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Marinette's P.O.V
After I detransformed, I noticed Princess Fragrance was not in my room. I was about to call upon "Ella" but was stopped by mother standing on the other side of the door with a fist raised to knock. Her gray eyes widened, not expecting me to be out of bed. I stood as still as a statue. I may have forgotten I am supposed to be in bed.
"Dear, you are supposed to be resting," mother scolded, placing her raised hand back at her side.
"Yes," I nodded in agreement, a nervous smile stretching on my face, "I was just going to call upon my personal servant. I was growing quite parched."
Mother raised an eyebrow before humming in acknowledgment.
"There is no need for that. I already had a servant prepare you a chalice of water and a few crackers to nibble on," she explained, gesturing over to the stand next to the bed. I turned to see a tray on the stand with the very items placed on the silver platter. I did not notice that. I was too focused on getting Princess Fragrance.
"Oh, I did not see that," I admitted, truthfully.
"It does not matter anymore. It is time for dinner. I had the chef make some soup for you," Mother informed before adding, "I do need you to look...decent. Lord Couffaine, Lady Rossi, and Lady Bourgeois are going to be joining us at the dinner table this evening."
I blinked.
"Excuse me?"
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"Is this...soup?" Chloe tutted in her usual snobbish voice.
I felt my eye twitch.
I once again forgot about the traditional meal for the Ladies of the Court. All the ladies gather in celebration when a member finally graduates from a lady to a soon-to-be woman of society. The soon-to-be husband of the lady also joins in for reasons I do not care to remember (not that I ever listened too much of mother's rambles).
This is the first one we have ever had. Rosemary had never been engaged before she disappeared. Many ladies have gone to the poor section, leaving only a few left: me, Lila, and Chloe.
"Yes, this is very diminishing than what your mother usually does for meals. At least the last time I was here, the food was slightly better. I think your mother is losing her touch. Probably due to old age," Lila said.
I sharply glared at them. Are they serious right now? Why do they always act so childish? They are complaining about soup! A poor person would walk miles just to have a taste of this dish and they dare insult it! I grit my teeth and clench my fist under the table.
"I am sure there is a reasonable explanation for this," Luka defended. I give him a side-eyed look, holding in the urge to step on his foot. Why does there need to be an explanation? Or, is he trying to help me defend my mother's pride? I honestly cannot tell.
"Yes, there is," I answered, "I have been under a lot of stress and have not been feeling well. So, this is to help me feel better."
Chloe rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
"You are probably just faking it to get more attention," she commented. I feel insulted by such false accusations. I can see Chloe doing it, probably talking from experience to get out of occasions she did not want to participate in.
Yet, she is a spoiled brat. She has a finger wrapped around her father and could get away with anything. She does not have to play a part to not end up in the poor section.
This is how Chloe was raised.
"Chloe, do respect your host and be honored that you were invited to this event," I told her, defiantly.
"Actually," I continued, looking at both of the ladies, "I want you both to praise the chef for this delicious meal. It may not be the fanciest feast you are used to but the kitchen staff worked hard to prepare it just for us. Besides, it is unladylike to be rude and disrespectful."
"They are but mere servants. They do not deserve our respect or politeness. Only people who are worthy and on our level will be treated that way," Lila replied in a sly tone. Before I could snap back, Luka placed a hand on my shoulder. He gave me a reassuring look then confronted his cousin and Chloe.
"If you both do not mind, I am going to take my fiancé out for a stroll through the garden," Luka informed.
"What?" I questioned. Before I could argue, Luka guided me out of the room with our arms locked (practically pulling me along). Once we are out in the hallway, I finally turned to Luka to complain about his abrupt departure.
"I apologize for my cousin's brash behavior," Luka said before I could get a word out, "Also for dragging you out of the room. That was improper of me."
I cannot believe I still get baffled by this man. I do not understand if he is being genuine or playing some sort of game. It is difficult to figure him out when I have hardly seen him and will be marrying him within a few weeks. It is troubling that I cannot trust my soon-to-be husband.
"Well, thank you for getting me out of that situation. I would have blown up at some point," I replied with a sigh. We arrived at the garden's entryway. Luka opened the door and held it.
"It is my pleasure," he said, "to help those in need."
I immediately noticed the shift in his voice and the edge of his lip twitch. Some form of battle slightly wrinkles his forced smiling face. It is unsettling to see, almost like he is struggling with something.
"Luka, are you alright?" I asked in concern. I placed a hand on his shoulder, wondering what kind of distress he is under. I have seen him act this way only once before but it was not as noticeable as it is now. Something is wrong with Lila's cousin.
"I wonder if Lila knows about this," I thought before pursing my lips, "Even if she did, would she even care? Probably not."
"Yes, I am," Luka answered, "Let us go o-out, I am feeling...trapped in here."
He did it again. I grabbed his arm and began to drag him to a somewhat hidden spot. Whatever is wrong with Luka, I can tell he is trying to hide it...or maybe hint at it? It sounds like he is struggling.
I do not want anyone to listen in. I know for a fact that every wall has ears within that mansion but the garden or the lower floor where I practice sword fighting are pretty secretive places.
I halt in my steps once reaching a small nook in the garden. Letting go of Luka's arm, I turn to him with curious eyes scanning him for any more slip-ups.
"Alright, we are in a safe area right now. You can tell me if there is something wrong. I will not relay it to anyone else. Whatever it is you want to say will not leave this nook," I promised, "I know we are being forced into this marriage but we should at least try to get along. After all, we are possibly going to spend the rest of our lives together."
Luka hummed in agreement but there was some form of other emotion that surfaced on his face.
"I can assure you that everything is fine," he replied, grasping my hands in his, "There is no reason to worry over me. My only concerns are your problems and yours alone."
I shook my head in denial. I will not allow such a foolish declaration like this to continue. His problems are just as important as mine. Yet, he is so stiff and his grip on my hands had suddenly tightened. It is like he is forcing every word...like he has no control...
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at the male.
"Oh my! How scandalous!"
I jump and gasp at the sudden intruding voice of Lila. She has a giant grin on her face as she sashayed over to Luka and me. What in the name of Paris is she even doing here? How did she find us? There are only a few people who know about this nook and those are people that live in this household.
"How did you find this place and where is Chloe?" I asked, practically interrogating her. My hands slipped out of Luka's grasp and placed them on my hips.
"I came to find you two to bring you back for whatever atrocious dessert your mother picked out. A servant had given me directions to where you had gone," Lila simply said, "Come now. If you know Chloe, she is not a patient lady."
Lila began to trek back to the mansion. I narrowed my eyes at her before glancing over at Luka. He did not seem slightly phased by his cousin's antics. I feel bad for the poor fella. He has to deal with Lila more than I.
"Shall we?" I asked, offering my bent arm. Luka acknowledged my offer and locked his arm around mine. We started to follow in Lila's tracks.
"Marinette, I am grateful that you are concerned about me but I promise you have nothing to worry about. We may be trapped in this life. Yet, I have faith that we will be okay," Luka reassured. I did not miss the little off moment again. It stirred something grave within my stomach.
Still, I nodded. I will let this slide for now. We have a party to continue after all.
I would hate to keep the other guests waiting.
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I yawned, finally returning to my room after another agonizing party with the Ladies of the Court. Although, when are parties with any wealthy citizen not dreadful.
"Welcome back, madam," Ella greeted me, "How was the celebration?"
"Awful as always but you already would know that," I answered with sarcasm. I sat down in front of my vanity and began to remove my makeup. Ella hummed in reply, taking out the clips in my hair.
"Do not worry, Marinette. One day, I know all of this blasphemy will end and people can live as equals," she said before brushing my hair.
"I hope that day comes soon," I said, staring at her in the mirror. Princess Fragrance. A witch's apprentice and an outlaw is brushing my hair without a care in the world. She seems very bright, sweet, and cheery.
I can see a tuff of golden hair sticking out of her bandanna. Her eyes are like radiant diamonds. She looks so...familiar. I feel a sense of déjà vu swirling around me but not quite hitting its mark.
My personal servants have always helped me with things like this. Yet, I do recall a time when the soon-to-be Ladies of the Court would meet up and have a slumber party. I did not mind those times since I had at least one friend I did not despise.
She even had a unique and gentle way of brushing hair though her own was so short. That is how Ella is brushing it right now.
Now that I am thinking so deeply on this topic, it was not too long after my friend had gone did Princess Fragrance appear.
"It...it cannot be," I thought in disbelief, staring wide-eyed at the blonde maiden. I could feel myself pale of color like I had just seen a ghost.
And maybe I have.
I blinked, everything suddenly becoming much clearer as though the curtains on a window have finally opened.
It all makes sense now.
Ella caught me staring through our reflection. She tilted her head in wonder for a moment before a warm smile crossed her lips. She knows that I know.
My hands clutch the edge of the vanity and try to dampen my dry lips.
Finally, I manage to speak quietly under my breath.
"Rosemary?"
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