His Queen

Chapter 20

Adrien and I walk into the classroom and I feel like a thousand eyes are burning into my skull.  I sit down and quietly wait for the teacher. My mind wanders back to the dangers that await us in the future. The great evil my ancestors defeated centuries ago is coming back.; and I'm the only one who can defeat the darkness. 

"Attention everyone," says the teacher, "there is a field trip for this unit. We are going to Egypt during the summer. Ms. Ishtar, would you be so kind as to be our guide on this trip?" She smiles.

I nod, not knowing what had just happened. All I know is that everyone I know will be in great danger; I must protect them and if I have to sacrifice my life for theirs, then so be it. 

~Adrien's POV~

Iris seems tense, almost wary and cautious about everything around her. Right now, we're sitting in the park with Nino and Alya. --Marinette is avoiding all of us since that day at Chloe's birthday party. Iris isn't speaking to any of us, and it's worrying me; she isn't even looking at us when we try to converse with her.

~Time skip~

We get home and Iris walks to her room and shuts the door. It feels like I've done something wrong, like a part of me is missing. I go to my room and throw my bag onto my bed.

Plagg flies out of my bag and says, "Kid, you okay?"

I groan, "Plagg, I don't understand. Why is Iris avoiding me? Did I do something wrong?" I hang my head.

"Adrien, listen, Iris has been through a lot,  she's going through this thing called 'the awakening'. It's rare for any miraculous holder to go through,  but all I can say is that things are gonna be different. And with her being from Egypt,  it makes things a little difficult for her going through the phase." He pauses. "But, trust me, kid, she'll come around."

"What's the awakening'?" Maybe if I know more about this phase, I'll be able to help her.

"It's when a miraculous holder becomes one with the kwami. There are periods when she'll act more like a wolf. Like protective, territorial, clingy, she'll growl or try to bite if threatened. But, she'll also go through many mood swings and eventually she'll become more powerful than ladybug, she'll be the strongest miraculous holder ever to live."

"When was the last time something like this happened?" This piqued my interest.

"5,000 years ago. It was in Egypt,  it happened with me and my former holder. He was very powerful, but he gave into the destruction. And he died. He almost took me with him until Ladybug came around. She saved me." He looks lovestruck.

*Iris's POV*

My tears stain the pillow I am holding. Fang has been trying to comfort me, but I don't want him to for some reason. Lately,  I've been going through a lot of mood swings and I'm avoiding everyone, including Adrien. I feel terrible for not speaking to him, but I feel like if I distance myself,  he won't get hurt. But, right now, I need him here with me; this longing is strong, but I stay where I am in the deepest corner of my room. 

I sniffle. "Fang, can you go get Adrien, I need him," I murmur.

He nods and flies into the vent; a few seconds later, Adrien barges through the door and searches the room. I'm suddenly very scared of him, even though I have no reason to be. This isn't like me. What is going on?

His beautiful emerald eyes lock with mine. He takes long strides to get to me; he kneels and smiles a small smile. My heart pounds in my chest, just like the first time I laid eyes on him. His gaze drapes over me like a weighted blanket,  and it comforts me, makes me feel safe. He scoots closer to me and I tense up, ready to run at any given moment. His fingers lightly brush over my cheek, soothing away all bad vibes.

As soon as I relax, he finally says, "Baby, I am here for you, I don't plan on ever leaving your side. Please, say something, Iris." His eyes beg me to speak.

But, my throat is locked so tight I can barely breathe, let alone speak. I just stare at him and tell him with my eyes that I'm scared. Hopefully, he sees it. Wait, Fang said I can telepathically talk to him. So maybe he can understand, it's worth a try I suppose.

I attempt to take a deep breath and send my voice into his mind.

Adrien, if you can hear me, I need you to know that I never wanted to avoid you and the group. It's just... I'm so terrified of what is to come. And with the field trip coming up, that worries me even more. I don't want anyone to get hurt. I'm sorry for not being able to talk to you. I just don't want to lose you.

Hopefully, it worked. Adrien's eyes widen, telling me that he heard me a moment ago.

"Was that you?"

I nod.  Yes, it hurts to talk right now physically, so I'm using telepathy with you. I know you're freaked out by it but please just understand this. I'm going to do whatever it takes to keep you and everyone else safe. Including sacrificing my own life.

"Iris, no. We're in this together. We're a team, no more Solo. Remember?" He grips my hands in his, sensing shockwaves of affection through my entire body.

I nod. Very well, just don't get yourself killed, please. I can't afford to lose you. 

He chuckles. "You can't get rid of me that easy, purrinces."

I mentally facepalm and giggle.  What am I going to do with you, Agreste?

He picks me up bridal style and carries me to my bed, he hovers over my body and gently kisses me. My body is sent into hyperdrive, everything is suddenly on fire, a pleasant warmth I haven't felt in a while; his soft lips against mine taste like pure bliss, almost heavenly, addictive at least.

He whispers against my mouth, "You can just love me and never let me go."

I roll my eyes. I already planned on never letting you go, my love.