Though the trek was long and arduous, Marinette eventually reached the peak of the tallest mountain near her city. She looked back at her home one last time, tears threatening to break loose at the thought of the family she was forced to leave. She then turned from the sight as dawn broke, knowing that she could not bear to look back any longer.

She sat at the top of the mountain, and said one final prayer to the gods. She asked them to look after her family and her kingdom in her absence, wishing everyone the utmost happiness. She then walked over to the side of the mountain, looking at the valleys below her. She smiled, for what she felt would be the last time, as the valleys and hills below her began to bathe in the sun's warm glow.

She then closed her eyes, waiting for the monster to arrive and devour her. However, though she waited and waited, she never felt the sharp teeth and claws of a ravenous beast. She had been waiting for an incredibly long time, but there was no pain. However, the wind had seemed to pick up, wrapping it's cold arms around her. She hesitantly opened her eyes, and found herself startled by what she saw.

She was flying. Although she felt as though she was falling, there was no other way to describe what she was seeing. The ground below her moved so quickly she couldn't make sense of much, but she could see the vague outlines of mountains and valleys pass by as she floated high above.

A rush of panic swept through her, followed by unrelenting waves of other emotions. Fear, joy, confusion, wonder… all these things seemed to beat their way into Marinette, mixing together until she could no longer make sense of them.

Eventually the ride came to an end, and Marinette was slowly placed at the bottom of a hill in a large, sprawling green valley. She quickly made her way up the hill in front of her, and when she reached the summit, her breath escaped her.

There was the grandest, most beautiful palace that Marinette had ever seen standing just before her eyes. There were lush gardens speckled in every color of the rainbow and glistening fountains spouting the clearest water. Cutting through the gardens was long marble pathway, which began its climb at the mouth of a golden gate embedded with hundreds of glimmering gems. The pathway lead to the pure white steps of the massive palace, which seemed to be in absolutely perfect condition. There was not a single flaw to be seen anywhere.

Marinette wandered through the gardens, the smell of a thousand different flowers wafting towards her as the leaves of several laurel trees danced around her. She walked over to a nearby fountain, noting that it was composed entirely of crystal. When she touched the cool water, it seemed to wash away some of her worries, setting her mind at ease. She smiled and flew towards the palace, her curiosity and fascination getting the best of her.

If at all possible, the interior of the palace was even more beautiful than the outer grounds. Everywhere she looked, Marinette could see thousands of intricate details carved into the furnishings, as well as the gold and silver designs that patterned every wall. The ceiling was incredibly high, and at the top a stained glass window made soft rays of all different colors dance across the room.

She slowly walked in, trying to drink in every detail, when suddenly a voice came from behind her. "Welcome, princess, to your new home."

Marinette whipped around, looking for the person who had spoken. "W-who's there?" She stuttered, seeing no one.

"We are your servants, princess." The voice said again. Marinette continued to search for the source of the voice, but could see nothing.

Marinette frantically searched the room, but could see no one. "Why can't I see you?" She asked, terror creeping back into her voice.

"We're up here!" The voice said. Marinette looked up to see seven small creatures floating above her head. "I'm so sorry if I startled you! We are your servants. We are here to offer you anything you may ever desire."

Marinette's eyes widened at the sight of the small creatures floating above her head. "What are you?" She asked, fear growing inside of her.

The little red and black creature, who had been the one to speak before, again spoke up. "We are kwami. Small guardian spirits that often assist more powerful spirits and beings." She said, her sweet and tiny voice giving Marinette a little comfort.

Marinette became slightly less afraid. "And how did you get here? Why am I here? What's going on?"

"I promise you miss, all your questions will be answered tonight when the master gets home."

Marinette's fear started returning. "The master? Is he the one who…" Marinette gulped as she thought back to what her sister had told her. "Is he the one who was mentioned in the prophecy? My new husband?"

"He will only be your husband if you will allow it." The kwami said simply. "Now please miss, is there anything that you desire? Whatever you want, we will bring you."

Marinette had a hundred more questions pounding through her mind, but she knew the servant had said all she was going to say. "I wouldn't mind something to eat, and maybe a nice warm bath…" Marinette said, finally realising how the hike up the mountain had tired her.

"Right away, miss. Just follow me." The little kwami said, leading Marinette down one of many long hallways.

A few hours later, Marinette had been cleaned up and filled with as much food as she could ever possibly want. The delectable and decadent delicacies she had grown up with were slop when compared to the dishes she had been served. She had gotten to try so many amazing new dishes, each more heavenly than the last, until finally her stomach had threatened to burst. She had then been led to an enormous bath that had been drawn with the sweetest smelling soaps and bubbles. She could have stayed in the bath for hours, but soon enough the little servant spirits lead her to her new room and clothed her in dresses much finer than any Marinette had ever previously laid her eyes on.

The servants then guided her to a bedroom, filled with everything she could possibly need. There was a bookshelf with several books on subjects she found fascinating. There was a desk in another corner that was covered in sketchbooks, drawing materials, and sewing supplies, all of the highest quality. There was also a small vanity off to one side of the room, but all it had on it was a single brush and a box of fine jewels. Compared to the rest of the room, it was actually quite meager.

Marinette immediately went to the desk and brought out a sketchbook, surprised to see it was actually one of the ones she had left at home. She smiled to herself and decided not to question it, as the rest of the palace seemed so... miraculous that this nearly seemed normal. She brought out a pen and began sketching new designs in the book, inspired by all the wondrous things she had seen in the palace.