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Marinette's P.O.V
"Marinette Dupain-Cheng! Wake up this instant!"
I shot up from the desk's surface, looking around for any immediate danger. Yet, the only danger is standing right in front of me and sharply scolding me down. I quickly fix my posture and try blinking away the tiredness in my eyes.
"Sorry, mother. I have had trouble sleeping lately since...that night," I told her half of the truth. The night mother was attacked and the break-in made me very paranoid. The intruder is still out there walking around freely and there is no trace or clue of who this mysterious person is.
It's like they have some sort of power or magic. It's very concerning to know our foe—whoever it is—is powerful enough to conceal their true identity like a phantom in the night.
Yet, that's only half the truth.
The other half is getting up at—what Chloe would quote—such a ridiculous time in the morning to train. On top of that, I return home only for my maid to enter and ready me for my packed-filled schedule.
Long story short, it's been a hectic week.
Mother's agitation seems to dwindle a little before a sigh escapes her lips, "Wipe that...goop from your face, dear, then let us proceed."
I just now notice the feeling of drool before quickly wiping it off my face with a hanky (trying not to smudge my makeup or else mother will surely lose her head). Mother continues her boring lecture on different teas, what best snacks to serve it with, and more.
A knock on the door halts my mother's lesson and huff in annoyance. I curiously look over at the door, my prayers for an interruption answered.
"Enter," Mother allowed, the door opening and a butler stepping in with a worried look on his face, "What do you need? Can you not see we are in the middle of something, right now?"
"M'lady, I humbly apologize for the intrusion but it seems we have some surprise guests waiting at the door," he said. Mother and I's attention is sealed on the butler, not expecting any guests.
"Who?" Mother asked, panic laced within her voice.
"Lady Rossi and Lord Couffaine," he answered. Mother gasps, very unprepared for a visit. I growl, knowing Lila is planning to make a mockery of my mother (not that it wouldn't be nice to see my mother in a tizzy for once).
"Quickly, set up a tea set out in the garden's gazebo and call upon Marinette's maid to make Marinette look more presentable! I shall distract them!" Mother ordered, rushing out of the room and hurries to the front door. The butler urges me out of my studies room and towards my bedroom.
Soon, my maid and I are madly rushing around my bedroom—dresses are tossed, different types of makeup utensils roll off of the stand, jewelry in tangled piles, and shoes were thrown (nearly breaking some very expensive items). It is utter chaos.
Somehow, we manage to finish. I race out of the room, feeling guilty for being unable to help the maid clean up the giant mess we made. Consequences will be placed on the maid if I do not hastily make an appearance in the garden. So, there is not much of a choice in helping the maid clean up if I do not want to get her fired.
I race through the halls, high heels clicking against the floor. Though, it is quite difficult, even with years of experience, to run in heels. My klutziness and high heels have never mixed well in the past. The only way I can achieve in increasing my speed...
I pause for a moment, urgently taking off the shoes and carrying them as I sprint for the garden's entrance.
"Whatever wicked plan Lila schemed into existence, this visit better be worthwhile in revealing some hints," I thought, running out the door and made a straight shot for the gazebo. Finally, I arrive and sat down on one of the four assigned seats out of breathe.
Of course, the table is set for the small gathering. A tray filled with different small finger foods and treats. A fancy Chinese tea set is perfectly placed along with the other necessities.
Basically, it's a tea party.
"Perfect timing," I said within my mind, hearing voices approaching. Mother and the two guests turn the corner of the hedge. Mother seems pleased and very relieved seeing me.
"What a lovely setup, Lady Cheng," Lord Couffaine commented, a gentle smile adorning his lips. I held back an eye roll when my mother gave a flattering response. Lila didn't seem phased in the slightest and sat down on her seat.
"Now, shall we entertain the main reason of our arrival, Lady Cheng?" Lila questioned, gesturing for Luka and mother to join us. Once everyone is seated, I purse my lips in wonder of what could possibly be so important for a surprise visit.
"Yes, we can now discuss plans for the wedding," mother agreed. My eyes slightly widen, not expecting this topic out of the many others.
"Wait, does not Lord Couffaine's inner circle family, especially his parents, have to be here as well to witness this discussion?" I questioned, earning a side-eyed look from mother and an amused expression from Lila.
"Unfortunately, everyone else is too busy. I on the other hand am completely free," Lila answered. I glare at her before mother barges into the conversation, "About those wedding plans..."
My ears are shown no mercy as mother and Lila bicker over planning my and Luka's wedding.
"Should not Luka and I be discussing this?" I thought, looking over at the quiet male, "Though, I certainly rather not plan a wedding with my fiancé with whom I am strangers with."
Luka glances over at me and gave a reassuring smile. I'm taken back by this, seeing something like understanding in those blue eyes. Does he have no control over this situation either? I am unsure if I am reading his emotions correctly. So, I can't leap at the opportunity that someone else might actually be on the same page as me.
"How about you two go for a stroll around the garden and get to know each other better?" Mother suggested to Luka and me. My eyelids slightly expand then a grimace forms on my face. I am somewhat shocked she'd let me go off with this man by ourselves, knowing fully of my past experiences with men (more like children).
"That sounds like a splendid idea, Lady Cheng," Luka said, voice steady and smooth like a peaceful river. Lila side-eyed her cousin before clapping her hands once in agreement, "A wonderful opportunity, indeed!"
I raise an eyebrow at Lady Rossi, perplexed by the quick change in her expression. It is as if she does not want us to go off together. I do not understand why that is since Luka and I will be living together after marriage.
Maybe, she assumes I will argue against going off with Luka? I feel the edge of my lips twitch up, nearly forming a grin. If this bothers Lila, maybe I should play along.
I stand up from my seat before saying, "Very well."
Lila's eye twitches a little bit but did not dare speak another word. I did not show my smugness, keeping it hidden under my proper facade. Luka and I lock arms then began to head into a different part of the garden.
"I have heard many things of you, Lady Dupain-Cheng," Luka spoke, making me narrow my eyes.
"Oh, I am sure it is all good things too," I responded, sarcastically. Luka chuckles a bit, "Many of the times, no but they do make for quite interesting rumors."
"Delightful," I bluntly huffed, "And let me guess, you are being forced into this engagement for both of our sakes."
"I have no control over it," Luka answered, pausing for a moment. I look at him, tilting my head a bit at such a peculiar answer. I shrug it off, not thinking much about it anymore. I'm about to resume our chat until hearing a gasp coming from behind a hedge. Luka and I turn our attention to the sound of running footsteps fading.
"What was that?" I thought, breaking our linked arms and jogging over to the hedge. Luka is not too far behind as we search the area behind the bush. There is nothing but greenery and plants.
"It must have been a startled animal," Luka suggested. I pursed my lips, knowing that what I heard sounded more human than beast.
"...or maybe it's the intruder," I theorized inside my head.
"I suppose," I agreed, "Shall we continue our talk?"
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"Lord Couffaine seems like a lovely gentleman," Tikki commented, "He even apologized for showing up unannounced."
"He may seem like a gentleman now but he will eventually show his true colors. They all do," I scoffed, setting aside my hairbrush on my makeup stand. Tikki frowns a little at her holder's statement.
"You do not believe all males are cruel or self-absorbed, do you?" She asked.
"Of course not," I replied, "I once had a male companion until he became too much of a "hindrance." Then, he was banished from ever seeing me again. He is probably the only decent man I have ever met and all the other ones—well...not so much."
"What about Master and the male heroes?" the little bug asked.
"They are very nice as well, excluding Chat Noir that is," I answered, standing from my stand and heading to my bed. Tikki floats not too far behind and joins me in the comfort of the sheets.
"I am sure someday, you both will warm up to each other. You merely need to give it some time," Tikki spoke, snuggling into the pillow. I hum in acknowledgment, staring at the ceiling in wonder. The room fell into a peaceful silence, moonlight shining through the large windows.
"Marinette, I have one more question if you do not mind me asking," Tikki said. I shift my head to face her, curiously wanting to know what is on her mind.
"What is your question?" I asked.
"I never got the chance to ask this before since we hardly had the time," Tikki began, "I am curious though. Lila mentioned something about "not being a Rosemary?" Could you explain this phrase? I have never heard it before."
"Well," I began, "There used to be four Ladies of the Court. Chloe, Lila, me, and the last girl was Rosemary. She used to be nicknamed "Princess of the Court" since she was the fairest out of all four of us. Elegant, kind, sweet, proper, lovely perfume—it was a surprise she had not been hitched sooner."
"Whatever happened to Rosemary?" Tikki asked. I shrug, unknowing myself, "To be honest, I do not know. The rumor mill is very challenging to pick out what the truth is and the lies. What I have heard frequently is she either ran away or was disowned by her parents for whatever reason."
"How sad," the Kwami murmured, "It does not matter which way to tell the tale. She sounds like a very nice girl who was wrongly mistreated."
I didn't like to think about Rosemary very much anymore. It was heartbreaking news once I found out about her disappearance. What makes the story sadder, nobody cared. Not a single soul cared, not even her own family—her parents. I was the only one who had shed tears while everyone else went on with their merry lives.
It was like she never existed like she is a mythical person whose story has a lesson. Her name is used as a joke or a threat.
"Do not pull a Rosemary" this or "You do not want to end up like Rosemary" that but what for? No one actually knew the real story or truth of whatever happened to her. The only people who might know something are her parents yet they were never questioned.
Truly, a mystery.
"Yes," I quietly agreed, "It was hard to learn of her disappearance. She was a very dear friend of mine. I just hope wherever she is right now, she is okay."
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