Miraculous short- stories book 3 by Summer Cheng @SummerCheng37.

The Light of Day Part 2 by Summer Cheng@SummerCheng37

     Adrien's POV:

        I heard someone call my name as I spoke to the prisoner.  I was shocked to hear she was in the dungeon. What had caused her to be in such a place? I shuddered to think about the crime she committed. I did not know why or when, but I felt I had to uncover the truth. I had to at all costs.

         I turned to go, and she fell silent. Great, it seems like she could she could use a friend. I followed the guard who had called out to me. "Yes, George?" I asked. "Your father wishes to speak to you at once." He said.  I frowned. My father had not spoken to me in years. What could he possibly want now?   I approached the king's chambers slowly.

      "Yes, Father, you wished to see me."  "Yes, son, you see, there has been an attempt made to overthrow our kingdom,"  Gabriel remarked. "I see, as bad as that sounds, I do not see what I can..." I was interrupted. "You are to take the throne and privileges of the crown at once." He said. I shook my head.   "I can do no such thing. Not as long as she remains in the prison," I blurted out.

          "By she, you mean the pauper girl, Marinette Dupain-Cheng; she is none of your concern. She is nothing.  She was accused of stealing, and the penalty for that must be upheld,"  King Garbiel replied.  "Surely, Father, the law is outdated. I see no harm in letting her go,"  Adrien argued. 

           "Oh, son, you have much to learn. The girl must not be set free, because if she is, then she will lead the uprising against our heritage, against our home, and the crown itself."

     I shook my head. I refused to take the crown if it meant slaughtering someone over such a petty crime as taking an orange because one was hungry.  Why was she given the opportunity of a day's wages like everyone else?  I must see that she receives a fair trial, or better yet, a lighter sentence. It was the least I could do.

      I visited her in secret that evening. I had told her about my father's standing on her charges. I thought the shackles were a bit obsessive, though.  I entered the cell and removed them.  At least this way, she could move about with less of a struggle.    I  heard her gasp once the last of them was removed. Now, she was no longer attached to the cell wall like an animal or wild beast.

     "Does this mean I am free to go, Adrien?" She asked. I shook my head.  "I see." She said. That was all the response I got.  I saw her turn her head away to try to cover her tears. I felt sorry for her. "I will help you. You must promise not to try to run away. I can't guarantee your safety if you do," I explained.  

          I handed her a tray of fresh food and a cup of milk. She looked at them in surprise. I watched her eat.  I drank a small amount of the milk to prove it was not poisoned, and she grabbed it from my hand. I  looked on in amazement as she drank the rest. 

           "I don't understand. Why are you kind to me? I am a criminal, you know." 

           "Miss, I should hardly call taking something for nourishment because you were not given proper wages a crime," I argued.

     "I shall die here, for that I am sure. It is okay, I will go to be with father again, then, all will be well," She said softly. I  saw a tear fall once more as she spoke.

      "Never, I will never let that happen to you," I said. Marinette reached up and kissed my forehead.  I blushed. No woman other than my mother had ever kissed me.  I pulled away, surprised at my response.  I held her hand for a moment. I could tell she had been treated poorly even before she arrived here. I sensed someone had abused her.  Who?   How could they do it to such a delicate lady?

          I let go of her hand when she winced. "I am sorry, I meant you no harm, Marinette."  

          "I know, Adrien."   

   I left before I could pull her into my arms and kiss her. Why would I want to do such a thing? I had not the foggiest idea.  The whole thing would be scandalous, because I am royalty, and she is well, I am not quite certain yet, but  I am sure of one thing: I must not let her lose her head over such a ridiculous law.  One, I hoped to change soon.

   Time skip!

  Two months had passed since I had last spoken to her. I overheard someone say the king was dead. Oh, boy, I must find a way to save her soon.   I had to.  I could not just stand by and let her be robbed of her life. Not when there was so much more at stake than it seemed.

       I waited until midnight and went to see her. To my relief, no one had rechained her.  "Don't come any further," She blurted out.  I ignored her warning and stepped forward. I noticed her face was paler than  the last time. Something, was wrong.

      I kicked the cell door open and removed her from it. I must not let her stay there anymore. I could not let the darkness win. I had to save her.  If it meant I lost my life in the process. I would never forgive myself if something worse should befall her.

       I took her to a safe place. I paid the man there to look after her.  I brought him herbs and flowers. I paid attention as he crushed them, boiled them, and gave her the broth for a medicine.  I thanked him and returned to the palace.

    I sobbed as I entered my room. How could have this have happened to her?  Why was she ill? 

     I  lay on my bed thinking.  Someone must have poisoned her. The question was who?  Why?   Who stood to gain if she should die?   I refused to believe the kingdom would be that bad off with her alive.  

     I fell asleep dreaming of better days. Days in which no one would be killed for taking fruit ever again.  I awakened the next day feeling a chill in the air. Strange, the weather was warm. Why should I be cold?

Find out more as the story continues in The Light of Day Part 3

Until then,

bye-bye, little owlets!

Summer out!