Cinderella (Miraculous AU)

Chapter 2

Adrien stood looking out at the snowy blanket that covered the fields in front of the castle.

Invitations were just mailed out to all of the kingdom, and the town crier was just sent to announce the news in the market as well.

Adrien sighed and turned to the door to leave.

King Agreste has always been distant. Adrien would always try and impress him - royal duties, putting up with wearing all the fancy clothes his dad traded from some other kingdoms, hunting, acting "princely".

But, the King didn't give so much as give a reassuring smile to Adrien once. King Agreste - Gabriel Agreste, - was always off making treaties with other kingdoms and countries, and all the other important duties the king had.

I should try and talk to him about this whole ball. Maybe I can convince him to cancel it - there won't be anyone I'll like there, anyway. Just the usual fake smiles and frilly dresses.

Adrien sighed. 

"Your majesty," a servant knocked on the door. "Your carriage awaits."

"Yes," Adrien responded. "Of course."

He stole another glance at the snow globe outside. Blank, empty. Predictable. Just like his life.

He opened the door and nodded at the servant before following him down to the front doors. The king sat in the carriage expectantly, wrapped in fine furs and fabrics to keep warm.

"Ah, son," King Agreste nodded, beckoning Adrien forward into the carriage. As Adrien sat down, the king continued, "Ready for the village, I suppose? I do hope you practiced your etiquette yesterday - I was truly embarrassed when you forgot to bow and shake hands with the King of India last time."

How usual of you, Adrien thought bitterly as he sat in the carriage seat across from his father. To immediately mention my past mistakes and not my recent accomplishments.

"Yes, Father," Adrien said. "I practiced with Nino."

"Oh," King Agreste frowned. "I just hope you did practice and not, perhaps, ruin the Chef's pastries again? That was a mess."

Adrien scowled at the crown in his hands. Why must he always be like this?

The king's eyebrows creased in empathy for a moment before motioning to the crown.

"Now, son, why don't you put on your crown? You are the prince after all. You need to look the part to attract the nice ladies in town - and, might I mention, some princesses from around the world!" He nudged Adrien playfully, only earning him an irritated look as Adrien begrudgingly put on his crown.

"Ahem." The King coughed slightly and looked up at the passing scenery.

"Almost in town," called the driver. "Little bumpy today, innit? Supposed to snow again later tonight. Goin' to be real icy tomorrow, eh, Natalie?"

Natalie, the King's advisor and assistant simply shrugged coldly.

"Right, then... " the driver shrugged as if to say, your loss.

"Er, Father?" Adrien glanced up at the king. "I was just wondering if there'd be any way to, uh..."

"A prince speaks in a strong, clear voice." The king said sternly.

"Right." Adrien sighed frustratedly. "Would there be any way to cancel the ball?"

Natalie choked on the tea she'd been sipping on.

"If I may, your highness," She practically interrupted. "Cancellation of the ball now simply wouldn't do! All the invitations have been sent, the ballroom thoroughly cleaned, every dish inspected and tasted for the enjoyment of the guests! And not to mention the carriages! Why, it'd take days to even..."

She trailed off in a long list of preparations that would have been "for nothing".

The king looked seriously at Adrien as Natalie rambled on.

"And why, exactly, might we do that?" He questioned.

"Well Father," Adrien began. "I don't need a queen, or even love in my life yet at all! Shouldn't I be with you, travelling the world, meeting the grand dukes and dutchesses? Practicing my Chinese and French for once? Maybe I could even make some friends - real ones. And besides, Mother disappeared and you're still a great king, aren't you? You don't need a queen to rule-"

"Enough!" King Agreste cut him off. Adrien stared, startled. "What happened to me, will not happen to you, Adrien, I can assure you that! You do not speak of your mother that way, or at all, for that matter! The ball is going to  happen, and that's that!"

Adrien scowled in anger and his voice rised.

"Father, that just isn't fair, if you'd just listen to me for once, maybe you'd -"

"Don't tell me what's fair and what isn't, Adrien! Enough on this subject. By the end of the next month, you will be married and beginning your rule as King."

"That isn't - ugh!" Adrien crossed his arms and sat in furious silence.

The king pursed his lips and looked out at the town buildings approaching while Natalie and the driver cleared their throats awkwardly and sat quietly.

As they neared the center of town, the town crier started to announce the royal news.

"Hear ye, hear ye! It is with great pleasure for me to announce that there shall be a royal ball- a masquerade - on the 6th night of the last week of this month. Prince Adrien Agreste shall be choosing his bride to be on that night. All the ladies of age in this town are cordially invited and shall receive their invitations by sundown. Princesses near Paris have been informed as well, and many important figures shall be visiting. That is why it is of utmost importance to dress as nicely as possible for those attending the ball. I believe that is -"

The man pauses to look down at the paper in his hands before continuing. "It should be known that if any children are attending," he gives a pointed look at a group of giggling kids. "They are to leave their...pets at home, to prevent actions such as those at the last ball."

He coughs as the children burst into laughter. "Well, now I welcome King Agreste and Prince Adrien as they ride through town. That is all." He steps down from the stage and into the bustling crowd.

Adrien sighed at all the girls squealing and waving as they passed.

"Adrien, son, didn't you say you practiced? With that Nino boy?"

King Agreste smiled and waved at the crowd as he spoke, but it wasn't a real one. It never was. It was always fake, plastered on. No feeling or warmth in it.

Adrien forced a smile and lifted his arm with great effort to wave at the passing girls. He saw a blonde and brunette that looked particularly determined to get his attention.

"Prince Adrien, Adrien! Chloe, move over!" The brunette yelled over the crowd.

"Over here, my Prince Adrikins! You move, Lila, I'm trying to -" The blonde, supposedly named Chloe called.

"Who said he's yours anyway? He could be mine!" Lila shouted.

"Could be, but won't!" Chloe retorted.

Adrien's smile faltered as he saw them. Neither of you, he thought.

Noticing his somewhat disgusted look, Lila and Chloe smiled broadly and waved.

"Hellooo!!" They giggled.

Adrien nodded at them before looking away at anything but them. He then noticed a brownish-reddish haired girl pulling the arm of a raven-haired girl at the edge of the crowd.

She seemed to be dragging her to the crowd while the other girl resisted. She finally let her friend pull her to the crowd and crossed her arms. Her friend took one of her arms and waved it in the air like she was a doll.

The raven-haired girl laughed and pulled her arm away from her friend's grasp. Her friend suddenly pointed at Adrien as she noticed he was looking at them. The raven-haired girl blushed and shook her head.

Adrien smiled and a short laugh escaped his lips.

Maybe the masquerade wouldn't be so boring.