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The night had grown dark by the time dinner finished and the group made their way to an adjacent ballroom. This ballroom had the benefit of opening up on one side into the castle gardens, which was appreciated by Marinette for the fresh air it allowed into the filled room. Music filled the air as people grouped off into semi private conversations. Dinner had been separated by households for this evening and hadn’t allowed much in the way of political or social conversations.
Marinette stood with her brother by their fathers shoulder for a while before the king was drawn away into conversation and the twins were left on their own. Or as alone as the two heirs could be with their constant entourage. This would usually be when the twins would make their semi predictable escape from the festivities. But tonight they were both interested in socializing more than they would usually be.
Damian had his eyes fixed to the shadows across the room. If Marinette had to guess that would be where Princess Raven was hiding herself. Her brother seemed to have developed a fondness for the foreign noble.
“You should ask her to dance.” Marinette commented to him out of the corner of her mouth. Making sure that her lips moved very little to prevent others from understanding her words.
“I don’t know what you could be talking about.” Damian deflected primly.
Marinette scoffed. “Right. Not like you’ve been watching her highness since the last course was taken away.” She nudged his arm lightly. “She seems shy. If not a dance perhaps offer her a tour around the gardens. Though it is my belief that most girls desire at least a dance from the one they fancy.”
“Oh, and who do you fancy?” Her brother drawled. By this point several of their attendants have drifted away after seeing that they wouldn't need to cover for the twins spontaneous disappearance.
She smiles charmingly. “Unlike you brother I am not afraid to speak of my feelings.” Her teasing continues. “I find Prince Adrien quite charming, and he is certainly agreeable to at least getting to know each other.”
“He is timid.” Damian argued.
“No more than your princess. And you know as well as any that a shy demeanor is not an indicator for a lack of strength.” Marinette scolded him for his tone. “I have a good feeling about this Summit for both of us. We are of age and if we do not take initiative it will be taken for us. Richard is already matched and you know as well as I that Jason and Tim will solidify our alliances with the Queens and the Kryptonians. It is prudent to remember that our own futures might not fit so conveniently.”
Damian sighed. “Must you be so.” He paused.
“Insightful, positive.” Marinette finished for him.
“Logically optimistic.” Damian corrected. “We might not be able to manipulate our own match in such a way sister.”
“No. But with father there is at least a chance. Especially if the matches are agreeable to both parties.” She replied. “And as it so happens my chosen suitor is headed over as we speak. You should take the opportunity to branch out a bit. I’m sure Princess Raven would appreciate the company.” Marinette spoke only loudly enough for her twin to hear as Prince Adrien approached.
“Your Highness.” The Prince began with a polite bow. “Could I trouble you with a dance this evening?” Adrien looked nervous and Marinette realized it was probably the first time he had ever asked someone to dance outside of his own court, if at all.
“I would be honored, Prince Adrien.” Marinette accepted placing her hand into the one he held out. “If you will excuse me brother.” She postured as Adrien led her onto the dance floor.
Marinette was giddy as she waited for the tones of the next song to begin. Though she didn't usually accept offers to dance from strangers she was fond of dancing with her brothers and father, and on the odd occasion some of their more friendly allies. Jon was an atrocious dancer until Marinette and her brother got a hold of him. It was with that fondness in mind that she designed a vast majority of her formal dresses to look spectacular on the dance floor, despite their hidden attributes.
As the musicians began Marinette could tell right away that Adrien was a well trained dancer, if a bit stiff. He moved with precision and grace, but the tension in his body spoke of fearing a misstep. With the placement of Marinette's hand on his shoulder and the other in his hand Marinette could literally feel his nerves.
She squeezed his hand lightly with her own drawing his gaze to hers. “You seem tense my Prince.” She began quietly. The address was perhaps a bit premature, but it was less scandalizing than addressing him by his given name in the center of the dance floor.
Adrien smiled nervously. “It is just that I have danced very little since my Mother.” He stopped.
Marinette nodded and let the emotional sentence fade to the background. It was not her place to confront his demons, nor was it the time. “Your steps are some of the cleanest I've seen and your technique is flawless. All you need to do now is let yourself relax into the music.”
She could feel some of his muscles loosen at her words. “I take it you like to dance?” He queried.
“Only with those I have a certain amount of comfort with.” She answered cryptically.
Adrien looked at her in surprise. “Bold statement My Lady.”
Marinette smiled, or really smirked charmingly. “You asked me to dance in the face of my brother's death glare. The least I could do is give you a rope so you don't drown.” Her teasing was quiet.
Adrien's answering laughter was not. Several heads turned their way in the room, but all they saw was a young pair traversing the dance floor as if they had been paired for ages and laughing in conversation. For some watching that was plenty.
They danced through the first song and into the second, third and so on. As Adrien grew more comfortable their steps grew more complex. Marinette's skirts flared out and their layers of gold and black caught the light of the room splendidly as the two danced. Adrien's own black and silver ensemble gave off it's own glint in the light, and Marinette was sure that with the light most likely fracturing off of his silver circlet and her gold tiara they made a striking image.
After several songs the pair was joined by a new pair. Damian had apparently found the courage to ask Princess Raven for a dance. The Princess had hidden her shyness spectacularly in the face of so many eyes watching as Damian led her out onto the dance floor. Her dress was not made for dancing but she followed Damians lead with skill and let her dark navy skirts tangle around her legs without tripping her. The black metal that created most of her adornments barely produced a sheen in the candle light and contrasted greatly with Damians subtle gold accents.
It was as such that the twins of Gotham took to the dance floor in a way they never had before. Each part of a pair but still in sync with each other as they spun through the same steps with their partners. The floor cleared as people watched them dance.
Marinette could see the challenge of it lighting Adriens eyes as he and Damian practically fought to decide where the dance would go next. Some sections were different, others perfectly in step, but it looked astounding. After one song finished another two couples joined the floor.
Jon’el was leading Chloe onto the floor with his hand gently grasping hers. His light blue attire and the heiresses pail yellow and black made them appear like a warm summer day.
Alya was almost dragging a man who Marinette assumed was Nino based on Adriens quiet laugh. Her orange skirts tangled around her ankles as she manhandled her partner into position by his dark green tunic. Marinette fought off her own laugh at her friends less than appropriate conduct. She could never get away with something like that.
More surprisingly was the regal pair of Duke Felix escorting a stoic Kagami onto the floor. Somehow the Duke's subtle charcoal attire fit splendidly next to the brilliant red of Kagami’s traditional dress. The seamstress in her was impressed with the image they made.
Marinette belatedly realized that the other young nobles were subverting the spectacle she and her twins had just caused with their partners with a spectacle of their own.
“It seems we have drawn quite a bit of attention Princess.” Adrien began.
“And our friends are expressing their concern.” Marinette smiled. “How lovely.”
Adrien laughed as he led her into a more fast paced dance to match the next song. The other couples began the same dance as they twirled around the room. Marinette loved this particular dance for it's playful nature, though she was generally uncomfortable participating herself due to the simple nature of the dance. It involved switching partners.
As the dance hit the first swap Marinette readyed herself for the spin. She was gracefully caught out of her spin by none other than Duke Felix, and after a glance saw that Adrien had Swapped for Chloe and laughed brightly.
Felix for all his similarities to Adrien was very different from his cousin. “You and my cousin seem to be close.” He commented coolly.
Marinette smiled with steel in her eyes. “Your Grace, I appreciate the concern but my interest is genuine as I hope the Princes is.” Her childhood had taught her this game well.
Felix nodded. “And an agreeable match out of mutual interest is more desirable than one without.” He seems placated slightly. “My cousin is, bright.” Felix said after a pause. “I hope that he does not dim.” No steps are missed in the dance and they approach another switch.
Marinette frowned. “I do not wish for that either. My own past is dark enough for me.” A risk to open up, but a calculated one as Felix tips his head in understanding before passing her off to the next dancer.
This time she is dancing with Nino, who is far more nervous than Marinette anticipated.
“Heya dudette, I mean your Highness. My apologies.” The man says turning bright red.
Marinette fights the urge to sigh. “At ease Nino.” Marinette soothes. “I have heard much about you from Alya in the last day.”
If possible the manservant turns more red. “Oh, really? Alyas really cool.” Nino starts before continuing to ramble about Marinette's friend and how cool she is until the next swap.
Unsurprisingly Nino’s rather uncoordinated exchange is followed by the firm and familiar grasp of her brother as he catches Marinette out of the spin.
“That boy needs dance lessons.” Damian begins.
“Well hello to you too brother.” Marinette scoffs.
“Apologies dear sister. How is your dance going?” He tries.
Marinette lightly raises a brow. “As well as yours, but we can talk about such later.” Marinette does not wish to air certain things in the midst of a busy ballroom music or no. “I’m sure father will have words for us as well.”
“True.” Damian conceded. “At least your idea seems to have some merit to it.”
“Does that mean you're having fun?” Marinette asked. Hopefully her twin's interest in Princess Raven could actually go somewhere.
“Yes, although Raven had some concerning words to say that I wish to share later with you.” Damian said quietly.
Marinette frowned but nodded. If Damian was worried it was for a reason. Not to mention it meant he had a good feeling about Raven himself. And Damian was not usually one ruled by instinct alone. “Very well brother. We shall talk later.” She concludes before being skillfully twirled into the arms of a waiting Jon.
“Princess Mari.” Jon greets.
“Prince Jon’el.” Marinette returns. Relishing the wince as she draws out the last syllable of her brother's friend's name in an annoying tone. “I saw you with Milady Bourgeois. Are you not afraid of being eaten alive?”
Jon sighed. “She practically ordered me to take her out onto the dance floor. Specifically to draw attention from the display you and Damian had created. So I guess I owe the two of you for that.”
Marinette shrugged. “Honestly it was a happy side effect. Though if people talk as if we already are matched it should ward off the annoying suitors. Glad that my schemes could be of use to you though.” Chloe had been giving Jon the run around for almost a year. Marinette simply thought that Chloe enjoyed the game too much to put an end to it.
“Even so it's more progress than I’ve made in a month.” Jon groused.
“Apologies friend, but do not fret too much. Some things simply take time and a little bit of effort.” Marinette smiled. “Perhaps being consistently in the palace will give you more opportunities.” She hinted.
“Your right. Thanks Mari.” Jon said cheerfully.
Moments later the dance was led into the final step as the ladies twirled back to the partners they started with and stepped to the outside of the circle still with one hand holding onto their partners.
The entire group did a slow walk around their circle in time with the music before all the men moved their hand to their partner's waist. When the music shifted again the women were lifted and twirled as their hands rested one over their partner's shoulder and one on the hand sitting at their waist. Each of the ladies were set down before the song ended in a low dip with their partners holding them up.
Unsurprisingly the room filled with applause as the difficult dance concluded. Marinette could see her father watching with a raised brow and responded with her own brow raised. They could discuss the potential ramifications of her actions later. For now Marinette was enjoying the party and the warm hand sitting solidly on her waist as Adrien led them over to the refreshments.
“You should drink some water Milady. So much dancing is not good for a person's constitution.” The Prince pressed as he handed her a glass from a server's tray.
Marinette subtly raised the glass past her lips to smell for any odors. It never hurt to be wary. The water smelled clean and the first sip tasted the same so Marinette swallowed it. When Adrien grabbed a glass for himself She did not see him make any endeavor to check his own drink and stopped his wrist.
“What?” Adrien asked, surprised.
Marinette looked around them and saw no one paying attention but moved them into an alcove to be sure. “My Prince, what you almost did is Not safe.”
“Drink water?” He asked in confusion.
Marinette was shocked. “Has no one taught you to check your drinks?” Marinette queried. “Adrien give me your water.” She ordered, somewhat surprised when he handed it over without question. Marinette smelled it and took a careful sip, relieved that it was as clean as her own glass.
“What are you doing?” Adrien asked.
“I am checking your drink for poisons.” She replied. “Water conceals very little smells so it is easy. Other drinks are harder and require recognising the natural scents of the drinks and how they may be altered by certain poisons.”
“Oh.” Adrien looked confused. “What about food?”
“Similar, but harder still. Thankfully most people go for drinks since they are easier to poison.” Marinette replied. “I find it difficult to understand why you weren't taught this.” She handed Adrien back the checked drink. “It is especially important at a large gathering with so many political players.”
Adrien looked distressed. “Will you teach me?”
Marinette looked at him. “Would you trust me to?” It was hard to believe he would trust her to bring him around such dangers just after meeting.
“Yes.” The Prince answered and Marinette detected no dishonesty. “I like you Marinette. And I know my father brought me here to form a political alliance and appease my aunt but I don't care since I met you here.”
Marinette stared at him in shock. “You are a sap.” She began shortly. Before his face fell she continued. “But I like you too Adrien.”
He smiled brightly. “Well then Milady, care to accompany me around your city tomorrow, or alternatively teach me how not to die?” He asked cheerfully.
Marinette laughed. “Very well my prince.” She replied. “Although I do caution you in the meantime to take care with what you consume.”
“Of course Milady.”
“We should be getting back. It would probably be wise to inform my father that we will be going out tomorrow. He will likely send an escort.” Marinette stated.
The two made their way carefully back into the main gathering. Though Marinette is sure at least one of her siblings caught her entrance and exit from the festivities no matter how brief. Marinette spots her brother escorting Princess Raven around the room in much the same way that she is being escorted by Prince Adrien. Her forearm on top of his with their hands gently grasped in a way that conveys more familiarity than simply resting one arm over the other.
Both pairs meet up prior to reaching the place King Bruce has moved to entertain his guests. “Damian, Princess Raven.” Marinette greets them. “We were just about to inform father of our intention to make a trip into town tomorrow. Would you care to join us?” Damian will understand her meaning, but Raven could take the invitation multiple ways. Join them to talk to the king, go into town, or both. She could also decline considering that accepting in any way would confirm her interest in the youngest Wayne Prince. Marinette wants to know if she will be brave for her brother.
Raven's eyes meet hers and Marinette smiles at the strength she sees there. She wonders if the rumors of the Azarathian’s abilities have any merit. “I would be delighted.” Raven answers, effectively agreeing to both the conversation and the trip. The Princess is indeed brave.
Marinette's smile brightens. “Perfect. It will be a wonderful bonding experience.”
Damian gives her a look which she ignores. He may want to be more cautious, but Marinette tells her that these are the right people for them one way or another. Marinette’s feelings are usually right. So she leads the group over to her father and meets the kings gaze head on with a confident smile.
“Father.” Marinette begins with a charming smile, well aware of the people surrounding the king.
“Daughter?” King Bruce queries.
Marinette tries not to let her smile grow. “Damian and I would like to take the opportunity tomorrow to show Prince Adrien and Princess Raven the city since it is their first time here.” Her innocent desire may partially fool some of the nobles but it does no good on her father.
Bruce’s brows scrunch slightly. He is certain to understand at least in part her intentions, but he is wise enough to provide them a way to cover it. “It is Duke Felix’s first visit since he was a child as well is it not?” The king addresses this question to King Gabriel who Marinette just notices on the outskirts of the group.
“I believe so.” The dowager King replies.
Bruce nods. “Marvelous.” He concludes and Marinette wants to smile as she realizes his plan. “Show Duke Felix the kingdom as well, and bring Lady Kagami along for protection.”
Kagami’s skill with a blade is more well known than the rest of the royal court by the nature of her lineage. It is a good play to make it look like a simple trip for international bonding while not taking away from the personal size. Not that Marinette does not anticipate the rest of their friends making an appearance, but officially it will placate the more stuffy members of nobility until things are more, decided.
After that conversation King Gabriel decides to take his party back to their quarters. Marinette and Adrien decide to meet after breaking their fast the next morning. Damian escorts Princes Raven to her temporary quarters with a smirking Kagami since it would be inappropriate for them to be off on their own.
When King Bruce excuses himself it is with a hand on Marinette's shoulder and excuses for her as well. It is expected and Marinette walks with her father side by side to his study. The walk there is silent due to the many ears now in the castle. But Marinette does not anticipate that lasting and lets a passing servant know to tell her brother where she is, not that Damian isn't smart enough to figure it out himself.
As soon as the door closed on the study and sealed the privacy spells in place her father started. “Explain what happened tonight Marinette.” He growled out. It was an order, not a question.
Marinette shrugged. “I like him, I have a good gut feeling, and I’m pretty certain he likes me back.” She looked at her father. “Adrien is a prince in a country we are only superficially allied with and we are well matched. I want to figure out how well matched and so does he.”
Bruce rubbed a hand down his face. “Have you even talked to Gabriel Agreste before?”
“Other than our introduction?” Marinette answered. “No.”
“He’s not a person you want to be close to Marinette.” Bruce attempted.
“All the more reason to choose Adrien. He is kind and despite being naive has a thirst to learn and grow his knowledge. The Prince is genuine and respectful.” Marinette argued.
“We will see.” Bruce conceded. “What about the Duke?”
“Fair but skeptical. I respect him and I think he likes Kagami, so nice job on that one.” Marinette relayed.
Bruce nodded. “Okay that's good.” He appeared to be thinking. “And the Princess from Azarath?”
Marinette shrugged. “Ask Damian if you want details, but I have a good feeling about her too.”
Bruce nodded. He had long ago accepted the way Marinette and Damian worked. Damian could sense danger coming from miles away or hidden in plain sight. Not just danger to him even, but danger to anyone who he had a strong emotional connection to. It had saved their family many times before.
Marinette could tell who good people were, specifically who would be a good friend or ally to have. She had been working on figuring out how to identify the reverse, but right now it was limited in its usefulness. Some people were just neutral, others were bad eggs and she couldn't tell the difference.
Other things, Twin things, were less defined.
“Damian should be here soon.” She said before there was a nock on the door. She smiled.
“How do you two do that?” The king asked in resignation as he went to open the door and let in Damian. The door was quickly sealed behind him again.
Damian walked over to Marinette and sat next to her shoulders and legs touching. He seemed distressed.
“Kagami is with Raven. I need to debrief you on some things.” Damian begins.
“Is Raven okay?” Marinette asked.
“What happened?” Bruce said at the same time.
Damian slumped his weight onto Marinette's shoulder. “She is fine now, but the rumors about the Azarathians abilities are true, and her father can control her with them.”
“Trigon?” Bruce clarified.
“Yes. Raven hasn’t completely matured into her powers yet which according to her leves her vulnerable to his abilities.” Damian explained. “He’s trying to use her body to sabotage the summit and leave the surrounding nations weak and divided.”
Marinette hummed. “He probably counted on her shy nature keeping her away from anyone who could figure out his plan. How did you stop him?”
“She did it herself, but it left her exhausted so I had Kagami stay with her just in case.” Damian said with not a little hint of pride. “She explained earlier that her powers are almost mature enough to fight him, it's one of the reasons she agreed to come here. Raven hoped that the distance from Trigon would help her powers grow faster without him constantly pushing them down.”
“She’s more powerful.” Bruce concluded. “Once she is at full power he knows she can stop him. He’s probably shoring up his defences while she's gone and hoping she is taken out here for trying to attack the summit.”
Marinette nodded. “Sounds like something Grandfather would have done.”
“I know.” Damian growled. “Father, I wish to court Princess Raven officially. Considering the situation I will neglect asking her fathers permission but I still ask yours.”
Bruce looked pained. “Why couldn't you have been easy?” He groaned. “This is like Dick all over again, but worse because there's two of you this time.”
Marinette couldn’t help but giggle.
“Father?” Damian prompted.
“I give my blessing Damian.” Bruce said. “But please take precautions in case Trigon can access her knowledge. If we are to keep her safe the less information he has the better. And try to figure out if there's anything we can do to help her powers mature. This is a very unsafe situation at the moment.”
“Of course father.” Damian agreed.
“What about me father?” Marinette teased in a semi serious tone.
The king scowled. “The Agreste Prince can ask me himself.” He declared. “It’s what's proper.”
Damian chuckled. “Good luck with that sister.” He teased.
She dug an elbow into her brother's side. “I’m sure he will. Father, will you organize lunch and then afternoon tea with King Gabriel tomorrow?” She was already planning the day in her head. “That should give us time to see the city before we get back. Hopefully he is amenable to a marriage treaty.”
“Must you make this complicated?” Father asked. “Very well. Your display this evening should give me enough to work with without letting Gabriel know we have already discussed it. Make sure Adrien knows to keep your growing relationship under wraps.” He jots a few things down on some paper by his desk. “If Gabriel is agreeable I will suggest asking the two of you to join us for afternoon tea and see what happens. How does that sound?”
“Brilliant as usual father.” Marinette praised.
“Don’t mock me daughter. We both know this was your plan.” The king teased.
“And you followed it so perfectly it's almost like you were the one to teach me.” She agreed.
“Cheeky child.” The man concluded with a hint of pride. “Go get some sleep you two. Tomorrow will be a long day. I’ll send someone to relieve Kagami.”
“Kori.” Damian commands. “She doesn't need as much sleep and is probably most capable if Trigon attempts anything else.”
“Wise choice. I’ll let her and Dick know.” Bruce replies.
Marinette looks at her brother. “You know Richard is going to tease you tomorrow.”
“It’s worth it.” Damian says.
Marinette gives her father a look. Bruce nods and Marinette lets her shoulders relax. Father understands how important it is for Damian to like someone no matter the severity. He will translate the urgency to their older brother and sister in law.
“Good night father.” Marinette says before tugging her brother out of the study and towards their quarters.