Chapter Text
*CRACKLE!* *WHOOSH!* *SNAP!*
"Yar-har-har! Let's swashbuckle!" An older woman with blue eyes and glasses, and long, grey hair in a braid cackled. She was wearing royal clothing, but it'd been since ruined with the addition of pirate garb, including a pirate hat.
The look in her eyes was crazed as the fire burned around her. Out near the door to her room was a little boy and little girl, each with dark hair. The boy's hair was tipped in blue while the girl had hair tipped in purple.
"She's gone mad..." The girl murmured as the boy held her close.
"I know, Jule, I know..." He muttered.
The woman whirled around to the kids and said, "Let's set sail, me young pirates!"
"Mom, no!" The boy shouted. "You've lost your mind! This...!"
But the girl started coughing on the smoke, and he looked in shock.
He grabbed her arm and said, "Let's get out of here!"
The kids ran out of the woman's sight, but as she gave chase, another burning beam fell from above and blocked the door.
The children were running through the halls, trying to shut the windows to cut the oxygen coming in so they could put the fire out. They kept this up, but the fire kept getting bigger with all of the fabrics and woods that were in the hallways.
It took some time, including a lot of coughing from the smoke, but the two kids escaped the castle, and they made it a safe distance away in the woods.
They looked at the castle as the smoke started billowing out of the windows that hadn't been shut, but the building was beginning to burn from the inside out.
"Mom..." The girl began to cry.
The boy comforted her and said, "Don't worry, Jule... When the time comes, we'll come back and fix everything."
"Promise?" She asked him.
He smiled and said, "Promise... For now, let's go find somewhere safe to hide."
The two of them looked back at the castle once more before fleeing into the night.
Ten Years Later...
There was a town square that looked very dilapidated. Several buildings looked like they hadn't been maintained, including the doors and windows having boards around them. Several people were walking around with dirty, worn-out clothes, they looked like they weren't eating very much, and most people were looking pretty upset.
One of the few buildings that was still in decent condition was a small bakery. The building looked well-maintained both on the inside and the out, but inside the bakery, most of the cases were only filled part-way. Others looked very sparse, like they'd already sold some things, but it was slow.
Inside, the only two people working were a taller, burlier man with short brown hair, sideburns, a mustache, and green eyes with an apron and a hat was kneading a large ball of bread dough on the counter.
Next to him, his wife, a shorter woman with short, black hair, grey eyes, and wearing a cream dress and shoes was mixing batter in a large bowl wiht a wooden spoon.
"Sabine, how is that cake batter coming?" The man asked.
"Almost ready for the oven, Tom." She told him as she put the cake batter in a pan.
Sabine and Tom were busier than bees working in the kitchen, granted with their production lower than average, it didn't feel that way to them.
"Tom, I'm worried..." Sabine said as she shut the oven.
Tom looked at his wife in concern and said, "I know..."
Husband and wife hugged each other in worry.
"Dad, Maman!" A girl about sixteen years of age said as she came running down the stairs.
She held a strong resemblance to Sabine, with dark hair in pigtails, blue eyes framed by feathery lashes, and and fair skin. She had a large box in hand, which was overflowing with what looked to be clothes.
"Morning, Marinette. Out to do your donation run again?" Sabine asked.
"Sure am," Marinette confirmed, but her face fell. "This may be my last one for a while. I'm running out of fabrics."
"And we're short on money to get them," Tom added. "If things don't turn around..."
"Yeah, that's what I'm worried about." Marinette confessed.
"Just do what you can," Sabine told her. "That's all you can do."
Marinette smiled and nodded before bounding out the door.
Tom and Sabine smiled at their daughter before smiling at each other.
"Such a sweet girl," Tom said. "We have to get more income so she can continue to be the artist she is."
"If only she'd start selling her dresses instead..." Sabine commented.
"You know the economic state, Sabine," Tom told her. "No one's got enough money after taxes for dresses."
"Speaking of taxes, they're just too high for anyone, never mind us," Sabine added. "Only the upper class can afford these rates."
"And even that's a close shave, too." Tom stated.
As Marinette kept walking down the road to go somewhere to drop off the dresses...
On the outskirts of the town square, there was a big, tall, palatial castle with a coat of arms on the gates. Compared to the backdrop of the destitute village square, the castle stuck out like a sore thumb.
Inside the castle, the opulence on the exterior continued and amplified inside. In the dining room, the huge, long table was filled with so many luxurious foods, including roast pheasant with vegetables, accompanied by an earthy herb and tart cranberry stuffing. There were fresh, yeasty breads and salty, creamy butter on the side, and a medley of side dishes and wines to go with the food.
At the head of the table was a young man about Marinette's age with slicked-back blonde hair, green eyes, and he was wearing a sophisticated silver jacket and matching, fluffy necktie. He was eating his pheasant and stuffing while a musician playing a violin was standing behind him. Next to the youth was a woman to whom he held an uncanny resemblance. She was wearing haute couture that only someone of the upper class could afford, in black.
"Félix, I was thinking that with the money we've gotten from the taxes, we could hold a ball!" Amélie, the queen, said. "We could invite all the noble ladies in and get you set up with one of them."
"I think that sounds like a great idea, mom," Félix said as he ate more pheasant. "Running a nation is hard work. I could use a breather."
"I could, too." Amélie agreed.
"Yes, the most extravagant and elegant party that money can buy," Félix stated. "A ball with every eligible woman in the land and soon, my position as future king will be secure."
"I'll start making the arrangements for the party for the evening after tomorrow." Amélie said as she turned to the butler and gave him a smile and nod.
Outside near the orphanage, Marinette had arrived and she set the box of clothes down.
"Hello? Mme. Bustier?" Marinette called.
"Ah, Marinette, hello again." A woman greeted as she came out. She was wearing simple commoners' clothing in mint green and white, had green eyes and red hair, and a sweet smile.
"Nice day today, isn't it?" Marinette said as she started rummaging through the clothes.
"It is, Marinette," Mme. Bustier said, but her smile looked a bit sad. "...Is what I wish I could say."
"Let me guess: the taxes?" Marinette began as she took out a fancy, purple dress.
"Yes," She began. "Because of the taxes, more and more kids are being dumped off here. But it's killing me inside to see so many families be broken up like this. Not only that, but chances are that the orphanage will be closed down for good if things continue."
"No way!" Marinette shouted in protest. "How can that prince be so selfish and oblivious?! He's taxing everyone into nonexistence just to fund his own costly lifestyle! His job is to lead our nation to greater things, not suck the life and joy out of us to the point of collapse!"
"I know," Caline spoke. "But for now, let's look on the bright side and get these clothes to the children."
"Okay!" Marinette said as Caline turned around and clapped her hands.
"Kids! Marinette's here!" Caline called.
Lots of younger children, boys and girls alike, all wearing tattered, brown clothing ran out to greet Marinette. Each boy and girl took out one dress or suit from the box, and they were all squealing in delight at all the colors, the designs, everything.
"Marinette, you've outdone yourself!" Calling said, clapping in delight. "The kids love your weekly visits with your clothes!"
"Thanks, but it may be a long time before I have the funds to do this again... Mom and dad are just barely getting by right now." Marinette admitted.
Caline looked at her in worry as Marinette wistfully looked at the kids. Seeing them so happy made her feel better, but at the same time, it was killing her that she wouldn't be able to do it for much longer.
"Thank you, Marinette!" One little girl said as she ran up to the girl and hugged her.
"Oh, you're welcome!" Marinette giggled.
"Thank you!" The other kids squealed as they also ran up to hug Marinette.
Marinette smiled and giggled.
Once everyone got their clothes and went inside, Marinette sighed before turning around and walking away.
As she continued walking home, she kept looking at the state of her hometown. Her face kept falling as saw how many buildings were boarded up, how many families moved away to other kingdoms for work, and how the royal family was so uncaring towards their plight.
"Hey, girl!" Someone shouted.
Marinette turned around to see Alya, a young woman with tan skin, hazel eyes, and dark red, wavy hair. She was also wearing glasses.
"Hey, Alya." Marinette greeted sadly.
"What's wrong, girl?" Alya asked as the two of them kept walking down the roads.
"What isn't wrong is the real question," Marinette confessed. She crossed her arms. "I finished my donation, but I'm running out of the funds I need to keep doing this. Not only that, but Mme. Bustier is saying that things at the orphanage aren't looking good. She may have to shut the place down..."
"What?!" Alya shouted. "And render all those poor kids homeless?!"
"It's not her fault." Marinette justified.
"I know girl, but still... That damned family my parents call employers!" Alya griped.
"Alya!" Marinette gasped.
"What? It's not like anyone else is listening," Alya stated. "Besides, those two never go out of their castle, so they don't know how bad things are! Not that they'd care otherwise."
"Alya..." Marinette murmured.
"The only reason my family and I are sitting pretty is because my mom's the castle chef and my dad takes care of the menagerie." Alya stated.
"And my parents are barely making ends' meet with nobles' orders," Marinette murmured. "It's so hard on them."
"Girl, why don't you try and get a job as a seamstress at the castle?" Alya asked. "The extra income can help your parents."
"It's an idea, but honestly, I don't want to put up with the Graham de Vanily family..." Marinette said, shuddering. "If only there was someone brave enough to stand up to the prince..."
"I know," Alya agreed. "Like Viperion and his Merry Friends!"
"Who?" Marinette asked.
"Viperion! He's a snake-themed bandit who robs the rich in oppressed kingdoms to feed the suffering townsfolk!" Alya said as she came off like a huge superhero fan.
"Really? He just goes around stealing from nobles and giving the money to people so they can eat?" Marinette questioned.
"It's not just him! He's got a whole crew of animal-themed bandits that work together to help people! Honestly, we need someone like that here." Alya agreed.
"No one around here has the balls or the fighting skills to take on the guards," Marinette told Alya. "...I've been hearing rumors that some of the other citizens are planning an uprising..."
Alya shuddered and sucked in her breath in fear. She shook her head.
"Speaking of rumors, I overheard my mom talking about a huge party that the royal family is holding in two evenings." Alya began.
"What? They're holding a party? Why the hell...?!" Marinette asked, annoyed.
"Rumor has it that they're mingling for fun and to get the prince a bride." Alya explained.
Marinette face-palmed. She and Alya made it to the formers' home, and Marinette said, "Well, party or not, it's got nothing to do with either of us."
Alya gave Marinette a nod. The two of them parted ways for the time being.
When Marinette got inside the bakery, she said, "Mom, dad, I'm home from my run!"
"Welcome home, honey." Sabine said from behind the counter... but she sounded distracted and rushed.
"What's going on?" Marinette asked as she came into the bakery. She saw that there were sacks of flour, sugar, and more all over the place.
"Oh Marinette," Tom said as he was running around with bowls in his hands. "We have a rush order! A big one!"
"A big rush order?!" Marinette asked, delighted. "That's great!"
"Yes! Queen Amélie wants us to cater this ball she and the prince are holding in two days!" Sabine elaborated.
"Oh, you're kidding..." Marinette muttered. "Alya heard rumors about that... So it's true."
"Yes," Tom confirmed. "We may not like the royal family, but they're paying us a handsome amount of money. We need this!"
Marinette nodded her head in reluctant agreement. She sighed before going up to her bedroom.
She laid down on her bed, and with her hands behind her head, she looked up and wondered...
How long until she and her parents would be on the streets? Or have to move to a new kingdom for their work? Or even both?
Her stomach churned at the idea of leaving her best friend behind. But Alya wasn't off-target with her suggestion of Marinette taking up a job at the castle as a seamstress, either.
Marinette pulled a grimace, then sat up. She looked at her one mannequin, and saw one of the dresses she'd recently finished. It was a pink one with a floor-length, tiered skirt with an opulent design, including wrist-length melon sleeves that had striping on it, etc.
Marinette intended on keeping that dress for herself for a party, festival, or any celebration that may come along. But with the economic situation as it was, it wasn't likely to be used for anything else.
Marinette stood up, walked over to the dress on her mannequin, and she picked it up. She sighed and said to herself, "It wouldn't hurt to try..."
The next morning, Marinette went down the stairs to talk to her parents about the idea.
"A seamstress job at the castle?" Sabine asked.
"Alya suggested it," Marinette told her. "Wouldn't it help? The extra money I earn will go back into the bakery and that'll help you keep this place going."
"Marinette, that's very sweet of you. Honestly, we've been thinking that you should start getting paid for your dress-making. Go for it!" Tom encouraged.
"Thanks!" Marinette said as she picked up the dress and started to leave. "I'll let you know how it goes."
Marinette left out the bakery and started jogging up to the castle.
The town didn't look any different from the day before, but Marinette didn't have time to focus on that at the moment. But because she wasn't watching where she was going...
*SLAM!*
"Ack!" Marinette shouted as she stumbled, her dress flying.
"I'm so sorry!" The other person said as the two of them stumbled and tried to regain their footing.
Marinette had no such luck. She landed on her tush and began rubbing it.
"Are you okay?" The same gentle voice said as he held his hand out. Marinette took the outreached hand and allowed him to help her stand.
"Yes, I'm okay..." Marinette said as she looked up at him.
She saw that he was a youth about a year or two older than her. He had a smile on his face, which held two blue eyes that were matching his blue-tipped black hair, and was wearing semi-nicer clothes that looked fairly new, with a black cloak and hood. He had a guitar on his back. He was also holding onto the dress.
"That's good," He said. "I didn't mean to slam into you."
"It's fine," Marinette said as she took the dress back from him. "Thanks for catching my dress."
"You're welcome," He said to her. "I didn't see the whole thing, but it's beautiful."
"Thank you," Marinette thanked, her face red. "I made it."
"You did? That's amazing!" He said, his smile growing.
Marinette once again blushed, but she shook her head before saying, "Oh, thanks for helping me, but I don't have time to chat! I need to make my way to the castle!"
"The castle?" He asked.
"Yeah, I plan on going to apply for a seamstress job there to help my family make more money!" Marinette said before running past him. She turned her head around, shouting, "Thanks again! Stop by the Dupain-Cheng bakery! That's my parents' place!"
He watched as the girl ran out of sight. He chuckled a little bit before putting his hood back up, turning the corner and walking down the road again.
When Marinette got to the castle...
"So, you're hoping to get work here as a seamstress?" An older woman, wearing mostly black, with her black hair with a red streak in it in a bun. She was looking at Marinette with a cold expression.
"Yes, ma'am," Marinette said as she presented the dress to the woman. "I think I can offer my services and provide very well."
The older woman examined the pieces with a critical eye, but her lips turned up the slightest amount before her face fell, once again a professional look.
"I apologize, young lady, but while your dressmaking is some of the best I've ever seen in a long time, we have enough seamstresses here." She told Marinette.
Marinette's face fell and she said, "Understood..."
Marinette left the castle, dejected. She began walking down the street, looking at her rejected piece, and she sighed in dismay.
"This was supposed to be my chance to help my parents." Marinette murmured.
Up ahead, she heard a brouhaha going down, and she looked up. She gasped when she saw the scene.
One of the tax-colletor carriages had stopped when it looked like they'd run someone over. She couldn't tell who'd gotten hit since the person was under a cloak. The crowd that'd gathered up were shouting, some in outrage at the tax collectors being so cruel as to run an innocent person over, some hollering for justice and wanting their money back, and others were screaming in fear and worry for the innocent pedestrian.
Some of the tax collectors were holding onto bags of gold, but had been so shocked about the idea of someone being run over that they were paralyzed and staring at the woman.
They jumped off the carriage to help the person and get her help.
Marinette saw someone in the back of the carriage that didn't look like a guard. He had a tuft of red hair, a mask, and looked like a money of some sort. He hooked one of the bags onto his staff, and threw it out of the carriage like a catapult. The bag soared in the air, showering the people with its contents before landing in the crowd.
Everyone began scrambling to pick up what they couldn't catch, and it caused a commotion. Some of the guards jumped in to stop the scuffle, people were shoving, shouting, and more.
Marinette was paralyzed and she couldn't move and/or think.
"Marinette!" Alya shouted as she dashed over. She had some of the coins in her hands, too.
"Alya, what's going on?!" Marinette asked.
"I don't know, but I like it!" Alya laughed as she looked at the money she'd gathered. But she saw something out of her peripheral and gasped in awe and delight. "Marinette, look!"
Marinette looked where Alya was pointing to see more people sneaking onto the carriage. Three of them - one of them was a dark-skinned, short man in a brown suit with pale blonde dreadlocks in a ponytail and glasses. There was one man in a green suit with a big shield on his back and his head had a hood.
The last one was taller with teal green hair, a mask that resembled a snake's face and mouth, and his suit was dark cyan with teal green underbelly and a snakeskin texture. For some reason, Marinette's eyes were stuck on him.
"That's him, Marinette! Viperion and his crew!" Alya all but squealed.
Marinette watched in awe as he directed his group in a calm, composed manner with a smile on his face as they grabbed the guards and threw them into the crowd of angry villagers. Viperion briefly looked in the girls' direction before flashing a smile at his work.
"Carapace, the horses!" Viperion ordered his turtle friend as the two reptilian men grabbed the reigns, cracked them, and started getting them to move.
They turned the carriage around, being sure not to hit anyone, and the horses started running away. Every few seconds, a coin sack was thrown out of the carriage and onto the streets for the villagers to take.
"Wow, this is getting out of hand..." Marinette began as she looked on.
"Hey, where'd that person go?! The one that got hit?!" Alya asked as she and Marinette were looking around.
"They're gone!" Marinette stated in fright. "I hope they're okay!"
"Never mind that!" Alya said as she took Marinette's hands. "Let's go and get some coins for your parents before it's gone!"
Alya dragged Marinette into the brawl, being sure not to get hurt.
"What?! Robbed?!" Queen Amélie asked in rage as the guards reported the incident.
"Yes, Your Majesty," The head guard reported. They were all kneeling on the floor in front of the queen and prince. "Some bandits with animal-themed costumes caused a scene, all the money had been lost to the peasants."
"I don't believe this!" Amélie ranted. "You let a band of costumed nutcases take all that money?!"
Félix looked as bored as always, but he was listening intently.
"If I may, Your Majesty, it didn't seem like these thieves were amateurs," The lead guard spoke. "I think I heard the name of their leader... Vip... Viper... Something along those lines."
"I think his name was Viperion, sir." One of the other guards said.
"Yes, that's it! Viperion!" The head guard said. "I think he's that famed bandit leader!"
"Viperion and his friends..." Félix began. "Well, this is distressing."
"Indeed. All that gold! All that money! Where is it going to go...?" Amélie fretted.
"I promise, Your Majesties, we will apprehend these thieves and bring them to justice." The lead guard said.
"Please do!" Amélie pleaded. "Otherwise it will be your heads."
The guards tensed up at that threat.
"We'll go out and apprehend them right now!" The guards stated in finality before running out of the throne room.
"Don't worry, mom," Félix said. "Let's let the guards worry about one measly snake. We have more important things to worry about: a ball to hold tonight."
"Yes, you're right," Amélie said to her son. "Come along, we should check on the Césaires and their cooking for the party tonight."
When the girls got back to Marinette's home with the money they'd collected...
"Check it out," Marinette said as she pointed out not one, but two bags of money from the tax cart was at her parents' doorstep. "More!"
"Well, what's stopping you?! Take it and bring it inside!" Alya said as she ran over and picked up one of the sacks.
Marinette smiled and grabbed the other one before going inside.
"I can't believe Viperion and his Merry Friends are here in Paris!" Alya squealed. "This is unreal! Things are going to get so much better now!"
"Really?" Marinette asked, a bit skeptical as the two of them put the money down on the table.
"Yeah! Think about it! This is a sign of better things! No more tax hikes, no more starving citizens, the bakery will go back to earning more money and then you can get back to making your dresses!" Alya pointed out.
"That's true," Marinette said as the thought of her dressmaking came back to her. "Especially since getting a seamstress job at the castle fell through."
"What?!" Alya asked, disappointed and shocked. "Why?!"
"The woman told me they had enough seamstresses there." Marinette admitted.
"Really?! That sucks!" Alya griped. "Honestly, they're missing out on you!"
"I know," Marinette said with a sad sigh. "But at least I don't have to worry about the royal family as my employers."
"Fair enough," Alya agreed with a laugh. "Speaking of which, my parents are probably going to be wondering where I am. They may need me for the party tonight."
"Mine, too," Marinette said. "It's a huge party, and my parents are probably going to need me to help cater the desserts."
"In that case, I'd better go," Alya said as she stood up. "Maybe I'll see you there?"
"Maybe," Marinette said. "It'll make dealing with the Graham de Vanilys more bearable."
The girls laughed before parting ways for the evening.
At the castle later on, Marinette was helping her parents pass out the desserts and breads to all the minor and major nobility in the room. She was wearing a fancier dress herself, one she made using paler pink fabric she'd saved for herself. But her clothing was still modest compared to the sheer extravagance of the
As she watched all the women, she noticed that even their clothes were modest by nobles' standards (fewer jewelry pieces, the fabrics weren't top-drawer, but still pretty pricey).
'The taxes must be so bad that even nobility can't maintain their opulent lifestyles...' Marinette thought as she handed out a macaron to one of the women.
She looked over the spread of goods her parents made. Macarons mostly, but it wasn't like they could afford to do much else, even with the obscene amount of money the Graham de Vanily family paid them.
In the center of the ballroom was Prince Félix, still perpetually scowling, and yet surrounded by women.
Marinette rolled her eyes before going back to passing out the goods.
The waltz began to play, and Marinette sighed. Félix was going around to all the noble ladies, still scowling as usual. Marinette watched as he approached a girl with blonde hair in a ponytail and wearing a bright yellow dress with diamonds everywhere.
'Ugh, that dress must cost a fortune...' Marinette thought as she looked away.
"Chloé." Félix greeted coldly.
"Félix." Chloé greeted back, also not amused to see him.
"So, shall we dance?" Félix said as he held his hand out.
"Ugh, no! The idea of dancing with you is ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous! Do you have any idea how many fewer diamonds I have on my dress, no thanks to you and your mom's taxing?" Chloé sniped before flipping her hair and sashaying away.
"Still as annoying as ever." Félix stated with a scoff.
Marinette sighed, relieved. Marinette kept her eye on the prize (or more accurately, eyes on the desserts) and kept passing out the food.
"Marinette, why not go on the floor and look at some of the dresses the other girls are wearing, as inspiration?" Sabine suggested. "We can handle things here."
"Okay, mom." Marinette said as she left the table.
She looked around at everything, meandering around and minding her own business while trying to steer clear from Chloé or any other snooty noble girl that'd mocked her while in the bakery. Speaking of which, Félix once again asked a woman for a dance, only for her to walk away, rejecting him.
"Hey, have you heard?" "Yeah, I hear Viperion and his band of thieves are in the realm." "That's not good." "How so?" "My family's diamonds are liable to get taken!"
'On the subject of diamonds...' Marinette thought.
She looked at all the gemstones and luxurious fabrics that the ladies decorated themselves with, she sighed and wondered: how many of the jewels that Viperion's team nabbed were given to people who needed them? Did a good amount get to Mme. Bustier at the orphanage?
But for some reason, blue eyes jumped into her mind for a split-second. She remembered that young man from earlier, but she was in such a rush that she didn't get his name.
'Oh yeah, that young man from this morning... I don't think he came by the bakery after all... And I didn't even ask him what his name is...' She thought.
Her thoughts were cut off when she bumped into someone.
Marinette looked up and she paled when she saw the prince, staring down at her.
She backed away, saying, "I apologize."
He looked her over, almost examining her, like he'd seen a unicorn.
"...Is there a problem?" Marinette asked.
Félix merely took her hand and he said, "Dance with me."
"Say what?!" Marinette said as he dragged her to the dance floor and brought her into a waltz position.
"Hey, I didn't say I would dance with you." Marinette said as the music went on and they started dancing.
"I don't care." Félix spat.
Marinette groaned and tried to get away, but she was stuck. So, she decided to neither look him in the eyes, nor talk to him.
As the two of them waltz, everyone watched with curiosity and discomfort at the same time.
"I don't think I've ever seen you around here before," Félix commented. "You have a name?"
"Marinette Dupain-Cheng." Marinette replied, still refusing to look at him.
"The bakers' daughter?" Félix questioned.
"Yes." Marinette told him in a biting tone.
"Well, your parents certainly do decent work," Félix said, his scowl present. "My compliments."
"...Thank you." Marinette said, her stomach about to churn.
As they did an underarm turn, neither of them were looking each other in the eyes, both unhappy with the turn of events. However, out of his peripheral, Félix noticed how Marinette's dress twirled around on the floor.
"Where exactly did you get that dress? It's pretty good." Félix commented.
"I made it." Marinette stated simply.
"Really now?" He said, a smile coming onto his face. "I don't think the castle dressmakers could do anything like your work. I heard that a woman came by to ask to work as one. That was you?"
"Indeed." Marinette murmured.
"Pity you didn't make the cut." Félix snickered cruelly.
"Well, I wouldn't have had to come and ask to work as a dressmaker if you weren't taxing everyone to starvation!" Marinette snapped at him as she whirled her head around to look him in the eyes, her voice loud enough to cut through the music.
Everyone went dead silent at this outburst, the music stopped, and everyone was staring at the scene in shock. The quiet was so bad that someone could hear a pin drop.
Sabine covered her mouth in shock while Tom held his wife by the shoulders.
"Excuse me?" Félix asked darkly.
"Do you have any idea what you're doing to everyone?!" Marinette asked, poking him in the chest without fear of the consequences. Félix looked at her in surprise, not used to being chewed out.
Everyone was murmuring about how Marinette was likely to be hanged, but they were also curious about what she was saying.
"People are ending up on the streets or moving to find work, small businesses are shutting down and that's ruining the economy! My parents are just getting by thanks to nobles' orders, but that's not enough!" Marinette stated. Her blue eyes had hot, angry tears as she continued to chew him out.
"Not only that, but families are being separated because parents can't afford to feed their kids, so they wind up giving up their babies to the orphanage! And at the rate things are going, those poor kids are going to wind up homeless because Mme. Bustier can't afford the upkeep due to - guess what? - YOUR TAXING!" Marinette scolded.
Félix looked at her with what seemed to be an angry expression.
Marinette realized exactly how far she went, and she looked around at everyone, realizing that they were staring. She took a deep breath and she said, "People are suffering. I can't stand the sight of it."
She broke out of the waltz and walked away. Inside, she was panicking that she'd just ruined things for her parents' business, but as she looked at them out of her peripheral, they saw the proud, loving smiles they had. She saw Alya was giving her a thumb's up, too. Marinette left the ballroom to head home, not feeling safe in there anymore.
Once she made it a safe distance away from the castle, she sighed, feeling at ease. She turned around and looked at the castle, contempt in her eyes.
She wasn't aware that she was being watched from the shadows...