*Marinette's POV*

As the number of days till the ball disappeared one by one, I felt myself growing anxious. In fact, my normal habits were starting to change, no longer would I sleep in late or be the last one to breakfast, tea breaks and dinner. Now, I would always get up way before all the other guests. Of course the servants were always up but none of the guests were. One day I decided to check out the castle garden, but the maids grew upset that I wasn't still sleeping, "too early" they said. So now when I wake up, I lay in bed for an hour or two waiting for breakfast to be ready.

Five days till the ball

Adrien and I haven't really talked like the first day I came. I have seen him, usually we say "good morning" and "hi" before we go do our own duties. Since I have no duties, I am forced to socialize with the other guests until the next meal.

My mom has been helping me stay sane, so has Tikki. Tikki usually stays in my room with the cookies I ask the maids to get me.

However, no matter how much help I have, I feel cooped up in the castle. The servants keep the guests inside so no harm comes to them. Even though there are tons of guards throughout the castle grounds and s huge wall around the entire castle grounds. The only entrance is the carriage entrance at the bottom of the long stairs. I can't go home, but I need to get out. Maybe a little sneaking out can help.

Four days till the ball

Tonight I'm going to do it! I'm going to sneak out. I didn't do it last night because I thought I'd do some spy work. You know.. finding a way out. I decided on using the alter ego. But once I made it to the town, about a ten minute walk from the castle, I would release my transformation. I needed to get ready; I put extra cookies in a pink purse with a flower design on the front that I made a while ago. I changed from the dress I wore today to a half black and half maroon dress that stopped at the knees with black pants that stopped just below the knees and black flats. I decided to wear a black cape with a hood over my outfit as to not draw attention.

I decided not to go out the window because it was way to far down (three stories)! I was not going to climb down 30 feet. I put a pillow under the bed sheets and made sure my black cloak covered me enough as I crept down the stairs and towards the castle doors. Surprisingly easy task. I wanted to shout in delight! It was too easy! I was thrilled, maybe I would get some freedom after all. Luckily, my mom and some other guests were having a late night chat in one of the rooms located in the far side of the castle. And I knew she wouldn't find out I was gone because she rarely ever disturbed me if she saw 'me' sleeping.

I was stuck now. The castle walls. Oh wait! I forgot about the alter ego!

I ran behind some tall bushes and made sure no one was around. I opened my purse.

"Tikki? You ready?"

"Let's go Marinette!" Tikki replied enthusiastically.

"Ok. Tikki, SPOTS ON! Yea!"

In a matter of seconds, I was transformed into Ladybug. I quickly used my yo-yo and swung myself over the tall stone walls. I proceeded to make my way to the town.

Once I reached the town entrance, I found a hidden spot and let my transformation go.

"Thanks Tikki! There's extra cookies in my bag for you."

"No problem Marinette!" Tikki said with a smile.

It was dark. But the city was alive with bright lamps and many people.

The town must be having a party! I watched in awe as I saw many carts set up on the streets selling food and merchandise. There were people with instruments playing and many people dancing.

"So... What are you doing here?" I heard a voice say beside me.

I looked over and saw a boy about my age sitting on a barrel. He had red hair and his long bangs covered his left eye while his curly hair drooped back down to his lower neck. He held a pencil in his right hand and was drawing something in his book. His position didn't allow me to see what he was drawing. When he looked up and met my gaze, I hadn't noticed a blush spreading across his cheeks.

"I..I.. Um... What do you mean?" I chuckled nervously, no one could know I was from the castle. "I'm..uh.. Here to enjoy the party of course!"

He only stared at me weirdly and then his expression changed to a suspicious look. I knew if he kept looking at me like that, he would definitely find me out. So I gave the 'what are you doing' look and walked off saying goodbye. I gave a breath of relief when I turned the corner which led to a quiet part of town. Yellow lamps lit up the streets in the dark night. The warm yellow light radiating onto the houses behind. There was no one to be seen walking and the windows of the houses were complete dark. I knew it was very late and dangerous, but I longed for this freedom and I kept exploring the empty streets until I got a very bad feeling in my gut.

*Adrien's POV*

After duties such as getting to know the guests, discussing business with the general and finishing up some small business for the ball, I finally was able to retire to my chambers for the night. I grew panicked and the long for sleep kicked in when I heard Chloe making her way up the stairs with another young female. I panicked and ran in the opposite direction. Of course, receiving strange looks from servants as well as the men and women who sat at small tables. My father was going to hear about this, I was sure. I stopped running and instead calmed myself into a fast walk while still remaining gentleman-like. I made my way to the library where I knew Chloe would never come for fun. But I couldn't say a breath of relief escaped my lips just after. Because in the library, another girl who seemed about the age of Chloe and Marinette was looking at me seductively. I shook it off and started to walk to a different book aisle when a hand grabbed my arm. I looked back and it was the girl. She had long brown hair which was tied into a ponytail at the bottom and square bangs that stopped above her green eyes.

"Hey Prince Adrien," she said smoothly.

"Um... Hey! You know, I should get going... But great to see you!" I said starting to walk to the exit. But her hand gripped me harder.

She wouldn't stop staring at me with a seductive look. And that made me uncomfortable. But I wasn't going to let her make me feel that way. And I got angry, irritated with my feeling of being uncomfortable. So I shoved her hand of me at left with a "Sorry. I need to go."

I didn't need to look back to know I hurt her. Not physically, but mentally and emotionally. I... I just... I just needed her to know that I wasn't to be won over like that. The guilt in my chest quickly subsided. I managed to make it back to my room, but I was astonished when I noticed I couldn't sleep. I was restless. I grew angry. I nearly ran into Chloe! And found a safe place in the library until that girl.. What was her name? Lila? Shows up and thinks she can win my heart with that seductive look and I shoved her off just to finally make it to my chambers and find that I can't even sleep?! What was all that for?!

I groaned. Plagg flew out from behind my bookcase.

"Gimme some cheese! I'm hungry! You haven't come to feed me all day! I deserve extra." Plagg whined will jumping on my chest.

I groaned, getting up and lazily giving him an entire block of Camembert I hid in my desk drawer.

"Ooh!" Plagg shouted in excitement digging into his cheese.

It was late and everyone in the castle was sleeping. Plagg hadn't been able to sleep and neither could I. So I thought maybe going for a small patrol would be good.

To my surprise, Plagg hadn't even mentioned getting extra Camembert. I was guessing he really wanted to get out too. So I became Chat Noir with a "Plagg, CLAWS OUT!"

What were the chances that I'd see someone from the castle here? Even if I did, I would never have expected Marinette. But that's exactly what happened. I watched from a dark rooftop as I saw her face light up in awe, staring at the small festival in the town. I quickly grew pained watching her attention become stolen by a red head. I was happy when I saw her walk away with what seemed to be a look of relief on her face. She must have snuck out of the palace I thought but how? With walls like those. It was almost impossible to get out.

I continued watching as she walked to a more quiet part of town. A smirk grew on my face as I jumped from the roof, landing right behind her. No doubt startling her in the process

"What are you doing here purrincess?"