Chapter Three

-A Plan in Motion-

When Lady Marinette awoke the next day, eyes heavy from a deep sleep, she wondered why she could smell Prince Adrien all around her. As she rose up from the bed, the realization of where she was jolted her consciousness. This room, this palace, this kingdom. It was as if she was fourteen again, but this time, she longed to see her restless and silly Tomcat more. Recalling their embrace from last night, and how he parted from her with a promise to see her in the morning, Marinette eagerly jumped out of her bed to get ready.

In a haste, she splashed provided water across her face, staring into the vanity mirror as she patted her skin dry. She studied the reflection of the room around her, noting the simplicity of the space. A small prayer of thanks was shot up to the Gods, for Marinette had worried she would end up in her old room, but it seems she was placed in a guest room instead. Her eyes then fell onto a small carving on a wooden wardrobe pressed up against the wall behind her. Grabbing her partlet and her gown, she began to put both on as she gazed at the etchings on the wood.

'Prince Adrien was here' it read, in almost unreadable child-like handwriting. Now fully clothed, Marinette held back a giggle from the obvious graffiti of the past. Seems she wasn't the only one who stayed in this room. After one final check over herself, Lady Marinette departed and made her way towards the large dining hall. Smells of breakfast foods wafted through the air; pastries, sausages, and even fluffy fried maple pancakes. In agreement, Marinette's stomach let out a hearty growl as she walked through the doorway of the area.

At the elongated table, sat a few Princesses and Ladies who stayed the night due to the storm. Marinette recognized a few, and wished those good morning while she tried to find a seat. But many of the women gave Marinette deep, hardened stares of jealousy. Refusing to give into their death looks, Marinette took a seat next to a pretty blonde haired woman. She seemed familiar somehow, but Marinette couldn't quite place it.

That was, until the woman turned to her with a repulsed gaze, and said, "Ladybugs aren't allowed at the table."

It was as if a stone dropped through Marinette's stomach, and all the sensation and joy she had felt up till now was casted aside.

"Lady Chloe, how nice to see you again," Lady Marinette began, keeping a clear and solid posture while attending to the breakfast buffet in front of her. She took a small bite of a pancake, refusing to give Chloe her full attention.

Chloe's nose twitched in response, "Adrien has assured me that the wedding is still to occur, but I don't know how long that will last."

She continued, grabbing her goblet as she sipped her morning drink, "You are also not going home anytime soon, due to the large tree that is blocking the road back to the East. We will have to see how long it takes for Adrien to get tired of you before shipping you back home."

Trying to hold back from rolling her eyes and letting out a repulsive groan, Marinette politely replied, "That is quite unfortunate, however; you see, I planned on staying a couple of nights anyway. And it is just as well that Lady Alya from Dominia will be arriving any day now, and she always brings extra outfits."

Chloe let out a strong huff, refusing to comment anymore.

At that moment, King Gabriel, Prince Adrien, and Nathalie arrived through the door with all the Ladies and Princesses rising to greet the King in respect. Marinette sucked in a breath at this reunion, studying the elder King as he made his way to the head of the table. Like his son, King Gabriel had heavy eyelids from lack of sleep and distress. He even wore small glasses on his narrow face now, the wear of time not kind to the poor king. But Marinette also realized how pale and thin the King has become, remembering King Gabriel having a warming aura around him. Now, the only energy the King had was that of sorrow and depression.

"Good morning, Your Graces'," the King welcomed, almost reluctantly as he took his seat. His voice cracked a bit, and he never looked up once.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," the women all said in unison, then took their own seats once more. Marinette stole a glance over at Adrien, who sat across the table from her, meeting his eyes on accident with a warm smile dancing between them. He rose his hand up to wave back and forth at her quickly before anyone saw, which resulted in a small giggle escaping Marinette's lips. She returned it and turned away from him quickly with rosy cheeks.

Nathalie came up beside the King, her glasses resting on the bridge of her nose as she read the parchment papers in her hand to the gathering, "I am here to report that the tree that has fallen on the road back to the East will be moved by tomorrow, however, no other debris from the storm last night have blocked the remaining exits. Those that need to travel are advised to do so after breakfast, for it seems another heavy storm is on the horizon and will most likely be here by this afternoon."

Some of the ladies let out deep groans of irritation and distress. They were hoping for another opportunity to try and sway Prince Adrien, but it seems that is just not going to happen.

Letting out a cough to direction their attention once more, Nathalie began to read from her report, "On behalf of King Gabriel, thank you all for attending the celebration of Prince Adrien's birthday and engagement. Please have safe travels and avoid the Northern Forest at all costs." The mentor of the Prince excused herself at that point and took a stance aloft, still reading through the remaining papers.

Marinette's curiosity peaked at that last statement. Remembering well the many times she, Adrien, and Chloe would go out into the forest to play, there was never a warning to stay away from it until now. In order to try and get some answers, Marinette leaned to her left to the Lady beside her, Lady Alix of Chromium. The short haired, boyish royal was taking a big bite of a pancake and sausage sandwich she combined herself.

"What's in the Northern Forest?" Marinette whispered, letting the poor girl swallow her bite before expecting an answer.

Lady Alix looked rather annoyed that she was interrupted, taking a smaller bite this time before responding, "You don't know? The Northern Forest is guarded by gigatutan statues of apes that are from a time forgotten, that howl and moan at any who come near them."

Prince Adrien looked up from his meal once he heard Princess Ivica speak in from across the table, "I've he'ared d'tat ghosts roam th'ere at night. 'Eople say the Cata'cyls'um Gardens are th'ere." The other women began to mumble and talk among themselves concerning this ghostly tales. The Prince side-eyed his father, wondering if he would comment on any of these rumors. But the King ate in silence, sipping his juice slowly and never looking up.

"The what?" Marinette questioned, tilting her head to the side. She has never heard of these Cataclysm Gardens before.

A hard slam from a goblet on the table caused the whole room to grow quiet, and all eyes turn to Lady Chloe. Her face was red with anger, and she rose up sharply, turning her attention fully to Lady Marinette.

"If you were here these past few years, you would know wouldn't you?!"

Meeting her rival face-to-face, Marinette exclaimed, "I wasn't absent by choice, you insufferable harpy."

Gasps and group 'oohs' reverberated through the table, many knowing this argument was bound to happen sooner or later. Before last night's announcement from Prince Adrien himself, the rumor was that Prince Adrien and Lady Chloe were going to be wed. Many of the women at the table dared not to go near the Prince, for fear of Lady Chloe's wrath upon them. Those that did, well... they knew Chloe carried empty threats.

Chloe's back snapped straight, and she let her words fight for her, "I have been here the entire time, by choice. But you wouldn't know that, Lady Marinette."

"Enough!"

King Gabriel shouted over the women, standing up to attention. His voice was powerful, drawing the room to a sudden quiet. He began to rub the bridge of his nose in irritation, closing his eyes with a heavy sigh.

"I request that both Lady Chloe and Lady Marinette be excused from the table," Gabriel commanded, gesturing to the house-men that were positioned along the walls to help escort the two ladies out. "Please help these two women to the outside, where they can cool off, and do not have them return unless they regain their manners."

Embarrassment flooded through Marinette, the first time in seven years she sees King Gabriel and she acts like she was in her youth again. She noticed Adrien shoot an apologetic gaze at her as she rose up from the table, as he was twirling his ring with his fingers to calm himself.

With head held low, Marinette walked towards the outside courtyard beside Lady Chloe. Once the two of them were greeted by the simple summer breeze and warmth of the morning sun, Marinette let out a deep and heartfelt sigh. She wrapped her arms around her chest and took a seat upon a half-wall of stone. With last night's little misunderstanding, and now this, Lady Marinette truly wondered if she was meant to be here after all. It seems her presence has only caused trouble for Adrien and his father so far.

Lady Chloe, with her arms crossed, stood with her back to Marinette. Her foot was tapping steadily, and she seemed to be staring at the two house-men who were waiting for either one of them to apologize to the other.

Marinette knew she needed to say something but her pride wasn't allowing for an apology to come out of her mouth. She stood up and approached Chloe, keeping her arms across her chest.

"Chloe, I just want to say-"

"Don't bother to say anything, Ladybug," the blonde refused to lock eyes with Marinette.

"Then I'm sorry," Marinette sputtered out, playing with loose strings of her hair in nervousness.

Chloe let out a loud and annoyed huff, tilting her nose into the air as she walked towards the exit they just came out of.

"Chloe!" Marinette tried to cry out to her.

The other woman just did a wave as she walked back inside, the two servants allowing her to pass as they followed Chloe inside as well.

Now alone in the gardens, Marinette let her mind wander through the stone walls and statues around her. The memories of childhood laughter echoed as she strolled onward, her mind allowing her to see the past as it unfolded.

The first summer she came here, she and Adrien were told to walk these gardens together in order to become better acquainted. Somehow wooden swords became involved, and they had their first ever play-fight, which resulted in Marinette accidently tripping into the large swan fountain. Adrien did try to help her out, but she pulled him into the water with her. That was the first time she ever heard him laugh.

When Lady Chloe came into the kingdom, she quickly learned the best methods to make Marinette's summers a living hell. Marinette shivered as she remembered the one day that Chloe thought it would be funny to have a beehive awaiting the young Marinette at a picnic she had to go on with Adrien. The thousands of bees dropped onto their blanket and scattered about, but Adrien laughed it off. He even made his first pun, something about, "That must have stung!" Marinette had to spend a week in the infirmary attending to her stings. But, Adrien actually came and visited her regularly, either because his mother demanded it or because he actually felt sorry for what they did.

Marinette rolled her eyes at younger Adrien's personality, but then passed the large cherry tree that was one of the center pieces of the garden. The last summer here, when her and Adrien were beginning to see one another in a different light, they sat under this tree during one star filled night and just talked. The Prince even threw out some flirty remarks, causing a young Lady to brush it off. Looking back, it should have been obvious they were heading towards this direction of their relationship.

The Lady found herself in front of a new part of the garden, in front of a statue of Queen Emilie herself. The belated Queen was standing on top of a marble platform, holding her hands together, with closed eyes and a small smile. The statue didn't do justice in comparison to Marinette's memories. The softness of the Queen's face nor the warmth of her smile were empty misgivings. An engraving at the bottom read, "In Loving Memory of a Mother, Wife, and Queen."

Marinette didn't know how long she was standing there staring; seconds or hours, it didn't matter. Every year since she was away, Marinette wished secretly wished Queen Emilie a happy birthday. The Queen was so kind and warm-hearted to Lady Marinette, almost like a second mother. Time seemed to stand still as the dark-haired woman let some lone tears fall in the presence of the memorial.

It wasn't until a small trickle of rain splashed the top of her head did she break out of her trance. Looking up, she realized that the dark clouds she was warned about at breakfast were right above her now, threatening to let loose their watery confides.

"I thought I would find you here."

Turning back down and around, Lady Marinette was surprised to see Adrien standing nearby, a smile across his lips and an umbrella open to cover him from the oncoming rain. He wore her scarf around his neck loosely, which caused her heart to flutter in her chest. Rain then began to fall steadily from the sky, the water slightly cold.

Marinette just let it wash over her, her feet unable to move while Adrien came closer to her. His eyes were locked onto her, a warmth pooling at the pit of her stomach. The umbrella then began to cover the both of them, and Marinette felt a grin flash across her face. Adrien began to rub her arm with his free hand, his touch trying to get some of the water off.

"I think Mother would be very happy you came back," Adrien stated once more, turning his attention to the statue. "Even if Father has left the palace again."

Marinette could feel his loneliness, and anxiety caused knots in her stomach, "He left, again?! He was just here this morning."

Adrien just shrugged,turning his eyes back to Marinette, "I'm used to it, my Lady."

His words tugged at the Lady's heartstrings, then the rain began to come down louder and harder.

"Come on, my Lady, let's head inside," Adrien said, grabbing Marinette by the hand softly. His touch was comforting, and she squeezed his hand in reassurance.

"You and me should probably make up for all these lost years," The Lady remarked with a coy smirk. The Prince looked a bit surprised at first, but returned the gesture. He placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand that was occupied with his, her skin tingling whether from the cold rain or the warmth of his touch.

"Of course, Lady Marinette."

A shout in the rain caused both of them to turn attention to the outside entrance of the courtyard.

"Your HIGHNESS! QUICKLY! YOUR FATHER! AN ACCIDENT!"

It was the Captain of the Royal Guard, Kim Syreni, who was screaming through the pounding rain. Blood was dripping to the ground from his leg, and he held a bruise over his left eye. Even his armour was astray, dented and coming off. Kim fell to his knees, letting out uneven shaking breaths.

Marinette felt Adrien let go of her hand, as the two of them rushed together to come closer to the wounded man. Handing the umbrella off to Marinette, who grabbed it with both hands tightly and tried to keep it over all three of them, Prince Adrien knelt down to grab onto the Captain.

"Captain Kim, center yourself. What happened to my father?!" Adrien commanded, trying to keep the weary man steady. The loss of blood was beginning to take effect, and Kim began to flutter his eyes in and out of consciousness.

"We-We were attacked," Captain Kim braced his arm onto Adrien's shoulder, "A large bird or beast. On the road to the Northern Forest." As those last words came, Kim let his body win and fell onto Adrien's chest unconscious. The Prince looked up at Marinette, his voice laced with serious intentions.

"Stay here and attend to the Captain. I am going to go find my father."

Marinette's voice came through, her heart beating to the sound of the rain, "But-Adrien, that's too far, you'll never make it."

"I have to try," was all the Prince stated before letting Kim fall softly onto the ground, then standing up to begin a mighty sprint towards the direction the Captain came from.

Marinette stood there for just a split second, her mind and body unable to coexist together, trying to process what just happened. She gazed down at the wounded man below her, his blood pooling under his leg severely. With no time to waste, she bent down and grabbed him by the under arm, grateful for her weight training and first aid knowledge. Once she had the Captain safely under the stone archway of the door to the palace, and ripped a piece of her own dress to wrap up his wound, did she decide on her next course of action. Banging her hand against the wooden frame hard, Marinette took the gamble that a staff member would be nearby to hear. Footsteps on the other side of the door proved her right, however, she didn't have time to wait to speak to them. Dropping the umbrella completely, and letting the adrenaline that fueled her now to take over, Lady Marinette took off in a run after her beloved Tomcat.

While her knowledge of this path to the Northern forest was seven years out of date, she let her feet guide her onward with strikes of lighting and gallops of thunder matching in tune with each pounding step she took. Soon enough, through narrowed eyes, she spotted an overturned carriage and broken tree limbs on the path. As she came closer, it was indeed the carriage of the King, broken in half and missing a few wheels.

"Adrien! ADRIEN!" Marinette began to scream, racing through the debris to try and spot the Prince or even King Gabriel.

"Damnit, Tomcat! Answer me!"

A soft moan from a nearby fallen tree rippled through the area, and Marinette rushed over to find an elderly man stuck by his legs under the tree's trunk. The man was unfamiliar, with a receding silver hair line and cracked broken glasses on his face. He must have been the driver of the coach, for he had flower petal printed driver attire on.

" Sir?! Can you hear me?" Marinette asked, as she tried to get the tree off of him through slippery fingers.

"La-Lady Marinette," the man moaned out loud, turning his head and opening his eyes to face her. "You-You need to get out of here."

"What happened here?!" she demanded, finally lifting the tree just enough for it to roll off. The man let out a painful scream, settling back down with shaky breaths. Marinette reached for the man's hand, squeezing tightly to let him know she was still here.

"He is not what he seems. He is not what HE seems. He is NOT what he seems," the man began to chant, shaking his head back and forth with his words. He was becoming delusional, the pain from his crushed legs obviously causing hallucinations.

"Sir! Can you look at me? Please, did you see the Prince come this way?" Marinette pleaded, hoping the driver would retain that memory. She gave a hard squeeze to the man's hand, trying to bring him back to reality.

"The Prince?" the driver replied, his voice confused at Marinette's words.

"Yes, Prince Adrien. Where is he? He came to help!"

The driver's eyes shot open, and he tried to lift himself up only to fall back down.

"Prince Adrien is-is," a cough came from the man's mouth, before his final words came out with his last breath, "Adrien is-is-gone."

Lady Marinette stared blankly at the limp hand gripped in her own. She lowered her head in respect, tears threatening to swell up in her eyes. Placing his hand over his chest and sending a comforting prayer for his soul to be at peace, Marinette arose to face the area once more.

This man had seen the attacker, had seen Prince Adrien, but now, the Prince was gone?

The rain began to halt to a slight drizzle, letting Marinette's eyes scan the wreck better for signs that Adrien could still be alive. And there, hung and ripped on a sharp tree branch, was the scarf she gave Adrien flapping wildly in the wind.