The grand clock worked today too. Along with the silence that followed, I could hear the sound of fathers’ steps as he went down the stairs, followed by the repeated sound of chopping wood. Mother had a difficult time waking up in the morning, which is why father made sure to always prepare the kitchen, and when mother would finally fight her own eyelids from shutting down once more the smell of fresh bread would arrive through the door, and I knew I had no choice but to wake up.

“Dear, do you wish for coffee or tea with the macarons?” Mother approaches kissing me on the cheek, herself holding a cup of coffee to stay awake for the taxing day of work.

“Coffee!” not that I especially enjoyed the beverage. It’s just I did not wish to burden her further, there was already coffee in the pot, and that I would drink.

“Are you sure? Macarons ask for well-made tea, your father knows this well.” And that he knew. From the time he met mother the only thing he inherited were Dupain’s recipes, a gift of parting from grandmother.

They were a low-ranked barony, yet grandfather would never allow a Dupain to marry a daughter of a foreign merchant. What an idiot he must be! My family never needed a title or luxury, we had our love for each other, and the recipe for the most scrumptious macarons high society had ever tasted.

“Are you headed somewhere dear?” Inquired father, placing a mug of tea before me. I looked disapprovingly and equally thankful. Tea was best served with macarons after all.

“Alya had planned to check out the market early with me as I will have to help you in the afternoon.” That was not the entire truth but they did not need to know the secrets between young ladies.

Mother looked into father’s eyes before looking at me with worry “Sweetie, we know you intend to help and we are very thankful. But just today what we really wish is for you to rest.” Or maybe they can’t spare to make a mess of things today, as I often am prone to.

“In that case, I will stay by Alya the whole day.” That would give me more time to complete today’s plans.

...ꕥ...

“Marinette, are you sure the lord would fall for such a trick?” Alya inquired for the 100th time. My dearest friend's family sold cloth, from the most trivial to rare ones used in expensive garments, but she was clueless about the inner workings of love.

“I am sure I have told you this story before!” And I knew I had, but this market was such a special place. I could not resist talking about how my parents met.

“Indeed, every chance you get you have told me about it.” Alya had a grin from ear to ear, she complained but this was a story worth a play.

“So you probably know in this very market, my mother’s family had a stall…” I looked into the street where various vendors arrived to set up their goods.

“That sold all kinds of foreign goods…” She continued the story we both knew at the tip of our tongues.

“And my father was of nobility looking for new opportunities of trade to be made. He had to impress my grandfather…” In reality, that old man was nothing to mine, he was simply the villain of this fairytale.

“In the end, it was love at first sig-” she suddenly stopped walking, fixing her gaze on a familiar guy.

“And for you too it will work out.” I smiled at her face, truly my friend had not only fallen, she had crumbled. Nino Lahiffe had lived close by our whole lives and she, well, had always let him live in her heart. But with the approaching debutante, they had to be together fully. Or else it would be 2o years of longing for nothing.

“I am telling you just to pretend to faint. Instantly, he will save you and soon you will be wed.” It seemed she should read more novels, especially romantic ones, that would teach her about such simple matters.

“That might be true for most lords, but Lord Lahiffe has never minded any such manoeuvres from other ladies.” Alya looked at me with kind eyes, not seeming even a bit convinced of my knowledge.

“Alya! He is still a lord in the end, you just have to do a little spin and then-” I had told her to wear heels so she would have an excuse but she was wearing flats. However, and most importantly underneath her feet was a flyer showing the image of the future grand duke.

“Mari, I appreciate your effort. But walking in a street market with heels sounded like torture…” Alya continued to explain herself but I had to pick up the flyer.

“Oh, the Almighty Agreste! Do you still collect journal clippings of his face?” My friend looked at me disapprovingly.

“No! Not only from the journal but also fliers and drawings.” If only I could meet him, would he also admire me?

“People like that would not spare a glance. They detest people like us.” She seemed genuine, and her tone made me uneasy.

“But my father did not!” That was right my father loved before anything.

“You know your father is not at all like a typical lord of noble birth.” She shook her head as if telling me I was being naive.

“There is always the possibility he is also like my father. Maybe he will like me, he will see me before his title!” I dreamed one day he would love me, just like in the novels I had read.

“I do not know much, Marinette.” She sighed “But all I know is you cannot choose who fancies you. You can only choose to fancy someone. So that is what I will do.” Alya looked resolute, ready to end or begin a war.

I envied that side of her.

“So no swooning?” I inquired half-jokingly.

“Not a sliver of swooning! Simply me telling someone that I care about how much I care about them.” Her eyes moved frantically in his way and I knew I had to let her go.

“What will I do the rest of the day?” I asked automatically.

“Were you not going to help your parents?” That is right I was.

“Oh right, I forgot!” she nodded, waving me goodbye, it was very plausible of me to forget. Wandering around it is! As I sense, my presence is unwanted around the bakery’s stall.

...ꕥ...

Around me, vendors boasted about their trade, and people from all standings gathered at this festival. It was held yearly, precisely a week before the debutante. You see, it is most important for business. Instead of fortune, my biggest dream would be to fall in love here, but all I have got is a folded piece of paper in my pouch.

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng.” A voice called in the distance, it belonged to a vendor sitting by a run-down table with trinkets all around it. I could ignore the situation, but what harm could it cause?

“How are you so sure that is my name?” Maybe this person had gone previously to the bakery or somehow knew my parents.

“What makes you so sure I do not know?” I could not read the person’s expression as it was covered behind a veil.

“Simply, I do not recall ever knowing you.” Although everything around seemed weathered by time, including the figure speaking, the goods were clean and shiny.

“Do you like what you see? I will give you a pair of earrings free of charge if you answer me and I am pleased with the answer.” The voice spoke monotonously, I do not doubt it is some kind of entity rather than a human.

“Isn't that too ambiguous, won’t you try to charge me a fortune later?” I asked the creature. Imagine it was a fae or a troll, they could chase me my whole life!

“No dear, I do not want anything of yours that has monetary value.” Then it must be a demon. In no time, it will require my blood or soul.

“Will you harm me later then?” I need to be prepared to run in case it shows me its fangs.

“I also do not seek to harm you.” I know it is incredibly unwise, but I conceded.

“Ask away then.”

“If I give you these earrings will you wear them at the grand ball?” The creature seemed almost worried I would say no.

“I do not see why not, they seem precious.” And they were beautiful, half-round beads that reflected the light. Much nicer than anything I could buy.

“Right! Do you consider what goes in your heart precious?” Now that was weird

“Do you mean my feelings? Of course.” It shook its head in agreement.

“Now tell me, would you call someone’s feelings, whether it be profound sadness or rage, precious?” Was it trying to recruit me into some kind of new world religion? That had happened before.

No, it did not feel the same.

“That is indeed a good question, in a certain way it is precious, you are alive after all. In other ways not much so. I would say they need to be felt but that does not mean they are pleasant. A person is not less or weak because they feel so… they are just human.” I answered as best as my knowledge would go.

“Young lady, your future is bright. I hope you will hold up to your values when life gives you hardship.” It handed me the jewels directly in the palm of my hand, not sparing any more words after that.

The earrings didn’t seem immediately cursed. Later I should get it checked, as long as a mage could verify it was not harmful, they shall make me shine at the grand ball. A few risks for a perfect debutante ball would certainly be worth it. Maybe this was a blessing that could even charm a prince… or a future grand duke.

...ꕥ...

It was dawn, the time secret lovers meet, and food sells the best. And I was already tired of walking around listening to petty gossip. I had gathered a few treasures today, maybe it was time to go home. Normally I would come home empty-handed, but this year I had gained shiny new earrings, a flyer and a journal article. They announced the appearance of Adrien Agreste for the first time in high society. I had begged a lady to let me take just that part of her daily read.

Alya did not try to find me after the morning, which meant everything must have gone perfectly well. Concerning my parents, I had walked past them once or twice, and they were doing just fine without me.

“Lady, can you help me for a few seconds?” A tall figure approached, covered in a robe from head to toe, the roads were full and he did not seem particularly threatening, but he was still a stranger.

“Lord, with all due respect I would prefer to know what it is you want first.” He glanced at something behind me. A combination of the dim light of the street lamps, loose light from the stalls and his dark clothing made it difficult to make out his features.

“I am sorry in advance.” He covered my mouth, not too firmly. His face, was close, just enough for it to seem he was kissing me. All I could make out from the proximity was blond shiny hair peeking through and his face covered by a sort of mask, resembling a black cat.

As soon as he saw some kind of sign he backed off, starting to walk away. “Once again I am sorry… and deeply grateful! I hope if we meet again I can thank you in a better manner.” Just as he arrived he attempted to leave.

“Come, I can help you!” I reached out to take hold of his arm. “It is time for you to be deeply grateful, so much so that you can only pay with diamonds.” For some reason I felt the need to help this stranger, he was no Adrien but in the end, I wanted to do something kind tonight.

Who would ever help a stranger who did not even disclose their name?

Me, apparently. Maybe he was some kind of lunatic. No, I must have been the one out of my mind. Although, now we were close to one another in a dark and humid tunnel so he didn't seem half as bad, just… too quiet.

“Can you say something?” I inquired to break the silence. He seemed focused on traversing to the other side. Slightly put off by the enclosed space.

“I am sorry to tell you, but the lady has been pretty rude.” Said the nameless stranger struggling to hold on to our only source of light.

“Who was the rude one first? Lord… Chat.” Had he erased his past actions out of his mind?

“There you go again. Let us just get this over with.” He walked slowly, trying to balance not hitting his head on the ceiling and stepping away from mice.

“Lord Chat.” He looked behind to where I was “I do not know your circumstances, and equally I do not understand why I am helping you. So let’s make peace.” I smiled at him hoping for this to be over soon.

“Lady without manners, you threaten me into this situation.” I could not make out his expression, but he was about right.

“Oh please, I was just bluffing.” Was I on some kind of spell, why did I do that?

“You said you were going to scream if I did not accompany you.” Lord Chat shook his head in disapproval as he got to the end of the tunnel.

“For your own good!” I said jokingly but he did not find it amusing.

“Right, then care to explain why we are in such a dark place?” He looked around as if this was new to him.

“Interesting.” How could he not know about the tunnels that ran beneath the village?

“Did you listen to me?” Indeed, it all fit right into place, his physique was of someone who probably didn't work a day in his life.

“They will come soon.” My voice is like a whisper, ambiguous in a way to assess his knowledge of the forest.

“Are you attempting to scare me?” I laughed at his question.

This forest had another name far in the past, related to those we rarely see. The almighty ones we could never relate to, with the power to smith us with a flick of a finger. Now the locals refer only to the natural lights, “Will O’Wisp”. Although most knew they were just fireflies, mystery keeps the working people alive.

“What is this?” For some reason, I found his surprise endearing. Did he live behind a boulder all his life? “Is this sorcery? Are you a witch?” He took two steps back and I did the same towards him.

“How I wish being a witch was that easy. These are fireflies!” The older people would probably react the same.

“How does fire fly?” As he inquired innocently, I could not hide my smile.

“Oh dear. Insects! Little beings, often confused with magic fire.” He seemed truthful, so I explained carefully.

“I knew that.” Lord Chat seemed to stand straighter than before in an attempt to hide embarrassment.

“Sure, you did. And I am the queen!” I conceded, amused at the scene.

A noble or a foreigner, for sure. Which one? That was up to me to find out.

...ꕥ...

We had been walking for a while in silence, I guided him through that familiar path out of the forest, where people lived and he could hide easily.

Who had I helped? So far, despite my attempts, nothing I asked had a positive response. If he was a royal of some sort he could compensate me for this, maybe even get me into the court as a dressmaker. Oh, how lovely that would be…

“The Lord is not from here right?” I shot at him hoping for a moment of weakness. That feeling that I had uncovered his mask.

“If you mean to say I live in such a place, then the answer is no.” He didn't even pause. Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out from his voice if he had not understood or if he was deliberately throwing my question off.

“So… are you not human then?” I pressed further, hoping for a reaction.

“How did you arrive at that conclusion?” He appeared to be unbothered.

“That.” I pointed at his strange attire “The rude way you speak.” I stared at him frantically trying to clean the mud out of his shoes “Everything about you really.”

“No, that is entirely not true. Let's say I am a foreigner.” As he looked at me, he didn't seem sure. Who was he really?

“Which country?” I quizzed hoping for a quick answer or a lie.

“Spain!” This time he seemed sure, and figuring out lies from the truth was difficult.

“Sure, Spain! So tell me more. What is the name of your king?” Did I know the answer either? No. But that was not the point, what I needed was a moment of hesitation. A clear lie. Something. Anything, that told me more about him.

“Um… Filipe.” He glanced everywhere but at my eyes. I caught him!

“You are not from Spain, are you?” With confidence I asked, hoping for a sliver of truth from him.

“Lady, I cannot tell you where I am from.” Once again, he had not answered. In honesty, I was tired from the day walking around the fair and this crazy ordeal I had gotten myself into.

Perhaps, sometimes you ought to wield.

“I guess that is fair! Could you at least explain why you are running? After we have been through all of this together, do I not even deserve to know that?” His face formed into a frown.

“Let me see. Do you read?” What kind of question was that? I felt the urge to be contrarian.

“Who do you think I am?” I shot back at him.

“You do?” His genuine surprise was even more aggravating.

“You are for sure a noble.” Using noble as an insult was not very common, but for me it sure was. And when he was at a loss for words, seemingly offended, then it surely became one.

“Okay, got it! So you know those princesses who are stuck in a tower and one day they escape.” This time he didn't ask.

“I am familiar with fairytales, yes.” I retorted.

“So you know, they are never truly let go. There will always be someone trying to catch them.” I could more or less understand what he was saying. What was more baffling was the use of a fairytale for that.

“I see. So are you a prince?” I asked jokingly, but a Lady could take some help in her career. Somehow, this does not make me ashamed. What is the use of talent and pride, without a job?

“How could that be what you take from my story?” His voice hinted at nervousness.

“It could be useful to know.” Suddenly I stopped, to wait for his answer.

“I am not.” He answered in defeat.

I stared at him for a bit trying to assess the situation. “Can you get to safety from here?”

He looked around trying to determine his location “That bakery. I know this bakery.”

“Huh. How come?” Unknowingly I had led him right to my home, familiarity is dangerous. I had forgotten there was a stranger sneaking up with me today.

“It's useful to know you have such a covert way to get here. The Lady probably does not care for it, however, my mother loved the macarons from here. ” His voice was laced with something new. Sadness, probably. But how would I know for sure? Oh, for the love of the goddess! I should not be curious.

“In my totally unbiased opinion, they are the best in the whole city.” I said to break the atmosphere.

“That I am not sure.” He grinned at my sudden resolve about baked goods.

“Oh, but I am.” Even after 21 years not once had I refused to eat my parent’s food. There was no better bakery.

“Alright then, you seem like an expert.” It seemed like he did not want to pick a fight. He was probably also tired, wishing to soon be back home.

“Far from it.” Right, I should draw the line here. “Then it’s time for farewells.” Whoever this person was, we did not belong to the same place.

“Is there any way to thank you?” The Lord glanced confused at my silence after that. It all boiled to that. I had helped and it came with a reward. Yeah, I should be thankful. “We could hold a meeting later, so you have time to decide.”

“That would be perfect.” A grin escaped me at the thought “Leave a letter at this bakery, I know the people who own it.” In part it was not a lie, they are my parents. Naturally, they are people that I know.

“Lady.” He bowed “It was most pleasant to have you assist me. I will be sure to pay you back.” It seemed to me he waited for me to bow back.

“Lord Chat.” I conceded, bowing back clumsily “I am happy I could help you. Let us say farewell on a good note. I hope you make it back to safety.” And somehow after this short meeting.

I meant it.

He walked away. Soon, his coat mixed with the night. I felt as if he had never been real, maybe I had hallucinated. The late-night breeze hit my skin, cold and empty. I hoped he would send a letter, but more than that his company.

I was crazy! A strange lord, running away from the law. Most likely. Wearing doubtful clothing and yet I felt like we could be friends. How stupid. Never trust any man, except for Adrien Agreste! I remembered, reaching for the journal clipping I had stored a few hours before.

Standing outside of that same wooden door, the place I occupied was so familiar.

It took unusual courage for the sound of the bell to echo through the shop.

Today her parents were out of town, going out to search for new products.

Oh gosh, will she reprimand me for my imprudence last night?

We never keep secrets. I will tell her either way.

“Alya?” I went into the back, passing by the frills, and flowers, so carefully curated by Lord Césaire. Not that he particularly loved decorating, but he loved Lady Césaire so he helped as much as he was able. That included making pretty pink bows.

“Mari?” She answered from the corner of the room, covered in lace and thread. The table before her seemed chaotic.

“Let me guess, Baroness Rambert found you yesterday at the fair.” she nodded, head buried in her hands. “Was it the sleeves this time, was it a millimetre longer than she asked? Or did she find a single loose thread in her bonnet?” I inquired, knowing well the clientele at Césaire Boutique was tough.

“Sometimes I wish sewing came as natural to me as it did to you. I would much rather bake all day.” Her eyes pleaded for help, and I located a stool I could use to sit beside her.

“Give it to me.” I put my hand out, and she handed me a bonnet “So it was the bonnet.” The Rambert Barony was Neuve Rich, so the Baroness felt a sense of responsibility to remain perfect and intact. The lady was never mean, just strict, and the only boutique she trusted was the one she had used all her life.

I inspected not finding much wrong with it. It was probably done by Lady Césaire, the finishing was perfect, but my friend’s skill did not get there yet.

Alya noticed my confusion, offering an explanation “Oh, the lace is too blue. What does that mean Mari? The Baroness asked for a blue lace!” Alya scrambled through multiple different shades of blue lace, seemingly defeated.

“Can you tell me which colour she was wearing yesterday?” High society’s trends changed as much as the wind. But I was always ahead.

“Blue!” Alya exclaimed.

“Question, did it seem like a more purplish tone?” I asked, almost sure of the mistake.

“Yes…” She answered unsure as to what I meant by that.

“Then it was Periwinkle!” I said confidently, sorting through the mountain of lace. While Alya stared at me in doubt. “Walking through the market for hours, you start seeing a pattern.” I shrugged her suspicions off.

“High Society is so weird, what is the difference between a baby blue and a periwinkle?” She asked, clearly frustrated at the baroness.

“The difference is that one the queen has not worn and the other she has.” Alya stared at me and then appeared to have accepted this was it, helping me in the search for periwinkle lace.

ꕥ

This was a usual occurrence. Running around the store, finding colours and textures. Solutions to problems even. On days exactly like this one, sunny yet not too warm, she would tell me about Nino Lahiffe, and the incredibly great of a Lord he had become. That was in the past it seemed.

After yesterday’s events this lack of gushing about him was quite weird.

“Alya, are you planning on killing me with suspense?” I asked out of nowhere, unable to hold the curiosity anymore, while she reached for a flowery pattern in the last drawer.

“I did not mean it to be this way.” She sighed, clearly also bothered by something “Mari, besides having asked the Lord out…” She stopped when a smile formed.

“Whatever could be so weird you don’t even want to tell me about it?” I probably knew her better than my own self. This was incredibly suspicious behaviour.

“Well the Lord had to go after some time, and he told me something quite shocking.” She looked behind, showing me an expression of terror.

“Alya, are you making fun of me?”

“Partly, but it was shocking. I will tell you and only you.” she made a pause for impact. Oh, how I hated her and loved her at the same time. “Apparently, the lord who accompanied him was some kind of foreign royalty.”

“Now you are actually making up stories.”

“Did you not notice?” She climbed down the stairs with the patterned cloth.

Alya seemed serious.

“How did I miss this opportunity? You should have told me immediately!” I helped her by taking the cloth as she took the last step down.

“He was wearing a costume, Mari! You just never noticed anything.” She sighed, growing frustrated. But I on the other hand became suspicious.

“A black cat costume?” Never knew I would be asking this in such a serious tone.

“So you did see him!” Alya put her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes.

“Alya, I also have news!” I knew it! He was foreign, most likely English. Should have known by his choice of fashion. Simply criminal.

She approached, worried as my face grew paler.

“I met that foreign lord. Actually, we talked quite a bit. He might be my future employer…” His people will need a seamstress who knows how high society fashion works. And not whatever he was wearing.

“Now that seems more like a made-up story.” When she saw the look I gave her she seemed to be convinced “How?”

“Umm… What if I told you I helped him run away…” My eyes dropped to the floor.

“Nino told me he had run from the guards. So you were to blame.” She did not seem mad. “We had to cut our date short because he was suddenly missing.”

“Technically, I was also missing then…” I carefully analysed her reaction

“Oh, quite practically! Where did you hide for it to have been so hard to find?” Her arms crossed made me feel like a child getting scolded.

“If I tell you. Pinky promise me to not be mad?” I grinned but I felt the day was suddenly a little chilly.