Cinderella (Miraculous AU)

Chapter 3

Marinette walked with her best friend, Alya, to the stage for the announcement.

"What do you think is so important to have to announce like this?" Alya asked excitedly.

Marinette shrugged. "I'm not sure."

"Why'd they come?" Alya nodded at Chloe and Lila. "Last I checked, they only cared about their gowns and jewelry. When did they become excited about town announcements?"

Marinette laughed. "After the announcement, the King and Prince are riding by in their carriage to check in on everything. That's why."

"Of course. They can't pass up a chance to see Prince Adrikins!" Alya raised her voice into a high-pitched squeal for the last part.

Giggling, Marinette added, in the same voice, "Oh, my Prince Adriieen! Over here! I'm the perfect princess, don't you think?"

Alya burst into laughter. "That's exactly it!"

The two girls stopped as the town crier stepped onstage. He read through the paper in his hands and announced the King and Prince as their carriage rolled through the town.

"Wow! A royal ball! A masquerade!And we're all invited!" Alya said in awe.

"Yeah," Marinette sighed. "Too bad we're all invited." She stared in disgust as Lila and Chloe fought for the Prince's attention.

Alya followed her gaze. "Well. Even the Prince would have to realize how obnoxious they are."

Marinette scoffed. "He's probably full of himself and doesn't even care who his wife is as long as she's rich and pretty."

She sighed. "Even if he did care about a girl's personality, the King wouldn't let him choose just any townsgirl. We're probably invited just because! He'll end up marrying one of those princesses."

Alya laughed. "Except, he could be nice. Maybe he'd ask you to dance! You'd like that, wouldn't you?" She nudged Marinette.

Marinette rolled her eyes as the royal carriage got closer. She started to leave, but Alya grabbed her hand and started to pull her back.

"What, don't wanna see Prince Adrien?" Alya asked.

"No," Marinette frowned. "He wouldn't want to even see a girl like me. I'm just a baker's daughter."

"The best baker's daughter! Come on! You've got just as much of a chance as any princess coming to the ball! Don't tell me you won't go!"

"Even if I wanted to, Lila and Chloe would get Monsieur Bourgeois to make me stay and clean the kitchen, since even Chef Dubois will be at the palace, helping out! It'll only be me, so I'll have to make their lunch, and afternoon snacks and prepare the ingredients for breakfast the next morning, since Chef Dubois will be tired from the ball. I won't have time." She said.

"Yes you will! My mom will talk to Monsieur Bourgeois about how everyone is going to the ball. She'll say how the King expects every girl there for the Prince! He wouldn't be so cold-hearted to have you stay on such a big night!"

"Do you think it would work?" Marinette asked.

"Of course! If it doesn't, I'll just come and help you with your chores till you can come!"

"Alya, that's too much! I'm fine with not going." Marinette crossed her arms after Alya finally dragged her back to the crowd.

"We'll think of something, so don't you even think of not going!" Alya pulled one of Marinette's arms up into the air and waved it around.