they were separated in the first place." Plagg came flying out of Marinette's purse, chased by Tikki. He had a scowl on his face whenever he looked at King Gabriel.

"What do you mean?"

"Plagg, don't ruin the moment," Tikki pleaded. "You don't have to tell them now."

"I'm definitely going to tell them now because I'm upset and I'm hungry!"

The argument attracted the attention of King Gabriel and Adrien. They overheard the kwamis fighting. "Plagg?" Adrien said, approaching the black cat in confusion. "What are you talking about? Isn't it my fault? You told me I cast that spell. It was my mistake."

"You only did it to stop him!" Plagg yelled, pointing at the king. "The reason you cast that spell was so you could be powerful enough to defeat him without Ladybug's help."

"But I thought King Gabriel became Hawk Moth to find Adrien," Marinette interjected. "What you're saying doesn't make any sense."

"I know bad miraculous magic when I see it. This guy's been abusing his miraculous since before Chat Noir turned up. Getting Adrien back wasn't his only goal, was it?"

Everyone turned to King Gabriel who hung his head in shame. "It's true..." he said, his voice hollow. "I was greedy. I tried to achieve the unthinkable. I wanted to bring my wife back to life."

"See! I told you!"

"Please leave my master alone," a quiet voice cried out. Nooroo emerged from King Gabriel's pocket looking angrier than usual. "He's suffered enough! He lost his entire family and was willing to sacrifice everything to get them back. How can you be so mean?"

"I almost lost Adrien!" Plagg shouted, starting to get defensive. "I almost lost my own life! Ever think about that? Ever think about how much we suffered?"

"Enough!" Surprisingly, it was Tikki who shocked the room into silence. She was tired of all the bickering. It should be a happy occasion, not one of fighting and ill will. "Everyone has made their mistakes, but we've managed to fix them all. We should be celebrating. So the next one who fights is going to get a piece of my mind!" Nooroo and Plagg must have recognized the validity in this threat because of how fast they shut their mouths.

"You must be Ladybug's kwami," King Gabriel said, bowing his head. "A fine kwami for a fine young woman." Marinette blushed at the comment. She never thought she'd hear the king of Paris compliment her. King Gabriel offered his hand for her to shake. "Thank you for bringing my son home. I considered you my enemy because you stood in the way of my goals, but you have been my greatest ally. For that, I will make sure you are amply rewarded."

"Rewarded? There's no need for that. I was just doing my job. Actually, it was Adrien who did the most. He never truly disappeared. He was with me the entire time." King Gabriel raised an eyebrow, not understanding.

"Adrien, maybe you should show him," Marinette advised. "It would be easier than trying to explain. I'm sure your miraculous should work like mine now, right?" Both Tikki and Plagg nodded.

Adrien looked down at his ring and then up at Plagg. "What do I do?" he asked. He was used to easily shifting between human and cat forms, but he couldn't do that anymore.

"Just says claws out."

"Okay... claws out!"

There was a bright green flash and Adrien found himself in familiar leather clothing. His claws were back in addition to his ears and tail though they weren't real anymore. Even the collar Marinette had given him was still there. He felt more comfortable in this form. All his nerves melted away and were replaced by Chat Noir's usual confidence and poise. It was almost easier to remain Chat Noir than his actual human self.

"Bet you'll think twice before calling me an alley cat next time," Chat Noir chuckled.

"Y-you?" King Gabriel's body began to wobble from shock and Marinette quickly pulled up a chair and sat him down. The poor man seemed to age as the conversation went on. His hands were violently shaking as he tried to understand. "But why? Why didn't you tell me?" King Gabriel moaned. "Why didn't you come home?"

Marinette knelt down beside King Gabriel and grabbed his hand. "This might be hard for you," she said softly. "But Adrien has amnesia. He and Plagg cast a spell to become more powerful and besides perpetually becoming Chat Noir, he lost all his memories. We've managed to return him to normal, but he still doesn't remember anything. The only reason he knows you're his father is because I told him. He wouldn't have known his own name without me telling him."

"That can't be true!" King Gabriel shook his head and turned to Adrien. "Tell me it's not true, Adrien. You remember me, right? You remember your mother and your-"

"I don't." Chat Noir cut him off with a sad sigh as he released his transformation, turning back into Adrien. "As hard as I'm trying, I can't recall anything. The only memories I have now are the ones as Chat Noir with Marinette."

"But that doesn't mean they won't ever come back ever!" Marinette interjected hopefully. "It just might take some time. Adrien's only been back to normal for a few hours. There's a good chance he'll remember something eventually." King Gabriel dropped his head in lament.

"See what you've done now?" Plagg shouted, still fuming. "You're the one who took your son away and you might never fully get him back! How does it feel?"

Marinette scooped up Plagg and despite his fighting back, shoved him into her purse and shut it tight. "I think he's just hungry," she fake smiled. "I'll take him to get lunch at home. Tikki, you should come with too. It's been a long day and Adrien needs some time with his father. Nooroo, please keep an eye on both of them. We'll come back tomorrow." Tikki nodded and flew over to join the girl.

Adrien grabbed her by the shoulder before she could leave. "Wait!" he cried. "What about me?"

"You have to stay here now. This is your real home and your real family." Marinette's words stung. Truthfully, she didn't want Adrien to live in the palace. She wanted to go home and spend the day with him just as she always did with Chat Noir. She wanted to hear his annoying cat puns and listen to him snore in the middle of the night. She wanted everything to stay like before, but it was impossible. Adrien had a place he belonged now and it wasn't at the bakery.

"But I don't want to stay here," Adrien thought, frowning. "I want to go back with you. This isn't my home. I want to eat lunch in Marinette's bedroom and sleep on my pillow like I always did. I don't want Marinette and I to be separated. Things don't need to be different. Can't I live life the way I always have?"

"Don't give me that look," Marinette sighed as she ruffled Adrien's hair. "I'm sad too, but so is your father. I've spent every possible hour with you for months, but your father hasn't seen you in over a year. Try to stay here for tonight. For him. And who knows? Maybe talking with him jog your memory."

"But I don't want my memories back," Adrien frowned, pulling Marinette in close for a hug. "I like my memories with you."

As Marinette rubbed his back, she said, "You're not replacing the ones you already have, silly. Think of it like making new ones. Okay?"

"Okay... but promise you'll come back tomorrow?"

"Promise!"

Marinette pulled away and waved as she left the room. "I hope they get along!" she prayed, stealing one last glance at Adrien and his father. "It would be great if Adrien remembered everything. I don't know if King Gabriel's heart can take anymore bad news. It'll also be hard for Adrien to resume his princely duties if he doesn't remember how to do them."

"Oh... I never thought about that. Now that he's come home, he'll certainly be busy all the time. We won't be able to spend as much time together. I never considered how hard it would be to live apart. I already feel like crying and I haven't even made it home. Cut it out, Marinette! You can't be selfish! Other people care about Adrien to. It'd be wrong to have him all to your yourself. Chin up! You'll see him tomorrow at least."

Back inside the palace, Adrien stood uncomfortably in front of his father. Without Marinette around, he was unsure on how to act or what to say. He looked down at his feet and rocked back and forth, waiting for Gabriel to say something. Thankfully, he finally did.

"Please pull up a chair and sit down," King Gabriel instructed. "I will have Nathalie bring you some tea once she returns." Adrien did as he was told. Something told him that crossing his father was a bad idea, so he remained obedient. He sat down by his father and wondered if their relationship had always been this awkward. Adrien had a feeling it had.

King Gabriel turned to his kwami. "Nooroo, if you wouldn't mind giving us some time alone. I'd like to talk to my son in private."

"Yes, master." Nooroo flew off into another room like the obedient kwami he was.

"So please tell me where you've been." King Gabriel interlocked his hands and leaned forward in his seat. "I must admit this memory loss debacle is a shock, but perhaps we can work past it. Let's focus on what you know and work through the rest. Your royal duties can wait a day or two. I've also lost an entire year of life with you. I'd like to be filled in."

"Umm... okay." Adrien scratched the back of his head, trying to think. "Well, I was living with Marinette. She took care of me while we were fighting akuma and well...err... you."

"It seems you care much for her."

"She's my best friend and..." Adrien's words trailed off as he could feel his cheeks heat up. How could he straight up tell his father he was in love with her? And that she loved him back? Not to mention, it was a crush months in the making with lots of ups and downs. Adrien didn't feel comfortable sharing all that with his supposed father. Not yet anyways. Anxiously, he rubbed the broach in his pocket, pretending it was a good luck charm.

"It seems I've missed a major part of my son's growing up though it's all my fault."

"Don't say that! It was my fault too! I'm the one who cast that spell. I should take most of the blame. I didn't consider the consequences and think about how much I would worry the people around me. It seems like I've put you through hell and back."

"That would be an understatement. What might this spell be? To my knowledge, you were never one to dabble in magic."

"It...uh..." Adrien panicked when the room's doors open revealing the woman from before, Nathalie, holding a tray with cups of tea and a kettle. "Oh thank goodness," Adrien breathed in relief as she set the tea in front of them. He didn't want to get into details of how he'd basically been living as a cat for the past year.

"Thank you, Nathalie," King Gabriel nodded as he poured himself some tea. "How thoughtful of you to bring a cup for Adrien as well. You're dismissed." Nathalie sharply turned around and exited the room without saying a word.

"Now, where were we?" Gabriel continued as he poured Adrien a cup.

"Actually, I'm feeling kinda tired." Adrien pretended to yawn and stretched out his arms. "Today's been overwhelming and some sleep might be nice. Is there any place for me to stay?"

"Your bedroom is currently in shambles, but I will have the maids clean it by tomorrow. For now, you can stay in one of the guest bedrooms just around the corner. Would you like me to escort you there?'

"N-no.. no no. I'm fine." Adrien was desperate to get out of there. Talking with his father was more awkward than he anticipated and he was starting to feel anxious from being apart from Marinette. He was still struggling to process everything as well. He had gone from Chat Noir to human boy to Prince of Paris and now was expected to chat with his "father" over tea. He didn't even like tea!

Adrien quickly stood up and left the room, mumbling a quiet goodbye. Once outside, he headed to the door the furthest away from the sitting room. Much to his luck, he opened it and found a clean bedroom. The bed was freshly made with crisp sheets and fluffy pillows. There was a bookshelf filled to the brim with books. In the corner was a bathroom with a tub fit for a king. The room was marvelous, but not what Adrien wanted.

Instead of a comfortable bed, he wanted his pillow. Instead of a woman who brought him tea, he wanted fresh pastries from the bakery. Instead of all of this, he wanted Marinette. Adrien had wished for months that he might be able to stand on equal footing with "Prince Adrien" to win Marinette's heart and now that he was there, he wanted to be Chat Noir again.

Flopping onto the bed, Adrien let out a deep sigh. "This sucks..."