Crowned Love (MLB FANFIC)

Chapter 1

Today was the day. The day of my coronation. The day I ascended to the throne and became Empress of Verilia.

"Marinette! Are you ready?" My mother called out from behind me. I turned around, my dress swishing with me.

"Yes, maman," I replied, smiling lightly. In truth, I was not. From this day on, I was expected to take full responsibility for an entire empire. Not even a kingdom, but an empire.

I peeked out the curtains. There were knights on each side of the throne room, behind them were the eunuchs and scholars. They stood, excited. But...what if I couldn't live up to their expectations? My mother smiled, interrupting my thoughts, and gestured for me to step out. I took a deep breath, and with a burst of confidence, I lifted my foot.

"Presenting the heir of the empire, Princess Marinette!" As they heard my name, they bowed, all emotion fleeing from their face.

"Rise," I nearly flinched as I heard my voice, coming out strong, clear, demanding. Like an Empress. I couldn't let them see my restlessness. I kneeled in front of the priest, who held my crown in his hands.

"Do you, Princess Marinette Dupain-Cheng, vow to forever protect, and serve your empire?"

"I do."

"Do you vow to remain loyal to its people?"

"I do."

"Are you willing to sacrifice yourself for the sake of this empire?"

"I..." My voice wouldn't come out. I am, I am! I let out a squeak instead.

The priest's expression darkened.

"Are you, Marinette?" Why was he addressing me like that? I couldn't speak. I stared at him in horror. Then I heard laughter behind me. I looked back. The knights, the scholars, the eunuchs, they were all hunched over, clutching their sides, laughing. I stood up and started to back away.

"Are you abandoning us, Marinette?" Their voices cried out, in terrifying sync. No! I would never! But all that came out was another squeak.

"You don't deserve to be Empress...do you, Marinette?" They said, smiling a creepy smile. I wanted to reply, but I couldn't. I stood frozen in terror. They were right. I wasn't worthy. Then, one of the knights held up a dagger. My eyes widened, and my voice finally came out.

"No! N-no, please!" I screamed.

But the knight wouldn't listen. With one last smile, he brought his dagger down upon me.

_________

"Ah!" Marinette woke, breathing heavily.

"Marinette? Are you okay, dear?" her mother called.

"Y-yes, Maman! I'm fine!"

"Okay! Go get ready for school, you woke up early, might as well make use of it," her mother chuckled to herself.

Marinette got off her bed, checking the time.

6:30 A.M.

Huh. That's a first. Me waking up early...must've been the nightmare.

As she readied herself, she thought back to her nightmare. Her coronation...that wasn't until a few weeks. She'd nearly forgotten her true identity, living among these Aurians.

Marinette opened her drawer and pulled out a unique necklace shaped like a tooth. It was made of silver, with a ruby embedded in the center.

She hadn't worn this in a long time. The nightmare reminded her of its existence. The pendant was given to her by her friend and mentor, Tikki.

When a terrorist group called the Red Crown that originated from Verilia had attempted to attack the heir to Auria's throne, Verilia had to accept responsibility. Auria had lost its Empress due to the attack, so they were infuriated. In turn, they sent a skilled assassin to kill Verilia's heiress.

Marinette.

As a result, her parents fled to Auria with her. It was a risky decision, but they thought she'd be safest in their own country, where they'll probably never think to look.

But someone had to look after Verilia. So Tikki and her husband, Plagg, were left behind to rule until the time was right to return.

I wonder how Tikki is now...

Marinette put the necklace on and went downstairs.

She ate breakfast, making a mess in the process, as usual. She sighed and helped her mother clean it up.

"Bye Maman, bye Papa!" she yelled, as she opened the door to leave.

"Have a nice day at school, Marinette!"

"You too!" Then she stopped. 'You too'...? Marinette giggled at herself. She ran across the street to get to her school, and saw Alya waiting outside.

"Hey, Alya!"

"Hey, girl! You're early-"

"Yeah...heh." She thought of her nightmare again.

It was to be expected that she had it. Being in charge of a whole empire...it might seem fun to the power-hungry people, but as a princess, she could understand the responsibility that came with it. Especially the dangers. She was a woman, and to most of the people of Verilia, that was the biggest problem.

If not that, then it was that she was inexperienced and young. There were bound to be assassins lurking inside the palace. Not only that, but there were riots in Verilia nowadays. Riots demanding democracy. They'd realized how little power they hold among the decisions of their own country. They knew the royal bloodline was probably gonna be contaminated with corruption at some point. Honestly, their pleas were understandable.

Marinette fell deeper into her thoughts and didn't notice Alya calling her name until she shook her to get her attention.

"Marinette! What're you thinking about to be so lost in thought?" She asked.

"Oh...nothing," Marinette said, nervously. She could tell Alya didn't believe her, so she changed the subject.

"S-so! What're you gonna do for the writing project?" Alya's face lit up, and she went on and on about techniques for journalism. Marinette chuckled, Alya was clearly passionate about writing.

"And you can't list what you're trying to convey, you ha-" suddenly, the bell rang. Alya harrumphed because she was interrupted, but headed inside with Marinette.

As they walked inside, they came across Adrien Adaire. Marinette didn't say anything, but blushed intensely when he greeted her. He worriedly felt her forehead, in case she was sick, which only made her blush harder.

"Are you okay, Marinette?" He asked. Marinette just nodded furiously.

Alya threw the girl a knowing look and chuckled.

They sat down on their desks, and Ms. Bustier, a woman from a noble family, took attendance.

"Okay, class! Today, we have a very special guest..."

She gestured for her guest to step inside, and as he did, Marinette let out a quiet gasp, her eyes widening. Ms. Bustier stepped aside, allowing the man to stand before the class. Everyone stood in unison, lowering their head so their eyes wouldn't meet his, and Marinette trembled as she felt his gaze scan the class.

"I present the Emperor of Auria."

---x---

yAYYYY!

-Taro