All For Love

Chapter 6

The cold night air stung Marinette's face as she walked down the garden path from the cottage. She didn't mind the cold though. It helps her clear her mind. At the end of the path, at the little wooden gate, she stopped. With only a crescent moon above, there was little light around. The lantern at the gate was swinging in the wind, the little door unlatched and flapping open, the flame snuffed out. Fu usually kept the flame lit for Alix as she often returned at odd hours and the cottage was difficult to find in the dark.

Marinette dug into her pocket and took out a small box of matches. Lighting it in the wind quickly blew out the struggling flame. Marinette held the match closer to the wick and struck it again, this time with the flame catching on. She securely closed the door on the lantern before the next rush of wind. Her shawl lifted off her left shoulder and she only just managed to grab the other side before it blew away entirely.

"Here, let me help you."

It took a moment for Marinette's eyes to re-adjust from the light back into the darkness behind her and see Luka approaching. He had his dark hair down, but still had his sword strapped to his side. He reached behind her, picking up the end of her shawl and carefully placed it back over her shoulders.

"Thank you." Marinette said, pulling the shawl tighter around her. "Is there something wrong? Does Chat Noir need me?"

"No, no. He's asleep." Luka assured her. "I saw you from the window. What are you doing out here? It's not safe to be walking alone outside, and in the dark."

Marinette turned her head to look up at the crescent moon resting just above the trees. "I didn't think of that, I'm sorry."

"You were talking to Fu earlier weren't you? Did he say something that upset you?"

"No." She shook her head. "More... overwhelming I guess. I just felt I needed some fresh air. I didn't think of the danger. Sometimes it's hard to believe there is a war going on. It's so peaceful here."

That he could agree with. Luka wasn't a sentimental person usually, but he found himself over the last few weeks becoming more attached to this place. Or maybe it wasn't just the same lace, but a certain girl living in it. Luka took a step closer to her. "It's fine." He said gently. "That's why I'm here... to protect you."

"You're here to protect him." She rebutted.

Luka cocked his head and looked at her curiously. "I would protect him with my life, and I think you know why. He suspects you're a noble. He told me as much tonight. If that's the case, would I be correct to assume you also know who he really is?"

Marinette lowered her eyes. There wasn't much point in denying it. "Yes." She sighed softly. "I should have been more careful, but yes, I know Chat Noir is Prince Adrien. I met him once and recognised him when you brought him to the field hospital. I didn't want anyone knowing I knew. I didn't even tell Alya."

Luka frowned. "But why hide it? Why not just tell him you knew him?"

"A lot of reasons." She replied cryptically. Marinette couldn't ignore the way Luka's eyes looked at her, like she was something precious.

"Please don't look at me like that." She said, turning slightly away from him to hide her blush.

"Why?" Luka asked, his eyes still softly resting upon her. "I told you once before that you're an extraordinary woman Marinette. You're not like anyone I've ever met. I..." He dared to reach out and take her hand in his. "I've come to care for you, very much."

Marinette couldn't help a warmth that touched her heart at his sincere words. Perhaps if things had been different she would have been content, but her complicated heart had been unwittingly stolen by the Prince, while her hand had already been given to another man not of her choosing.