"Duke Nino and Duchess Alya." The guest announcer called.

The ballroom was filled with decorations: fancy chandeliers, mistletoe in secret places, giant wreaths on the walls, and many more. There was a huge space for dancing and tables of food were lined up to the side. Lots of dinner tables were spread out in the remaining spaces. A stage stood to the side of the dance floor where musicians played violins, pianos, harps, etc.

Butlers and maids walked around pouring wine and other drinks into guests' wine glasses.

Marinette wore a red dress with gold embroidery. She especially liked how the red and gold balanced each other out and were christmassy as well.

Adrien wore a fancy red coat with a white shirt underneath. He had black pants and smooth leather boots that stopped just underneath his knees.

Because Marinette was not a child anymore, she had to greet guests with her parents as they were announced into the ballroom. Thankfully for the princess, Adrien greeted guests with her.

"Welcome!" Marinette greeted Ivan and his family with a smile.

"This is an amazing party Marinette!" Adrien spoke beside her.

"Thanks. All credit to my parents though." She responded shyly.

Friends came from all over to celebrate; everyone except the Bourgeois of course.

Alya made sure to interact with every guest and spread the idea of "Adrienette".

"Hey doesn't Marinette and Adrien look like a cute couple to you? They're greeting guests like a King and Queen!" The duchess would say. And many would reply with a "yes!"

A moment later, guests no longer seemed to arrive. Which was fine because the ballroom was nearly filled anyway.

Guests danced to the orchestra's music, dined at tables, and chatted with each other. Marinette conversed with guests and made sure everything was going well.

"Hey Marinette!" Nino called.

"Nino!" Marinette greeted walking towards him. "How are you?"

"Everything's going well."

"Hey! I have someone I was to introduce you to!" Marinette remembered. She led the duke to where Adrien stood. He was calmly watching couples dance and enjoy the cheerful spirit.

"Adrien!"

"Marinette! Who's this?"

"Hi, I'm Nino." The duke introduced himself. Adrien introduced himself and shook Nino's hand.

"I'll leave you to it!" Marinette said. She continued to walk around.

"Your highness!" The party planner called. "The Christmas tree is being brought in. Where should we put it?"

"Mmmm. In a corner? That way people can see it but it won't get in the way." With that a beautiful, big Christmas tree was brought in and placed in a corner. Butlers and maids rushed in and placed presents underneath.

Marinette looked to find Adrien chatting excitedly with Nino. She was glad they hit it off.

Everything was going well; guests were happy and Christmas spirit filled the room. Just then:

"King Gabriel Agreste." The guest annnouncer spoke.

The musicians stopped for a moment; they quickly resumed realizing that stopping because of a guest's appearance was rude. However, people did not resume dancing and chatting. Everyone seemed uncomfortable and unsure what to do.

"King Gabriel! We're glad you're here!" Marinette greeted, trying to ease the tension. She could see Adrien staring at his father, and Gabriel noticed him too. Uh oh, Marinette thought.

Sabine quickly went to Gabriel and stopped what Marinette thought would turn into a fight. Marinette sighed a breath of relief. She could see Adrien approaching.

"Marinette? Why is my father here?" Adrien whispered. Marinette was thankful that he was calm.

"We felt bad that he was going to spend Christmas without you." Marinette explained. Adrien responded with an understanding nod.

"You're really kind you know. You didn't have to invite him; I know how cold he can seem." Adrien told her.

Marinette smiled at his words.

The musicians had just ended another song. People bowed to each other on the dance floor and returned to their friends. Others began to fill their spaces for the next dance.

"M'lady, may I have the honor of dancing with you?" Adrien said holding out his hand.

Caught by surprise, Marinette's cheeks flushed pink as she placed her hand on his. "Of course."

He led her to the center of the ballroom. They got in position as the musicians got ready for a dance.

Suddenly, Adrien wrapped an arm around Marinette's waist and held her hand in the other.

"Adrien?" Marinette squeaked.

"We're doing the waltz princess." Adrien smirked at the flustered girl.

The music began and couples started dancing. Adrien swept Marinette into a nice pace and gradually sped up. Marinette laughed gleefully and Adrien felt happy dancing with her.

By the end of the song, Adrien dipped Marinette and his smirk brought a blush to her cheeks.

He pulled her back up and they bowed to each other before Adrien led Marinette off the dance floor.

"You're a great dancer!" Adrien complimented.

"Are you kidding?! I could only dance like that because you were leading." Marinette laughed.

Adrien looked to find his father still conversing with Marinette's parents. He seized this opportunity.

He grabbed Marinette's hand and led her somewhere private. Since outside was too cold, he led her down a hall where no one could find them.

"Adrien? What are you-?"

"Marinette," Adrien whispered, cutting her off. "I know... I know you're Ladybug."

"Wh-what?" Marinette spoke almost inaudibly. She was shocked. How did he find out? She thought.

"I noticed that when you came to my kingdom, Ladybug appeared. When you left, Ladybug disappeared." The prince explained.

Marinette didn't know what to do. The only option she could think of was to run and hide in the crowds of people.

She turned to run but Adrien caught her arm.

He pulled her close to him and wrapped an arm around her waist. His other hand gently cupping her cheek. He pulled her close and planted a soft kiss on her lips. Marinette let out a squeal of surprise and her cheeks grew warm and flushed with red.

Adrien pulled back, his arms wrapped around her waist. Marinette stood stunned in his arms.

"Why would you do that?" She questioned angrily.

"Purrincess~ isn't that what you're supposed to do under the mistletoe?" He smirked.

She looked up noticing the mistletoe above them. She also noticed Adrien's pun.

"Chat?"

"What." It was Adrien's turn to be shocked. Was the pun too much? He wondered.

"Haha. Silly kitty!" Marinette laughed.

He smiled and kissed her repeatedly, gaining her laughter every time.

He led her back to the ballroom, where Alya stood amused.

"So~ you guys snuck off?" She grinned.

"Yep. Stay away from my princess Alya." Adrien defended. He pulled Marinette away leaving Alya dumbfounded.

"He just- admitted so easily...." Alya whispered to herself.

The party went on, hot chocolate, coffee, and tea were served along with desserts.

Adrien turned to his princess, "Merry Christmas Mari!"

"Merry Christmas Adrien!" Marinette replied with a warm smile

Did the story seem like a good place to end? Cause no! I still got a lot more chapters to write! :D

Happy holidays! 🎄🎁🎉