Cinderella (Miraculous AU)

Chapter 5

"News? What is it?" Marinette said excitedly.

"Your father and I have been invited to prepare desserts for the masquerade!" her mother exclaimed.

"We'll be staying at the palace until the ball is over. How great is that?" Her father beamed. "The King wanted us to help make the sweets everyone will taste at the ball!"

Marinette grinned. "Mother, Papa, that's amazing! When do we leave?"

"Oh, that's what we had to talk to you about," her mother's eyebrows creased worriedly. "We leave tomorrow morning. Just your father and me. We tried, honey, to have them let us bring you along."

"Apparently," her father's voice boomed. "Those attending the masquerade can't see the preparations or whatnot. Ridiculous!"

Marinette's shoulder's sagged. "So," she gulped. "I'll have to run the bakery myself while you're gone?"

"Unfortunately," her mother sighed. "However, you're old enough, and very responsible!" She added.

Marinette rolled her eyes and laughed. "You seemed to think differently this morning."

"We really do trust you, Marinette. I know this isn't the best, but I know you can do it!"

Marinette sighed. "Okay, but business will be slower, since I'll have to close early to go to the Bourgeois mansion."

"We know you can do it." Her mother said encouragingly.

"And," her father added. "Since you'll have to get ready for the ball without us, we're leaving behind some money for you to buy a dress with."

"Get ready with Alya," her mother said. "And be careful! Don't get involved with strangers. Who knows what could happen!"

Marinette's eyes widened as she remembered her earlier encounter with the prince. Technically, he was a stranger.

She quickly say said, "Mom, Papa, you should know me better than that!" She waved a hand in dismissal. "As if I'm that... irresponsible." She felt sweaty from lying.

"Of course, sweetie, just making sure. Now," her mother reached out and squeezed her shoulders. "Promise me you'll look your best at the masquerade?"

Marinette put a hand on her mother's reassuringly. "I promise."

"Alright. Dinner's ready for you on the table - your father and I will be packing."

"Okay." Marinette watched as her parents disappeared into their room and breathed a sigh of relief.

They hadn't found out how she'd just met the prince, but she'd just found out she'd have to run the bakery while they were gone. By herself. Until the ball.

Marinette walked over to the table and ate quietly, lost in her own thoughts. She'd go shopping with Alya tomorrow. That would give her a chance to find an idea for her dress. And find a mask, too.

Since she'd made the cake for Chloe and Lila already she wouldn't have to go to the Bourgeois mansion. Since she'd be out of the house a lot, the bakery hours would have to be shortened.

Marinette sighed as she put away her dishes, and went outside for a bit of fresh air. She looked around; there wasn't many people out, and the last sliver of sun slipped below the horizon.

Lady was lying out near the edge of the road, looking up at the lightly falling snow.

"Lady, come on inside," Marinette called, walking over to her. A carriage approached quickly, and didn't look like it was going to stop for anyone.

Just as Lady walked back inside, an old man started crossing the road with the carriage rapidly getting closer.

"Hey! Look out!" Marinette yelled and pulled the man to the other side of the road seconds before the carriage zoomed by.

"Are you okay? You should be more careful!" Marinette exclaimed.

"I'm fine. Thank you, young lady. Thank you." The old man smiled up at her.

"It's nothing. I'm just glad no one got hurt," Marinette smiled. "Have a good night!" She waved as the man walked away.

That was close!  Marinette thought, and headed back inside to her room.

When she got upstairs, Marinette started to take off her cloak and felt something heavy in the pocket.

"What's this?" Marinette questioned, pulling out a small black box.

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't updated in a while, I didn't think this was a great story so I haven't been writing...but someone asked when I'm going to update and I thought, wow, people want to read this?? So I'll try to update more often, I guess! Have a great day! :)