Miraculous Selection

Just When Things Were Starting To Work Out

Marinette's POV 

I caught myself thinking about the night Adrien and I kissed more often than I thought I would. It seemed like  a moment I could daydream about during an awkward dinner or a slow day at the palace. I could swear I felt something, I connection, a spark in a bear forest. 

It wasn't like Nathanael was completely gone. He still had a place in my heart. No matter how hard I tried, I sometimes felt guilty when I though of our kiss and him. 

Adrien was busy this week, again,  meetings and girls. There were now eight girls remaining. I never really minded that he spent time with other girls, never really cared. Until today.

Three days had passed since Adrien brought forward his feelings. It was a normal day in the Women's Room, when Finesse rushed in. 

"Eeeee!" She squealed, jumping up and down. "Prince Adrien kissed me."

Everyone gathered around her,  including me. "What happened?" 

"Oh, it was sooooo romantic." she gushed, tucking her chin into her chest.

Alya, by far, was the most enthusiastic of them all. "Tell us about it!"

"Oh, if I must." She fanned herself, and got comfortable on a couch. She acted like she was already the princess. I wanted to tell her that one kiss didn't mean she was winning. But I restrained myself.

"Last night, he took me up to the palace roof. We watched the sunset. I caught him staring at me, as he took my face in hands, and began teasing me. Then, as slow as it came, we kissed. It was passionate and determined at the same time." She giggled and sighed.

Chloe looked like she was going to strangle someone. Lila just nervously tapped her shoe. A couple of people had sad, confused looks on their faces. Alya, surprisingly, was very supportive. 

Finesse looked up and scanned our faces for our thoughts. She first looked at me. her happy expression then faltered. "Marinette, are you alright? You look ever so pale."

I bet I did. "I'm sorry... I'm very happy for you,Finesse. I just... I don't...I feel...I need some time alone." I stood up and left, walking as fast as I could. As I closed the door behind me, I broke into a run.

Was this what he thought of me? Practice? I thought. Whatever he did with Finesse, he had done with me. He teased me, he had taken my face in his hands, even his kiss was the same! Was he just using me to make sure he got it right? Did he think so low of me?

Annoyance filled in my heart, as I slowed down. I tried to calm myself down. Things were just starting to work out. This is all part of the selection, Marinette. He HAS to do this. He has no choice. He loves you. He wants you. The other girls are just toys. 

Just as my mind began to calm down, another question popped into my mind. If that was true, why wasn't this entire contest over?

My thoughts were interrupted by a gasp. I turned around to see someone familiar. Both hatred and love sprang into my heart.

Nathanael.

He was a guard here. So the draft took him after all. Of all the places he could have been, he's here. Wow. 

I turn around and whisk away as quickly as I could. Not quickly enough, apparently. 

"Mari?"

I turn, around. I plaster a smile on my face.

"Officer Kurtzberg." I said, nodding.

He looked confused, but only for a second. "Lady Marinette. How are you?"

"I'm fine. I'm well." I quickly said. "How are you?"

"Quite well as well." He said. "May I escort you to your room?"

No, absolutely not. Okay, that was half hearted. Of course I wanted him to escort me to my room.

Before I could answer, he picked me up, bridal style, and walked towards my room.

"What are you doing? What if someone sees us?" I hissed in his ear.

"I could simply them that you fell and I'm carrying you to your room for your maids to deal with." He said coolly.

As much as I hated to admitted it, I enjoyed being in his arms. When we got to our room, my maids weren't there. Huh. Where were they?

Before I could worry about anything, Nathanael placed me on my bed and ripped off the sheets both passionately and violently. 

He took my face and stared into my eyes, asking me the one question I did not know if I could answer. "Do you love him?"

One word came out of my mouth. "No."

He smashed my lips to his. Before I could even think of kissing back, his lips travelled to my jawline, to my neck.

"Nathanael..." I moaned. "What if someone sees? They'll kill you for doing this!"

He mumbled, "If I don't, I'll die anyway." 

I wanted to tell him to stop, to tell him that this isn't what I needed. But I knew that it would follow by guilt and regret.

Finally, he stopped, realizing that if he continued, their would be hell to pay. He chuckled, looking at my face. I didn't smile, nor did I return his happiness. He didn't seem to notice. 

"Goodnight, Lady Marinette." He said.

"Goodnight, Officer Kurtzberg." I sighed, wallowing in the mess I'd made.

Dun dun duuuuuuuuuh!!!!!

Nathanael is back to win Mari! And their seems to be a bump in Adrienette! What will happen? Will Adrien find out? Will their be an elimination? will Mari be sent away? Are their more pieces to this puzzle?

Read to find out!!!!! BYE!!!!!