The Nutcracker Prince

Chapter 1

Snow, beautiful white snow fell from the sky and on to the ground, making the city of Paris look like a winter wonderland. Marinette smiled as she watched snow from her window. She loved Paris at Christmas time.

"Marinette!" Her mother called. "Are you ready? We're leaving in ten minutes."

"Oh no! I lost track of time."

Marinette rushed to her closet and pulled out her out fit. It was a red dress with black spots along the skirt. She slipped on a pair of white tights and black mary-janes. She undid her pigtails, then tied a black ribbon into her hair. Once she was dressed, she grabbed her bag and rushed downstairs to meet her parents.

"Oh mother, you look so beautiful." Marinette said.

"Thank you Darling. And you look beautiful too. Now let's get going." Sabine said.

They got in the carriage and off they went. Her father was a very popular baker, so he had been hired by Andre Bourgeois to cater his Christmas Eve party. And as a special thank you, Sabine and Marinette had been invited to the Christmas Eve party and Christmas breakfast.

"Tom, thank goodness." Andre said when they arrived. "I was beginning to worry."

"Don't worry sir. I'll have the food made in no time." Tom said.

"And thank you for inviting us." Sabine added.

"You're welcome. The party is just down the hall. Enjoy."

Sabine and Marinette went to the room down the hall. Inside it was the largest Christmas tree Marinette had ever seen. It was illuminated by candles and glittering ornaments. All the adults were just sitting and talking while the children were playing games and trying to peek at their wrapped up gifts.

"Now Marinette mind your manners and behave."

"Yes mother."

She went to meet with her friend Alya.

"Isn't this incredible?" Alya asked.

"Yes, the tree is beautiful and look at all those gifts."

"Everyone gets one."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I wonder what mine will be."

"Alya." A voice called. It was Nino, a good friend of Marinette's who had a crush on Alya. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas Nino."

"I got you a gift."

"For me?"

"Hold out your hand."

He fashioned a poinsettia corsage on to her wrist.

"It's beautiful. Thank you."

Sweet music started to play, all the ladies and gentlemen paired up to dance.

"Care to dance?" Nino asked Alya.

"I would love too."

He offered his arm and she took it, then the two of them began to dance. A red haired boy named Nathaniel came up to Marinette.

"Would you like to dance?" He asked.

"I would-"

"Out of my way!" Pushing her aside was Andre's spoiled daughter Chloe. "I will not be the only one not dancing at my own party." She grabbed Nathaniel's arm and pulled him away to make her dance with him.

Poor Marinette, there just weren't enough boys. She sighed as she sat down to watch everyone dance and laugh.

"Need a partner?" Tom volunteered.