To be a King and a Father

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AAAAAHHHHH *flops onto bed* I AM SO HAPPY TO GET THIS OUT  YOU HAVE NO IDEA. I spent so much time with the dialogue, which I’m not even sure is good at his point but WHATEVER. There are going to be TWO PARTS to this last chapter after giving it more thought and sharing them with @oceanspray5 to help with her writing. In other words, longer content. YAY!

Here is an idea of PART 1: (warning: very long)
When Adrien and Mari arrive, Nathalie greets them with a message from the King. Ladybug is to have a special dinner together with the king and the prince. They can do whatever they wished in the mean time. By this time, Nathalie has already informed Gabriel of Ladybug’s true identity. To her surprise, the king reacts neutrally. Adrien gives Mari a general tour of the palace and talks about his duties and Nino. He mentions the things they could do together at the palace. (Mari tries not to faint). Adrien shows her one of the dressing rooms and lets her explore it. When she opens a closet, she gushes over the dresses while he watches on amusedly. He is less than helpful with picking a dress with her. The handmaidens finally arrive to help Mari freshen up. 

Adrien waits for Mari and starts to feels anxious that dinner could go badly. When Mari is done, they proceed to go the dining hall exclusively meant for the royal family. Gabriel is already there and Adrien formally introduces Marinette. They take seats as Gabriel calls for dinner to be served. As they eat, Gabriel asks Mari about her family, her living situation, her likes/dislikes, skills and hobbies. Gabriel asks how she and Adrien met. Of course, they try not to mention the festival and Chat Noir. At some point, a servant “accidentally” spills wine on Mari’s lap. She is surprised but is not upset, having her fair share of accidents (courtesy of Chloe). She accepts the apologies and tries to calm down the servant. Gabriel proceeds to berate the servant and plans to let them sleep in the middle of the forest as punishment. Mari is quick to defend the servant. While Adrien is used to Gabriel’s strict punishments, he easily sides with Mari. Gabriel considers their words and actions and eventually lets the matter go. They didn’t know that the servant was following Gabriel’s orders. This was a test to Mari and Adrien.

After dinner, Gabriel invites Mari out with him at the gardens. He tells his son to wait for him at his office as he and Mari chat privately. Adrien is of course reluctant but agrees anyway. Mari and Gabriel share a few minutes of strolling quietly. They find a bench to sit. Gabriel asks Mari if she’s marrying Adrien to be queen. She instantly denies that, saying she was worried about what Adrien felt for her since he’s a prince and she’s a commoner. He replies that marrying a prince has many responsibilities and asks if she was not allowed to marry Adrien. Mari takes a moment and answers with as much clarity as she can muster. She loves Adrien unconditionally, but if Gabriel would give her the chance, she wants to prove that she can support Adrien. Gabriel is silent, seeing similarities between Mari and his wife. He can understand why Adrien is completely smitten with Mari. She fidgets when he stays silent. He only nods with finality after awhile. He thanks her and asks her to stay the night after having a long day. Mari curtsies in thanks but before she leaves she adds that Adrien loves him very much.

Adrien is nervous as he waits for his father to return. Gabriel enters, nods to Adrien and walks to his main table. Gabriel asks whether Adrien would change his mind about Mari. Adrien says otherwise. Mari selfless and courageous. What she lacks in status, she makes up honesty and a sense of moral. Gabriel replies that a queen requires more than character. She must have a level of schooling, which makes Mari ineligible. Adrien is about to protest when Gabriel cuts in to let him finish. Gabriel says Mari is only ineligible for now. With the right amount of time and training, she’d make a very good noble. He won’t let Adrien marry Mari right away but will allow her to stay at the palace and study for a year. Adrien will also take on more duties in preparation for becoming king. During that year, Adrien is allowed to court and spend time with Mari as his fiance. Then when the year is complete, they will finally be wed. Adrien is shocked and almost doesn’t believe it. Suddenly, he walks to his father and hugs him tight. Gabriel is surprised but pats his son awkwardly. Adrien pulls back and thanks his father, saying he and Mari will make him proud. Gabriel smiles and apologises that he had not been such a good father. Adrien says its okay and understands the pressures of the crown. Gabriel nods, squeezes his shoulder and tells him to give Mari the news personally. The sooner they start the training the better. 

Adrien leaves the room smiling and then he’s running through the halls to find Mari. When she opens the door to his knocking, he scoops her up and twirls her around. He gives her the good news and they both laugh and gush in happiness.

All characters (c) Thomas Astruc
designs (c) me