Once Upon a Time: Miraculous Ladybug Royalty AU

Puppeteer

The next day was, of course, a celebration. After yesterday's attack it was only natural for the people to relax. Tents were pitched, games were played, and music rang out throughout the kingdom. And Marinette was watching it all from her window.

"For once I do something good for this kingdom and I don't get to go out and celebrate it with my people." She grumbled. Tikki flew over to her side and looked out, "You know you cannot reveal your identity at any cost. It's too dangerous." The kwami said. "I know I know but... it would be nice just to revel in it. Just a little."

Just then, Marinette had an idea "Well... Ladybug can't go out to the festivities, but... it would be completely natural for the princess to go out and greet her subjects! Congratulate them and- Oh! Oh! I can invite Prince Adrien along! F-for a carriage ride, a tour of the kingdom after all. If he's going to be a handsome- I mean helpful! Helpful ambassador, he should get to know the place after all."

Tikki smirked, "Yes, and I'm sure that's the only reason you would want him to come along."

Marinette grinned from ear to ear. A carriage ride with Adrien! She ran over to her closet and pulled out a dress, "Come on! I have to get ready."

-----

"Your Highness, it was very dangerous riding out here alone."

"Yes Madam Nathalie. I apologize."

"The head of the guard was with him as protection, but that's nothing...." Adrien heard Nino grumble behind him. It made him chuckle, but he quickly put on a straight face for Nathalie. She was his father's royal advisor, and she did not take diliquence lightly.

"Though your father has allowed you to stay here as ambassador for the time being, I will still be coordinating all of your activities while we are here."

"Yes Madam Nathalie."

"Now, you will still need to keep up your studies. Today will start with two hours practicing your foreign languages, then an hour of music lessons. After that there-" Nathalie was interrupted by a rapid series of knocks on the door, followed by a muffled, "Open it and announce me you fool!"

The door flew open to reveal a disheveled herald, who quickly jerked into a proper posture and said in a booming voice, "Presenting the Lady Chloe Bourgeois!"

A blonde girl in a yellow dress entered the room, her arms posed above her head as if she was a grecian statue. She broke this pose to jump at Adrien, leaping into his arms.

"Adrien, my darling dearest! It's so lovely to see you again after all these years!"

Adrien felt awkward with Chloe throwing herself at him, but he put on a smile, "Hello Chloe," He replied, "It's... been a while."

"Oh It has indeed!" Chloe said dramatically, still wrapping her arms around his neck, "I remember how close we were as young children before I was tragically swept out of your arms as my family was forced to move to this wretched kingdom!"

"If I recall it was your mother's demand to move here after she didn't get first dance with King Gabriel at the spring ball." Nathalie said stoically.

Chloe let go of Adrien to glare at her, "Oh. I see she hasn't been sent to the stocks yet." She snapped back to her smiling face as she faced Adrien again, "No matter! We will have such fun now! We will never be separated, just like the old days! We can go horseback riding, me hugging you-"

"P-Pardon me." A voice came from the doorway.

Once again the herald jumped, "Presenting her royal highness, Princess Marinette!"