Chapter Text
The town was abuzz with speculation on when the grand announcement would be made and Prince Adrien’s new princess introduced. Everywhere one turned, one could hear the gossip and chatter. Would King Gabriel approve ? Had Prince Adrien changed his mind ? When would the wedding be ? Are the Bourgeois to be invited ? Of course in the hubbub, certain rumors flew around as well.
Alya snorted as she made her way through the Village Square ande heard the sentence “I hear Prince Adrien has been betrothed to a foreign Princess since birth.” for the fifth time in a row. Really, the town was getting incredibly antsy and ridiculous. Yet Alya had no doubts that everything was fine. If King Gabriel disapproved, king or no, she was going to march up to the Palace herself and demand an audience.
It came as no surprise for her really when a man in regular dress, who was without a doubt, a knight handed her an envelop. He walked back with the same straight posture and confidence as a man of arms but luckily only Alya’s observant eyes picked up his gait. Ripping open the envelope eagerly, Alya grinned.
Luckily, King Gabriel Agreste had been saved from her wrath that day.
The next day the announcement was made officiall. A collective sigh of relief; then cheers broke out as the announcement was made.
Marinette herself wanted to jump up and down and squeal like a school girl along with the rest of the crowd. She was glad she had gotten most of it out of her system the previous day when she invited Alya over to tell her the news. The best friends had shrieked so loud the Palace guards had almost come running until Adrien sheepishly sent them away. The two had only put a latch on their excitement when Nathalie came in to see them. Scared, that they were in trouble, Marinette had looked to the ground; red with embarrassment.
“Emotions are not to be kept bottled up Miss Dupain-Cheng. The late Queen would have told you that,” was all the stern adviser said, bestowing a rare smile on the shocked teens. As she left, the worn woman couldn’t help but recall memories of another pair of girls in the same situation a fair 20 years prior. A blonde Princess shrieking with excitement, and her dark haired best friend joining in with a smile.
Stepping out on the stage, Adrien and Marinette waved happily, the picture of young love. The older citizens were swept with nostalgia and the younger ones were bursting with joy. Marinette being introduced as Prince Adrien’s fiance was met by raucous applause and her promising to be a good Princess to her people led to the entirety of the crowd giving her a respectful bow; a sign of their trust and loyalty.
The foreign dignitaries had been introduced to her, later that evening. Some had disapproved of her common status while others had been pleased by her respectful and polite attitude. Marinette had mostly spent the night by the visiting Princesses who had welcomed her with open arms and invited her to visit their kingdoms. Surprisingly, Princess Lila had been the friendliest of all and had proudly announced that she had extended her stay in Franae for another three months as a diplomat. By the end of the evening, Marinette had charmed her way into the hearts of all the nobles; all of whom promised to attend the wedding.
“Come in.” A sharp voice answered the rapping at the King’s door.
“You wanted to see me father ?” Adrien asked. The weary King noted the light in his eyes, shining brighter than it ever had before. In such moments the young Prince so much like his mother; eyes shining with love and heart on his sleeve.
“Yes indeed, son,” the King replied crisply. “I wanted to inform you that I will now be handing over the Southern and Eastern part of the Kingdom’s rule to you. Starting Monday, all such issues from those areas will be dealt with by you. Understood ?”
“Yes Father.”
“You will no longer continue with lessons. Practical work will teach you better than any book can. Nathalie will reschedule any sword-fighting lessons in case you are unable to attend.”
Adrien nodded. “Of course father. Anything else ?”
“Yes. Please inform Miss Dupain-Cheng that her lessons start on Monday. I have asked Miss Mendeliev, the royal tutor to take over economics, politics, and foreign affairs She will also be her dance and social studies instructor. Miss Dupain-Cheng must be punctual at 8:30 AM sharp in the library in the West Wing of the Palace.”
Adrien nodded again before stopping.
“Father,” he asked tentatively. He was met by Gabriel raising an eyebrow, impatiently asking him to continue. “Could you reschedule Marinette’s lessons to 9:30 please ?”
The King raised a brow before seeing the pain flicker behind his son’s eyes. Adrien didn’t want to wake Marinette any earlier than she should have to. After living a life with the Bourgeois where she awoke with the dawn and didn’t have the luxury of sleeping in, she deserved a break as well as apt timing to sleep.
Gabriel finally nodded. “Very well. 9:30 AM but no later.”
Adrien turned to leave.
“And Adrien,” the King called, once again signing off paperwork. “If you and Miss Dupain-Cheng decide to go on a rendezvous, please inform Nathalie so she may make necessary changes in your schedule.”
The King smirked as he saw the gears turn in his son’s head; a blush on his cheeks at being caught red-handed already planning to skive off some duties now and then. Clearly, he forgot that King Gabriel had once been his age as well.
The first month passed busily for the engaged Prince and his Princess. Both had, unsurprisingly, been unable to see each other often due to their bursting schedules.
The Palace quickly grew to love Marinette as she always took time out of her day to help in whatever way she could, menial work never below her. She insisted on making her own breakfast every morning and while Nathalie had been confused at first; let the girl do as she wished. Ever so often Gabriel and Adrien would receive a plate full of Marinette’s hand made breakfast and it made their day a little bit better to look forward to.
Since her lessons started, Marinette had been overwhelmed by facts and dates and proper protocol for all the nearby lands surrounding Franae. Mme Mendeliev was patient but brisk. From day one she had sized up Marinette’s abilities and worked with her accordingly. She as a quick learner but every once in a while Marinette would run away from her lessons in frustration; the pressure too much for her and self-doubt plaguing her mind. In those times, the royal tutor sent Adrien after her, who normally knew where exavtly the palace to find her. Despite not living there long, she had found herself some remarkable hiding places.
Adrien would spend the evening with her; holding her until she calmed down. He’d talk to her about anything and everything under the sky throwing in dozens of puns. He always knew she was feeling better when she mustered the energy to punch him for it. When Marinette was finally relaxed, she confessed the problem which, in hindsight, always looked small and insignificant; but Adrien never mocked her for it. Most of the time he regaled her with a tale of how he memorized it, or make up a ridiculous story that had her in stitches by the end.
Mme Mendeliev always received a correct answer the next day.
Luckily, Marinette had no such problems during social studies or dance class. Mme Mendeliev was her instructor and always insisted on using the ballroom as a setting for the waltzes. It set the mood better than anywhere else. Marinette had been making good progress with the basics despite her initial clumsiness.
Marinette always looked forward to the days they practiced the waltz for it took her back to the time of Adrien’s ball and her childhood, when her father would dance around with her standing on his toes. She also got to spend time with Adrien, who had insisted on being her dance partner when the question had been brought up. He had claimed he needed the extra practice but Marinette saw through his ploy and noted the undertones of jealousy he didn’t want to admit.
“Alright, your Highness, today we’ll review the waltzes. Your posture must be perfect; after all the fiance of the Prince must be the epitome of grace.” Mme Mendeliev explained. Adrien was standing next to her, already in perfect position.
“Yes I understand Madam Mendeliev,” Marinette replied adjusting her posture as she had been taught. "Which waltz will we be doing first ?”
“First, the Valse a Trois Temps, as it is the oldest. Then the Viennese Waltz and then the Geschwinsdwalter.” Mme Mendeliev recited the day’s lesson plan. She walked around Marinette, inspecting her posture, clicking her tongue when she noticed a flaw.
“Alright,” Marinette said as Mme Mendeliev raised her chin to the proper height with her stick. “I’m afraid I find the Valse a Trois Tremps the hardest to master.”
“Which is why we will practice until you can do them all by heart,” Mme Mendeliev said confidently. “Now, begin.”
Aside from assisting in his fiance’s dance lessons, Adrien was swamped with work. He had never realized dealing with just half the country could be so much work. He spent most of his time sitting in his office, brow furrowed as he read through another document regarding the state affairs of Strassile. A knock resounded on the door before a servant entered.
“I’m sorry to disturb you Sire,” the young man said apologetically, “but we have an urgent matter regarding-”
Adrien sighed. “Let me guess ? The Countess of Liege and the Duke of Ardennes ?”
“I’m afraid so, your highness,” the boy replied with a shrug and half smile. Adrien wanted to pull his hair out. The Duke and Countess had been feuding for years over their shares of land. It had never gotten too much to deal with before but apparently the Countess’ grandson had married the Duke’s youngest niece which created more problems than Adrien ever knew were possible.
“Alright,” Adrien moaned as he hurriedly signed the treaty he had been holding. “I’ll deal with it once I’m done approving these documents.”
“Very well Sire. I’ll send the message out.”
Adrien sighed as the boy left. His brain was fried. It was high time he and Marinette got a break from their royal duties. Luckily the perfect opportunity presented itself in the form of Nino who had come to inform him of the rescheduled sword-fighting practice.
“I’ll be there,” Adrien affirmed when Nino asked whether he’d be able to make it. “And Nino ? Tell Nathalie that Marinette and I will be taking a few days off starting tomorrow.”
Nino only grinned in reply.
The next day, for the first time in ages, both Marinette and Adrien woke up later than they ever had since their training started. They spent that day exploring the outskirts of their city and as it neared dusk Adrien blindfolded her; leading her to another one of his secret hideaways. They journey itself was an adventure, clumsy as Marinette was.
“Walk slowly Mari. There are a few steps here. We don’t want a repeat of last time,” he teased.
“Well how was I supposed to know that there was a giant rock on the path ?” the future Princess huffed indignantly with laughter in her voice. “But really Adrien, where are we going that you need to blindfold me ?”
“It won’t be much of a surprise if I told you, would it Princess ? And I want this to be a little more special.”
“Adrien I hope you know everything you do for me is special. You better have toned down the fancy gestures !” Marinette warned. Adrien had taken a great liking to ‘brightening up Marinette’s new room’ by leaving her extravagant gifts; whether they be paintings or decoration pieces or articulate flower arrangements from another city. Marinette loved them but she feared he was spending too much on her when she didn’t need all of those things. Her fiance just laughed as he led her around a rock jutting from the dirt path.
“No promises My Lady. You know I can’t help it.”
The surprise, it turned out, was a beautiful meadow that provided a breathtaking view of the sunset. Adrien led a gaping Marinette to the optimum view point. They watched the sun dip into the horizon and that’s when the stars started to speckle the night sky.
Lying flat on his back, Marinette resting her head on his chest; Adrien pointed up at his favorite constellations.
“Mama and Papa used to bring me here all the time. She loved the stars. In her Kingdom, her bedroom balcony was higher than most and a great place to observe the stars. Of course it was a bit harder to see them here because of the forest; so she spent the first few months wandering around looking for a place where she could see them best.”
“How did she find this place then ?” Marinette asked curiously.
“My father brought her here. She was really upset and homesick one day; so father asked her what made her so upset. Mama said he nearly split his sides laughing when he realized how easy the solution was. For a minute he was afraid she was sick and dying.”
Marinette giggled at the image.
“So she brought you here in case your future wife wanted to see the stars too ?”
“Exactly.”
They were silent for a few minutes before just observing the plum sky before Marinette snuggled closer to Adrien. “Show me some of your favorites.”
“Hmm...” Adrien thought for a moment; mapping the stars across the sky. “See that one over there ? That line of stars is Aries.” He pointed out the constellation. “And that other one there, if you imagine a square and three legs on the two corners, you’ll get Pegasus.”
Marinette followed to where he was pointing at and squinted at the arrangement of stars.
“I don’t know Kitty,” she giggled. “It still looks like a weird shaped bug to me.”
“Pegasus would cry if it heard you say that Bugaboo,” Adrien gasped. “How could you hurt poor Pegasus ?”
“Aww, at least it’s not as bad as Aries, Adrien. That one is just a line.”
“I know Princess. But you know each arrangement tells a story.”
“Really ? Which one is your favorite then ?” Marinette asked. The Prince thought for a moment, green eyes darting back and forth while observing the diamond speckled sky.
“Orion,” he replied finally.
“Why Orion ?” That was a different answer than what she had been expecting.
“He was a great friend to Artemis and her huntresses. He knew his limits and never crossed them until Apollo butted in. He’s interesting I guess. And... it was also the first constellation my parents showed me.”
“I like Andromeda,” Marinette decided at the end of their stargazing session. “She was willing to sacrifice herself for her people at the risk of her own life. I’m glad she got the happy ending she deserved.”
“I do too, Princess,” Adrien agreed,. His eyes were not on the stars.
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, Marinette decided she wanted to visit her old home again; and patch up any loose ends. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Adrien had informed Nathalie.
The walk was pleasant as the sun peeked out from the browning leaves of the trees. Marinette insisted on going without any of the palace help despite Nathalie’s initial protests. King Gabriel had interrupted by saying, “A good ruler knows the toils of the common citizen.”
They set off, hand in hand and passed by the market on the way; picking up any materials they might need to repair the house or prepare their lunch. As they walked up the forest path, they ended up recounting all that had led them together to that point.
“You bumped into me and made me drop the cookies.”
“It was an accident !”
-
“Remember when that little girl came and wanted to tell you a secret ? Nino, Alya, You and I were in town square that day and she tugged on your pant leg and told you a secret.”
“She was adorable. She wanted to tell me I was nice.”
“Well I quite agree with her then.”
-
“You guys told me so many stories, I just had to come.”
“So you decided to disguise yourself and come to the festival.”
“I wasn’t going to break my promise, Princess.”
“Well I didn’t know it was you !” Marinette laughed.
“Then you came to meet me at the ball. I was getting so worried when you didn’t show up with the Bourgeois.” Adrien recounted.
“I actually gave up going to that ball,” Marinette explained. “Then Tikki, my fairy godmother, appeared and she asked me-”
“Wait,” Adrien interrupted. “Did you just say ‘fairy godmother’ ?”
“Oh oops. Well I guess there’s no use hiding it. I know it’s hard to believe.”
“No No. Actually I was going to say that I had one too. A fairy godfather, I mean.”
“Really ?” Marinette gasped. “What did you wish for ? Oh wait, the Chat Noir is- ?”
“Exactly ! Plagg. That’s his name. He’s the reason I was able to sneak out in disguise each evening. He covered for me too... although my room smelt like Camembert for a month after.”
“This is so unbelievable ! I can’t believe we both had fairy godparents !”
They excitedly chattered more as the gates of Marinette’s old home grew closer. She felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her as she unlocked the door to the manor. This time the tables had turned as she led Adrien around her (rather dusty) house. She pointed out certain nooks and crannies as they set to work to restore the house by dusting it and repairing any damage it had sustained in the 5 years Marinette had been unable to care for it properly.
It was near noon when their stomach’s caught up to them and so with Marinette’s help and an old cookbook, Adrien was mixing the batter for garlic bread muffins while Marinette fixed one of the broken shelves. Adrien watched her as she picked up a hammer to nail back a piece of splintered wood.
“Does my Lady require the services of her handsome Prince ?” the blonde Prince asked with a teasing smile.
“Oh no you don’t,” Marinette poked him on the cheek. “This Kitty has to finish the muffin batter first.”
“But you could get hurt !” Adrien gasped, as if the very idea horrified him. “Unless you just want me to kiss it better. Oh my Princess is so sly !”
Marinette giggled at his absurd notion.
“I can’t believe half the things that go through that silly mind of yours,” she tutted. “Don’t you worry. Your princess is pretty strong.”
“I’m well aware of your strengths Buginette,” Adrien replied “This knight is just doing his duty.”
“And right now he needs to finish mixing the batter, prepare the pans and preheat the oven,” Marinette listed, handing him the plate of chopped cheddar.
That evening they stepped back and admired the now, spick and span Manor. Seeing as Marinette didn’t want to leave so soon, they stayed for the night; Marinette reliving innocent childhood memories and Adrien greeting the ghosts of her joyful past.
Three months after her life had turned around for the better, Marinette sat in the library, reading up on the Isles surrounding Franae. She was startled when the door to the private library slammed opened and Lila stalked in, noticeably angry.
The Princess in question had just been back from an unsuccessful attempt and extending her stay in Franae longer. In the three months she had been a guest at the palace, both Adrien and Marinette had been too busy to entertain her for longer than a few hours a week. They had chosen, instead, to spend any free time they had with each other rather than entertain her; as was the protocol for guests in Franae. Instead, a lesser noble had shown her around instead of the Prince and to-be Princess.
Clearly, her plans for winning over Adrien hadn’t worked yet and as her visitation reached an end, she had devised a way to extend it for another few months. Unfortunately, King Gabriel didn’t feel the same.
“Do you think I was born yesterday, young lady ?” asked the King sternly; as Lila finished her plea to extend her visit due to a ‘political conflict that endangered her safety.’
“Manipulating matters beyond you leads to nowhere Princess Lila. You would do well to remember that. In any case,” the king continued, his blue-grey eyes piercing her and clearly seeing her intentions, “I do believe our cavalry is quite well trained and willing to escort you home safely in any case. Choose your pick of troops and they will be read to leave by tomorrow. I extend an invitation to you on behalf of my son and daughter in law for their wedding next year.”
Lila felt her humiliation burn her as she escaped the King’s office in a rage. Never had anyone seen through her lies and intentions as fast as King Gabriel had. Lila knew defeat when she saw it; she wasn’t Chloe Bourgeois; but she needed to vent and in a last ditch attempt sought to eliminate her self-imposed competition.
“Lila ?” Marinette asked. “Can I do something for you ?”
Regaining some manner of composure as she had been taught all her life, the Princess of Italia straightened her posture. “What are you studying ?”
“Oh...” Marinette looked confused. “Just about Franae’s neighboring Isles. Geography is harder than most other subjects so Mme Mendeliev says I should put more time into it.”
“Aah the Isles !” Lila said, “They export fruits and rice. Italia has excellent relations with them. Of course we also have wonderful relations with Germania and Brittania. They export textiles while we offer them spices and herbs.”
“Oh. Well Franae has excellent relations with all of them too,” Marinette ventured, unsure what the conversation was truly about.
“It’s a pity Adrien won’t be marrying me. With my country’s foreign relations combined with Franae’s, this Kingdom could have been even more powerful.”
Marinette was silent.
“Of course now that can’t happen. You’re not a real Princess and have little to offer; but let’s hope you can be a passable Queen,” Lila continued indifferently.
“Franae is quite powerful even without Adrien having to throw away his happiness.” Marinette’s words were polite but held undertones of insult which enraged Lila even more.
“That’s the way politics works Marinette.” Lila mocked. “You can’t change it just because you want to. Another thing you would have known had you been of noble birth.”
“Life without change is dull and repetitive and power should always be given to those who don’t want it. They are less likely to abuse it.” Marinette’s eyes were cold but she held herself confidently. “I can offer Franae’s people more than anyone of high status can. I know them. I am one of them. Experience is the best teacher after all. I will change this kingdom along with my husband for the better.”
Lila almost growled in fury at Marinette’s blatant use of the word ‘husband’. Before she could reply however, Marinette plowed on adding insult to injury. “On our behalf, I invite you to our wedding next year. I hope you have a safe journey back Princess Lila.”
With a barely concealed growl of rage, Lila stalked out of the library. Marinette sighed as she closed her books. She wouldn’t be able to concentrate on her studies any more that day.
“Well done your Highness.”
The new voice startled the raven-haired girl who whirled around in surprise. Mme Mendeliev was standing by a bookshelf, a novel held in her hands. Marinette had no idea she had even been in the library.
“You handled the Princess of Italia like a true Queen. Bien joue.” With a rare smile accompanying the compliment, the dark haired tutor turned and briskly out of the library leaving Marinette with a euphoric feeling of accomplishment.
A year later, a letter of apology arrived on behalf of Princess Lila stating her apology at her nonattendance. Another noble arrived in her stead.
Marinette and Adrien continued with their respective training and occasionally visited the town to meet up with their friends. When Marinette’s frustrations reached breaking point, she often visited her family home; the familiarity enveloping her like a warm hug from her deceased parents. Soon enough the preparations for the wedding started. It started small but Marinette had greatly underestimated the planning for a Prince’s wedding.
The months flew by in quick succession after that. During Marinette’s 7th month at the Palace, she was given an emergency visit by Alya. At first Marinette was scared for her best friend, who, for a moment, had been unresponsive before the euphoric words tumbled from her lips :
“Nino proposed.”
That’s all it took for the girls to start screaming in excitement. Many happy tears were shed and ridiculous wedding plans were made.
“When would you like the wedding ?” Marinette finally asked once they had calmed down significantly.
“I don’t know. Nino and I didn’t really discuss anything. I’d like it to be soon though. The weather’s really nice and it's early spring but... I don’t want to take anything away from your wedding Mari or add stress.”
Marinette looked shocked at the notion. "Alya are you kidding me ? You would never do that. You’ve been here for me all these years; nothing you could do would hinder me in any way.”
The best friend’s hugged.
“Well I don’t know when we’ll have it,” Alya finally said, “but I want you to come fabric shopping with me. I want my dress to have your designer touch.”
The date for Nino and Alya’s wedding was set for right as the seasons changed from spring to summer. The young couple wanted a small wedding with only their closest friends and family from the village. The venue was to be a small park on the outskirts of town with a beautiful pavilion in the middle. It was surrounded by trees and a rose bramble climbed it’s wall. The plants around it were vibrant with an array of colors and the celebration consisted of music and food and the happy couple’s joyous antics.
Of course the month leading up to the wedding itself was quite frantic.
The day after Nino and Alya decided on a date, Marinette took Alya fabric shopping in the town. It was a matter of luck that a new shipment of fabric had come in; all bright colors with beautiful patterns.
The two girls spent a lovely morning feeling and weighing the pros and cons of all the materials offered. While lovely, the final fabric was hard to choose. Alya was on a mental budget while Marinette picked out any and every fabric that she knew would suit Alya’s skin tone and eyes.
“How about this one,” the black haired Princess asked, pulling out a light pink fabric. “I think the color is very nice, and it’s not too thick so as to be heavy and uncomfortable when the weather lets up more.”
Alya looked longingly at the fabric as she examined it. Finally she spoke. “It’s a very lovely bit of cloth Marinette, but I’m not sure my parents will be able to afford something like this.”
Marinette just giggled. “Who ever said anything about them paying ? There is no way I am making my best friend pay for a dress I’m making for her wedding.”
“Marinette, for the last time. We are not letting you do it for free !” Alya protested. This argument had been going on all week and neither side was willing to back down.
“I’m not !” Marinette replied; turning to examine contrasting fabrics with the material. “This doesn’t even begin to cover for all the years you looked after me.”
Her bluebell eyes were earnest as she gazed into Alya’s conflicted ones.
“Oh Mari,” the ombre haired girl sighed fondly, “what did I do to deserve the sweetest friend in the world ?”
“I ask myself the very same question,” was Marinette’s only reply.
Despite Marinette paying for and making the wedding dress, thus eliminating the need for a professional seamstress; the rest of the wedding was still quite costly. Nino made a reasonable income. He worked at the Palace and was at a position near the Prince after all; but that didn’t mean he was rich or that the costs of the wedding wouldn’t hurt his hard earned, carefully spent savings.
The brunette boy certainly didn’t mind paying. He loved Alya and he wanted them to be wed, but the daunting task of working within their budget while providing a fantastic celebration they would look back on and cherish certainly worried him.
It was thus, quite a surprise when he was delivered a document keeping track of his wedding expenses with half of the more expensive listings all payed off. It was just then, Adrien walked in; hoping to ask his best friend for a quick ride before dusk.
“Adrien !” the minstrel gasped, “What is this ? Don’t tell me you payed off half of all the wedding expenses !”
“Oh,” Adrien looked sheepish, “I hope you don’t mind. It was the least I could do. You’ve always been there for me.”
“I-I, But,” Nino was at a loss for words. “I know I was always complaining but you really didn’t have to do any of this,”
“Really, it’s no big deal. You’re my best friend.” Adrien stated factually.
“I-I could cry right now.” Nino really did look teary-eyed. “Would it be weird if I hugged you ?”
Adrien just laughed and put his arms around his brother in all but blood.
“You’re the reason I wasn’t so lonely as a kid and you introduced me to Marinette and Alya and life beyond these walls. I wouldn’t have been this happy or have met my future wife if it weren’t for you. Thank You.” At this point the blonde was choked up and even Nino’s eyes were wet.
“Well... you let me be your best friend and gave me a job and a home when I needed one. I’d say we’re pretty even.”
A week before Marinette’s training as a noble reached it’s end; Adrien took her back to her back to the Dupain-Cheng household for a date in the clearing behind the house.
The breeze was gentle and sweet; flowers in full bloom. Marinette’s eyes shone as she took in the vibrant scenery around her. Adrien couldn’t help but stare at her though he felt himself shaking with nerves; even though he already knew Marinette’s answer. They had been engaged for almost a year already. There wasn’t even the remotest chance she’d say no !
Unless of course, she felt obligated to marry him because he helped her escape the Bourgeois ? Maybe her feelings changed and now she just didn’t know how to let him down ?
Adrien pushed those thoughts away. ‘You’re being ridiculous,’ he chided himself.
The young couple had a lovely picnic and Adrien felt the ring in his pocket grow heavy as they finished. It had been his mother’s ring. One his father had given him to propose with.
“Marinette,” Adrien started gathering his courage and taking her hand in his own. The smile that acknowledged him was radiant and breathtaking. He felt his heart beat faster in his chest and he pulled her to her feet before continuing: “I know we’ve been courting for a year now. Our wedding is in a few months but... I realized I never actually asked you this myself.”
Marinette smiled and nodded as if she knew where this was going.
“Which is bad because... well I realized that even if we both know the answer. You deserve the best and to give you anything but the best would be shirking in my duties as your knight. No ?”
Marinette giggled. “So far this knight has not been shirking in any duties although he has come close.” Her teasing was not lost in him and it warmed his heart and infused him with confidence.
“I beg your forgiveness My Lady. Allow me to make it up to you.”
When Marinette nodded he knelt down on one knee.
“Marinette Dupain-Cheng, My Princess and My Lady, will you honor this humble prince to be your husband; to love and serve for every fiber of his being for the rest of his life ?”
Marinette felt her eyes almost tear up as she nodded frantically.
“Yes yes a thousand times yes ! Adrien Agreste, my prince and my silly knight, this simple maiden wishes nothing more than to always bring you the happiness you deserve as your wife, for the rest of our days together.”
With a joyful whoop of laughter, Adrien surged upwards and gave his love a hug; slipping his mother’s old ring on her finger. Then he picked her up in a surge of adrenaline. Marinette leaned her forehead against his as they smiled and held each other close.
Never had they both been so happy.
The day after Marinette’s training was officially over, a grand ball was thrown in honor of the young couple’s engagement and Marinette’s completion of studies. The nobles from Adrien’s 18th birthday ball and then some, arrived in lavish carriages ready to enjoy a month of celebration. They were to stay until the wedding and coronation.
The gala was a spectacular event with common folk and nobles mingling alike. The ballroom was decorated to the nth degree and the cooks had put their sweat, blood and tears into preparing the finest feast the castle had seen since Gabriel and Estelle’s wedding. They promised even better food for the wedding itself although no one knew how that could be possible.
Laughter graced the halls of the Palace and much music and dancing entertained the guests. Near the end of the ball, King Gabriel excused himself as he noticed his son and daughter in law missing. Locating them was easy. They were together in his wife’s old garden, gentle smiles across their faces as they simply held each other; both enjoying the silence and peace of the small garden.
“Adrien, Miss Marinette,” the King announced his presence.
“Father !”
“Sir !”
The two adults jumped from their seats on the swing.
“Sorry for running away father but-” Adrien began his excuse. He was silenced before he begun as his father held a hand up, the ghost of a smile gracing the King’s lips.
“I would recommend coming back to the party soon and making a formal exit before the night is over Adrien. Miss Marinette, I have asked you to call me Pere have I not ?”
“Yes si- Pere,” Marinette replied, still embarassed.
“I do not mean to disturb you both, but I have something to give you. It is only fitting we are here, the place where my wife loved the most. She would have been proud of what you have become Adrien, and she would have adored you as well Miss Marinette.”
The young couple smiled.
“However I have not come to waste your time with the things you already know.”
The King drew a small box out of his pocket. Taking a step forward he held it out to Marinette who took the box curiously.
The black haired beauty opened the clasp and she and Adrien peered in to see two pendants; resting against the soft velvet interior of the box. They were made of gold and engraved with butterflies. The crest of the Agreste family.
“These belonged to my wife and I. It is customary to hand down these pendants as a blessing to the engaged couple. On behalf of my wife and I, I hope you both have a long and prosperous marriage.”
Adrien looked up at his father, tears in his eyes and a watery smile on his lips. The graying King smiled back in kind.
“I am proud of what you have become Adrien. And I am sure Miss Marinette’s parents would feel the same. Long may you both reign.”
As the hype for the ball ended, the hype for the wedding begun. With summer fast approaching, the final wedding preparations were made. Nathalie was noticeably disheveled as she ran around, keeping everything in order as well as tended to some of the guests themselves. Many offered to help and while Nathalie was against it at first, Marinette readily allowed them part in finalizing preparations.
The younger Princesses that Marinette had met the year before were more than eager to offer assistance and Marinette herself was grateful to both Mirielle and Aurore for helping her relax when she was too stressed. The two Princesses had met, and had taken a liking to Alya at once and their days were spent finalizing the flower arrangement to Marinette’s specifications as they got to know each other better.
The largest ballroom in the Palace was being used as the venue. Lilies and tulips decorated the halls as did irises and golden-rods. The draperies were a beautiful sea green and tapestries of all manner and color were hung against the walls.
The day of the wedding dawned bright; the weather pleasant and cool. Marinette and Adrien had barely slept the night before and were eager to check up on last minute preparations until Alya and Nino stepped in. Promising to handle any remaining matters and double check everything, the married couple left the bride and groom to get ready for their big day.
Nathalie and Nino handled the guests while Alya double checked on preparations before getting ready herself, using a room adjacent to Marinette’s. By the time she made it back to Marinette, the poor girl was just as Alya had expected.
After seeing her best friend recheck her appearance in the mirror and fix her veil for the 10th time Alya stepped in.
“Girl, you look wonderful. You have nothing to worry about.”
“What if he realizes it’s a mistake Alya ?” the bride wailed. “What if he realizes he’d rather marry a Princess last minute ? What if I mess up my vows ? What if-”
She was cut off by Alya placing a hand to her mouth, a fond look in her eyes.
“You never change Marinette.”
“What’s that supposed to mean.”
“Look at you, freaking out over the most ridiculous things. Everything will be fine. You’re just getting pre-wedding jitters. I promise you no fires will start on the drapes, a bunch of bees won’t fly in and freak the out guests and Lila won’t march in with an army of Italian foxes to tear your dress to shreds.”
“I wasn’t thinking that,” Marinette mumbled sulkily.
“No. But I know how a bride feels on her wedding day and I know you don’t feel any less nervous than I did. We tend to make up the most ridiculous scenarios; you especially,” Alya said gently.
“You sound like my mom,” Marinette giggled. Her eyes turned sad as she wished for the nth time her parents could see her now.
“Your parents would want you to be happy. They’re watching you and they’d be proud of you for being so strong. I know I am,” Alya comforted. “They’re probably having the loudest party in heaven right now and scaring all the other people up there.”
Marinette giggled at the image. Her parents would.
“Now come on !” Alya grinned. “Chin up girl. It’s time to go.”
Adrien himself was pacing back and forth in his room, muttering under his breath and freaking out over the smallest of details. When Nino returned, Adrien jumped a foot in the air.
“She didn’t change her mind did she ?” was what came out of his mouth. Nino looked bewildered but then rolled his eyes.
“No you dolt. She loves you and you love her. There is no one else she’d rather marry.” The words were somewhat mocking and Adrien flinched sheepishly as he recalled saying the exact same words to Nino when the former minstrel, now groom herald had been freaking out during his own wedding. After their wedding, Nino had been promoted to Groom Herald; one of Adrien’s personal advisers and Alya had become Marinette’s Lady in Waiting.
Nino came and rested a hand on Adrien’s shoulder.
“Adrien, she won’t say no,” he said simply, eyes earnest.
“You sure.”
“100%. Although a fair warning, I’ve known Marinette since I was a kid. I won’t hesitate to hurt you if you ever hurt my little sister, alright ?” Nino said. “In the case that her or Alya don’t get to you first, of course.”
Adrien laughed.
“Don’t worry Nino. That’s a promise I will try my hardest not to break.”
“Good. Now come on before Nathalie kills me for bringing you late.”
The sunlight shined in from the open ballroom windows. A breeze drifted past and birds sang gaily as the doors opened and the wedding march began to play. Manon had been chosen as the flower girl and Nino escorted Alya down the aisle. Then the crowd stood as the bride entered, escorted by King Gabriel herself.
Marinette glided down the aisle, a bouquet of white tulips in her hands. Her gown was white with embossed gold. The turtle neck was embroidered with the symbols of the Agreste family. A sea-foam green sash wrapped around the waist; her veil-a light net that was edged with gold lace-fell from her hair that was done up in an elegant bun.
She was radiant as she reached Adrien; her smile threatening to break her cheeks. Adrien’s expression mirrored her as they quickly got lost in their own world, barely hearing the officiator speak.
When it came to the vows, they both had prepared their own. Heartrendingly beautiful and so honest that they brought tears to every eye in the audience.
“Marinette, you are one of the most amazing people I have ever met. You always worked so hard and asked for so little. You believed in the good of everyone, no matter how small. When I found a chance to give you a better life, a life you deserve, I took it without hesitation. I promise to give all that I am. My heart and body are at your service for as long as I live. I will support you at every turn so you will never feel alone ever again. You will always be my princess, my lady, and the better half of my heart. Even if death will push us apart, I will always love you, Marinette.”
“Adrien, since when we were younger, I’ve always loved the perfect kindness you freely showed to everyone, despite the loneliness you hid beneath. You are the ideal prince, elegant yet just slightly out of reach. That was true until I saw a different side of you. I realized that there was more for me to learn and love about you, young as we are. I promise that I will always be by your side, through all the happiness and hardships. I will devote all and every part of myself to you until we are old and grey. Through this new journey in life, you are my partner, my kitty, and my one true love. I love you forever, Adrien.”
Their vows were sealed with a kiss and the crowd cheered as their new Prince and Princess waved happily at their people. Nathalie wiped a lone tear and Alya didn’t even bother trying to hide hers as she hugged Nino in excitement. Rose was crying into a handkerchief, Juleka cheering next to her as Prince Ali tried to comfort her. Alix, Kim and Max were the loudest of all and Mylene and Ivan were dancing with joy. The reception was a grand affair where everyone made merry and laughed in joy.
Behind the rest of the merrymakers, stood a young woman in a beautiful red dress and a man in a green and black tux. They went unnoticed among the festivities for they stood to the side, drawing little attention to themselves.
The red haired woman wiped a tear that fell from her eye although her face displayed nothing but joy. The man next to her looked pleased as well.
“We did good with them bug. They’ll be happy.”
“They will,” replied the woman, leaning against the man. “And they certainly deserve it.”