The attention had always been on her. The prince never had any other friends, so she was the only one who he spoke to.

Until today.

This new retainer was getting on her nerves. How dare he address the prince as 'bro'?!

That was absurd! She'd have to find a way to get rid of him.

"Adrikins." She demanded, in a voice as cutesy as the spoiled girl could muster, "I don't feel… comfortable, with this strange man around us. It used to be just me and you, you know?"

Marinette smirked.

She knew Chloe was a nasty piece of work, but while she was Marinette, she couldn't do a thing, otherwise she may jeopardise her family. But now… She could do whatever she liked.

At heart, Mari was a sweet and polite girl, but there was a part of her that was always itching to see the light of day.

Chloe had always hated Marinette.

Now, it was payback time.

"Do I scare you, madam? My apologies." She said, obviously not meaning it, "I am simply here to defend my prince from," Mari paused, "unwanted attention. Though, you must've seen some of Adrien's soldier's with him before, no?"

"Well, he doesn't normally bring them, does he, Adrikins." Chloe spat gravely.

Adrien gulped and looked at Mari, requesting some help. She took the message. But disregarded it.

"Oh! Is that true Adrien? I feel so honoured to be the only soldier you make babysit your play dates. Mark me down as privileged!" Mari said, enthusiastically.

Why wasn't he mad?! If any other person in the castle had made a remark like hat, he'd be seething! Why couldn't he get mad at her?

"Alright Marin, that's enough out of you. You're dismissed."

He didn't need another comment like that, Chloe is dangerous when she gets riled up. Plus, he didn't want Chloe attempting to get Marin fired. He couldn't have that happen.

Marinette had left silently. She walked out into the open air, glancing at people scurrying around.

She didn't want him to like her.

She wanted him to feel comfortable and relaxed, but not think of her as a friend.

That wasn't why she was here.

Her hand slid up her neck to brush her fingers against her earring.

Her symbol, her proof of membership. They were a constant reminder of what she was doing, where she stood.

Her code name was Ladybug. That was all anybody at the Miraculous Organisation knew about her. That was all they needed to know.

*Two Years Ago*

"Master, the bandits have been successfully apprehended and delivered to the police. The report of the mission has been filed. Chat Noir has sustained some minor injuries, but I am unharmed."

The Chinese style room was decorated with ornate gold designs covering the furniture.

The Master sat in a chair behind a large desk in the centre of the room.

"Excellent. Tell Chat Noir I hope he recovers as quickly as possible. Oh and Ladybug, you don't have to call me master, just Turtle is fine." Said the old man.

"Of course, Ma- Turtle, sir." The lady in the red and black spotted mask corrected herself for the hundredth time this week. "Excuse me. I will go and check on Chat Noir's condition as well as pass on your message. Thank you. I will inform you when the next case arises and will select a team of capable soldiers at our disposal."

The girl exhaled as the backed out of the master's room.

The Miraculous Organisation headquarters were her second home ever since she'd come here. Her life at home had been cushy and unexciting. It's not that she wasn't grateful for her privilege, it just wasn't the adventure she dreamed of. It was change of pace, in comparison to her everyday life as the daughter of a baker and a princess.

She turned the corner to see a row of sick beds in the medical hall of Turtle's mansion.

"Oh! My Lady has come to visit me! What a pleasant surprise!" Cried a weak, male voice.

"Be quite, you silly little kitten. You're still healing. Master sends his best wishes. Which basically means heal up."

The masked man in black lay on the sterile smelling sheets, the odd touch of blood gracing their aesthetics.

"So, you miss me Bugaboo?"

"Hey! I told you not to call me that, geez… But yes, in the five minutes we were apart, I may or may not have thought of something that remotely links itself back to something relating to you. Happy?"

"Kind of."

"Whatever. I'm signing out for the day. Need me to walk you home? Nah, on second thought, it'll reveal your identity…"

"You can take me to where I work, Ladybug. At the palace. Help me get home. It'll be hard to get in without these injuries creating suspicion."

"Sure, whatever."

After wrapping Chat's injuries safely out of sight, the two signed out for the day and took one of the master's carriages to the back of the castle.

"Alright, you stay here and get changed into civilian attire, I'll go outside and look for trouble. Call me when you're done and I'll cover my eyes and you can go in. That okay?"

"You sure you don't want to stay and watch?" He attempted.

"I think I'm good, thanks." She deadpanned, and with that, leapt out of the side of the carriage and closed the door. Ladybug thoroughly checked for any guards, before picking open the lock on the gate.

"I'm done, my Lady. So unless you're dying to know who I am, cover your eyes now."

Ladybug raised a hand and pressed down of her sealed eyelids, as if applying more pressure would cause her to see less. He heard his footsteps approach her and the gate.

But she wasn't ready to hear him stop right in front of her. Nor was she ready for him to place his ungloved hand over the one on her face and kiss her. Thank god she didn't just close her eyes, because they would've flown open in surprise.

"Wha-What are you doing?! Hey, wait, that's not fa-"

But he was gone.

She lowered her hand and stormed back into the carriage, flustered and fuming.

That stupid cat!