Marinette opened her bedroom door, coming face-to-face with the pretty blonde girl on the other side. Chloe's eyes widened at Marinette's expression. "What is it, your highness?" she asked.

Marinette let out a shaky breath. "I need your help picking an outfit. Can you come in?"

Chloe smiled slightly but it immediately fell. Then, she looked to her left. She looked to the right. She glared at Marinette, but she could see the warning behind it. "We have to be quick."

Marinette nodded, widening the crack, and Chloe slipped in. She let out a whistle at the sight in front of her.

"Your highness?"

Marinette took the question as rhetorical. She tried to see the room from Chloe's perspective. It was bad. Her clothes were strewn about (though Marinette realized that she'd left the one piece of furniture with tied up blankets conveniently closed, and she hoped Chloe didn't look in there). Every makeup drawer was open, and she wasn't even sure how she'd manage to make a mess of everything she owned.

"You have very little time before you leave," Chloe stated seriously. "Where are your servants?"

Marinette grimaced. "I sent them away. I wanted to be alone..."

"You made them go away... and then you invited me?"

Marinette shrugged. "I guess."

The corners of Chloe's lips lifted. "Are you nervous, Your Highness?"

Marinette's hands fisted. "No!" But Chloe's lips lifted further. She knew. They all probably knew. Marinette walked over to her closet. "I can't decide what outfit to wear. That's all. You know what boys like, so I need your help."

Chloe walked around the room, observing the different articles of clothing she had. For a second, Marinette thought she was an envious expression on the girl's face (and she made a decision to do give something nice to Chloe, which she put in a little box to come back to later), but it was quickly replaced by the giggles of a young girl. Chloe was so serious and stoic most days, not even looking Marinette's way, that she forgot Chloe was her age, too. She was scary, yes, but she was just a girl.

"Why do you think I know what boys like?" she asked with an unreadable tone.

Marinette shrugged. "You're pretty. I bet lots of boys like you."

Chloe's laugh was bitter. "I'm sure they do," she muttered.

"Did you enjoy training? Being around all those guys?"

It was a dumb question, and Marinette didn't quite understand why she was asking it. For some reason, she pictured Luka and Chloe holding hands over breakfast at their training sessions. She didn't like it.

Chloe stared blankly at Marinette before turning back to the mess in the room. Her expression intensified Marinette's nerves. She didn't do it often anymore, but when she was a girl, she'd always struggled to stay quiet when she was nervous, and she'd stumble over her words like an idiot. What was it Adrien had called it? Foot-in-mouth-disease?

Despite Chloe's obvious cold attitude toward the subject, Marinette felt herself blurting, "Did you like any of them?"

Chloe, frowning, picked up a pair of paints and observed it for a second. "I'm not interested in any of the guards."

"Oh." A strange relief fled her nerves. But then she remembered that she was meeting Adrien today, and she felt guilty for that relief. She sat on the edge of her bed, watching Chloe's intense expression. "Is there anyone you are interested in?"

"Here," said Chloe, pulling off a green sweater from the floor. "This is lovely. It'll match pretty-boy's eyes."

Her comment pulled Marinette back to the reason for all of this. Adrien and her. She was soon going to tell the entire kingdom that they were officially courting each other, with the goal to get married. That was a big commitment. Sure, today was dating. But tomorrow? Who knows what it would be.

Marinette walked over to the mirror. She stared. She hadn't done it in a while, not since her first date with Adrien. She felt pretty. Maybe it was the nerves that made her cheeks flush, or the weirdly excited light she saw in her eyes, but Marinette had the feeling that today was going to be a really, really good day.

Chloe ran back and forth across the room, telling Marinette she'd look good in this outfits or with that hair. Marinette settled on a half-up bun, her bangs swept to the side, leaving her whispies to frame her face. She did a full-face of makeup, knowing the cameras would be out, and settled on a mauve lipstick, a color she rarely wore. Today was a day she was supposed to look like the adult she was. Her future was at stake here.

Suddenly, Chloe's urgent voice shook her out of her thoughts. "Your Highness, we have to leave! So pick an outfit!" Chloe bossed, throwing a pile of clothes at her.

Marinette caught it, but she didn't want to wear this. Instead, she chose what Chloe first pulled out. Well, picked up. It was that emerald green, thick turtleneck sweater, and when Chloe turned away, she pulled it over her head, careful to miss any snags in her hair. Her whispies slicked to her temples, and she fluffed them back up, immediately pulling on the black slacks and tall boots that Chloe had paired with it.

"Miss!" Chloe groaned, facing the door.

Marinette chuckled, grabbing a gold-colored satchel, and lead the way out of her room. "I'm ready."

Chloe became solemnly serious as soon as the door was open, walking in front of Marinette, her head held high.

"Thanks for helping me," said Marinette through giggles, trying to calm her shaking. "Couldn't have done it without you!"

"I'm sure you could have, your highness," Chloe said, tone monotone. She walked faster, and Marinette struggled to keep up, her tall boots making it uncomfortable to walk. She had to remind herself that she'd trained to walk in high heels. One foot in front of the other. Don't bounce your head too much. Let your hips move with the walk, not too sexy but as if it was a dance.

Chloe escorted her to the car waiting outside the front doors. Marinette was flanked on both sides with some of the guards she had seen in passing, in other parts of the castle. She gave them grateful smiles, which they did not return, but passed through the door a tall man held opened for her. The first thing she saw was Adrien's long legs in matching black slacks. She opened her mouth to comment on their matching fits, but the door behind her was swiftly closed, and she jumped at the sudden loud sound. He slammed it a bit too harshly, in her opinion.

She opened her mouth to let share those thoughts, but at Adrien's kind smile, and the way his green eyes brightened, she remembered what Chloe had said about her outfit matching his eyes. They were not the same color. His were lighter, a pale sea green. The sun was behind him in the morning sky, and it surrounded him with an angelic glow. He looked so... golden.

The back of the seat in front of her was suddenly very interesting. The driver was one she didn't know, and she said in a squeaky voice, "Thanks for driving us!"

She saw Adrien's head turn to the side, like a pet who was trying to think a bit too hard. She lifted her hand and started to play with the bracelet she adorned on her pale skin. Luckily, the passenger door then opened for Tikki to slip to, who instantly turned around and grinned at the two.

"Today's the big day!" she announced.

Marinette choked, immediately coughing on her spit. It wasn't a wedding, so Tikki did not need to word it like that. She couldn't stop coughing, but she tried to show with her hands that she would reply in a minute.

Adrien swooped in, saving her. "Anything we should know that we haven't gone over yet?" The car slowly creeped up the rocky driveway, then turned left onto the main street.

Tikki thought for a second, looking up. Then, she said, "You guys are good to go! Two beautiful adults being beautiful people. Just be kind to everyone you meet, wave and smile, follow close behind me. We have guards in the car in front of us and the car behind. Do not leave their immediate reach. You are to be with us at all times. You never know what will happen."

Marinette felt a nervous ick enter her stomach. She couldn't decide if it came from Tikki's words or the fact they were now driving full-speed toward town. They'd be at their destination in maybe 10 minutes, max, but anything could happen during that time.

Adrien's hand slowly reached out to hers. His fingers were cold from the chilly weather, and she was grateful she'd worn a scarf with her thick sweater. She hoped she would be warm enough. But she could always buy a jacket if she really wanted to. He squeezed her fingers, and she tried to let out the breath caught in her chest.

"Thank you, Tikki. We won't leave," Marinette promised. "What's the schedule?"

She squealed and went on her schpiel. Tikki being asked about the schedule was probably be the highlight of her week. From her response, Marinette wondered if it was the highlight of her year. "First, you guys will have some free time where you'll get to talk to citizens and get to know your people — but make sure to stay on Main Street and with your guards — but then we'll head straight to the coffee shop on the edge of 31st. Then, at 2:00 on the dot, you'll have lunch at Blue Diamond. From there, we'll —"

She continued with her plan the rest of the drive, accompanied by her opinions on each choice. When the car stopped, Marinette started to let go of Adrien's hand, but he clung onto it. She looked up at him for the first time since they got in the car. His face was forward, but she could see the hard clench of his jaw, his eyes emotionless as they looked forward.

But it was her turn to tilt her head as her door was opened for her. He glanced at her. He looked at her left eye, then her right eye. Then, a small smile lit his eyes, but Marinette could see the emotions underneath. He was just as nervous as she was, and she realized her hand in his gave him as much comfort as it gave her.

She squeezed it, and she pulled him out of her side of the car, having to move awkwardly with one hand in his. She couldn't even imagine how he did it. He probably had some rock solid core strength.

Pushing the idea of Adrien's tummy out of her mind, she was suddenly attacked by a hoard of questions by a large group of people surrounding the car, so many she couldn't hear even one. She pulled Adrien to a standing position. He just smiled politely and tilted his head towards the group. She smiled softly, waving her free hand the way she'd practiced hundreds of times.

Marinette's guards pushed them back. Suddenly Tikki was in her face, looking angry.

"How these people found out, I don't know. We'll have to meet the citizens another time. Let's go." She marched forward, having t

It was a lot, to be bombarded with questions as they walked down the street. For some reason, the - what were they, paparazzi? News outlets? - those that surrounded the car drew in more attention from others in the streets. In seconds, the group went from maybe 20 people to what felt like hundreds. The cute, wooden coffee shop was maybe 60 feet from where they'd parked, but Marinette felt overwhelmed and slowed down with each question they asked.

"Princess, why haven't you shown your face until today?"

"Are you dating Adrien Agreste?"

"Adrien, what are your opinions of your father's new jewelry line?"

"How do you feel about the Queen and King leaving?"

"Princess, what are you going to do to stop the Akumas?"

At the last question, Marinette stopped in her feet, turning her head to find the source of the question. She knew she wasn't allowed to answer it, not yet, but she wanted to at least see who asked.

Maybe she'd find them in the future, and answer them all.

After what felt like an eternity, they somehow found their way into the small building. There were a few people already inside, though none of them acted surprised.

"They're here for the interview," Tikki commented at Marinette's confused expression. "They were given special permission to ask questions. I explained this to you before."

"How come they were told, when you said it had to stay a secret until today?" Marinette asked.

Tikki winked. "They have connections."

Marinette forced herself to not shrug, knowing that wasn't a perfectly princess thing to do. Instead, she and Adrien - silent the whole while - sat in a loveseat in the corner of the room. It was too squishy in her opinion.

Tikki pulled out her phone and lifted a finger to the silent pair. "Shh, I have to make a phone call." She then dialed someone, put the phone to her ear, and walked to the bathroom.

Just the two of them again, the other people in the shop sitting in their chairs, quiet chattering humming throughout the room. Adrien leaned down to her, his breath brushing the top of her head. "Poor Tikki, once again having her plans fall through."

Marinette lifted her head towards him. Sometimes, she forgot he was significantly taller than her, but sitting right next to him, she had to twist her neck. If she wanted to, she could probably count the hairs in his nose or the specks of gold in his green eyes. She sighed dramatically. "If only Plagg were here to lighten the mood."

His laughter reverberated in her ear. She shivered. "What do you think of-"

Just then, a little girl, no older than the age of 6 jumped off her chair, where she tripped and dropped a notebook. A loud sound followed, and everyone went silent. The adult with her jumped up, and helped the little girl up, handing her the fallen notebook. "What are you doing? Come sit."

"I want to talk to the princess," the girl said quietly.

The man put a soft hand on her shoulder. "No, we talked about this. They'll tell you when you can ask your question."

"No, I won't ask her that question, you silly billy!"

Adrien's whisper sounded in her ear: "That's cute. I'm adopting that term. Silly billy."

Marinette elbowed him lightly and held back her giggle. But she did smile at the little girl, who glanced at her and then grinned widely, teeth missing.

"How are you doing, toothless?" Marinette said.

The girl giggled. "That's not my name!"

"Oh! Please excuse me, I'm sorry for the horrible mistake," she said teasingly. "What can I call you?"

"I'm Neira," she said proudly. "It means 'bog of the ferns'. That's very interesting, isn't it?"

Marinette glanced at the father, who wore a bemused expression. He was tall and large. His beard was thick, and her dark skin was shiny and soft. Something in the way he looked at his daughter reflected such love that Marinette couldn't avoid thinking of her own father. She missed those looks, the time they spent together. She missed it all.

But looking back at the little girl, she couldn't feel jealous. She wore a big, toothless grin, waiting for Marinette's response.

"That is the most interesting thing I've heard all day," she promised.

Neira rung her hands together, but then she quickly snatched the notebook from her father's hand, and ran towards Marinette, holding it out. "Can you draw me something?" she asked.

"I dunno," Marinette teased. "I'm not much of an artist."

She gasped. "I don't believe that! You have to be a good artist!"

Marinette raised an eyebrow and then wiggled them. "Why do you say that?"

"Becaaaaause," she said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "You're the prettiest princess I've ever seen," said the little girl, asking silently for an autograph.

Marinette laughed. There had never been any other princesses in the time of the girl's life. So Marinette bent down, holding out her hand for the notepad.

Adrien's voice was light above her. "I have to say, I do agree," he stated. "Prettiest princess in all of history."

Marinette blushed, but she laughed off his comment as she drew a little kitten on a blank piece of paper, writing You're the meow-st amazing girl!

Adrien inhaled sharply. "Is that a-"

Tikki suddenly was in front of them. "The interviewer is here!" she said excitedly, checking her texts. "Just remember to look cute and happy!"

"It won't be hard," said Adrien, squeezing her hand.

Before Marinette knew it, a man sat in front of her and Adrien, asking them questions about their courtship. Nothing serious. The man was short and stout, a grey palor to his skin. His eyes were bugged out and pale blue, an odd contrast against his long, yellow teeth. But when he spoke, he had a beautiful, deep tone, a musical sound. He asked about how they met, and they talked about their first encounter. Adrien made it sound a lot more romantic than it really was. He was good at selling things to the public.

For the most part, Marinette kept quiet. She would nod at times or give an affirmative sound, but

"So, Adrien, how did you decide Marinette was the right choice for you?"

He answered instantly. "Well, it started out for her beauty," he said, making those in the room laugh. He leaned toward her, but she watched his lips move as he spoke, his confident smile shine through, with that expressionless gaze he'd held when she first met him.

The interviewer laughed light-heartedly. "That makes sense. She is a beauty! What made you fall?"

It took Adrien a few seconds before he could answer. Marinette started to panic. He was going to come out and say he didn't actually love her, that they were just friends and wanted to keep hanging out. That they were making a joke of it all. But then, he spoke. And Marinette's ability to breathe stopped.

"She makes me laugh. I want to laugh with her forever."

At his words, Marinette's heart skipped a beat. She knew that this wasn't a real promise he was making. She knew this wasn't real.

But just for a second, Marinette wished it was.

She looked down at their hands as the interviewer made a comment about how sweet they were. He asked her the same: "How did you know Adrien was the right one for you?"

Unfortunately, before Marinette could answer, there was an explosion. And everything turned to chaos.