The Queen's Reign

Ciemny

Just as their meeting was coming to an end, Marinette froze, remembering something she had put into motion long ago, before even being sure that The Queen's Reign would be back.

"Oh, right. Before I forget to tell you, we have a spy on the other side. I can't tell you who, nor will I not punish them alongside the others. They will be included in the punishments, so it doesn't matter who it is anyways. They are going by the code name Ciemny."

Upon hearing the code name, Marc's eyebrows immediately went up and his jaw dropped. "No way!" he screeched.

Marinette flinched slightly at the sudden sound but nodded. "Do not let it slip. They have their reasons for staying on the down-low, and we must respect them."

In complete honesty, Marinette wasn't surprised that Marc instantly figured out who it was. He had always been unusually perceptive. If he hadn't already been the Duke, he would've been perfect for his boyfriend's role, the Informant. Though, Nathaniel did fill the role just as well, which was why Marinette was a little shocked he didn't put together who the mole was, but decided not to press. The spy's identity was supposed to remain a secret and the fewer people who knew, the better.

"Now, If you'll excuse me, I have to meet up with Ciemny. Meeting officially over. Chloé, my family, and I will be over later tonight for dinner. Maman misses talking to Auntie, so can you ensure she's here?"

Chloé pursed her lips as she nodded. "I'll make sure she flies in for dinner. I know how much she loves talking to Auntie Sabine."

Marinette smiled softly, understanding etched into her face.

Her court left, with Marinette, Chloé, and Sabrina staying behind. Chloé moved closer to Marinette, her voice dropping into a low hush so Sabrina wouldn't overhear.

"Ciemny? Really? That's so obvious."

Marinette glanced up, smiling. "I wasn't the one who chose it. Don't tell them you know."

Chloé looked at Marinette, then looked away. "I'm guessing that they were the one to ask to still be punished?"

Marinette chewed on her lip as she stared at Chloé, then looked away, looking out the window instead.

She could see the limo her friends were piling into stories below them, each with thoughtful looks on their faces. Alix was talking animatedly to Marc, most likely trying to get him to spill.

She knew he wouldn't.

"I don't understand them," she said, hoping that was a good enough answer for Chloé. She really didn't feel like talking about it, the thought of punishing someone innocent eating away at her insides. She could feel Chloé's stare, but ignored her, hoping for her friend to drop the subject.

"Well, I think you should get going then. You wouldn't want to be late, and you definitely don't want to miss dinner. I'll see you in three hours."

Marinette finally looked back at Chloé, a small, grateful smile resting on her lips. "See you later."

Marinette sat down on the bench, her back to Ciemny. They didn't look up from their phone, not even to acknowledge her presence.

"I assume you've told them about me by now?"

Marinette shrugged, before remembering they couldn't see her. "Yes, but not everything. They only know of you. That, and your code name. Marc and Chloé figured you out instantly though."

She felt them shift beside her, taking the news stiffly. "I would've thought Nathaniel would figure it out. Isn't he supposed to be your Informant or something? I figured he would've known enough about me to figure it out."