Alya, Marinette and Tikki made their way to the Dining Hall for breakfast together. When they arrived, they were surprised to see Adrien already there - he usually came once everyone was seated. He motioned for the girls to take their seats as they were the last ones to enter.

Marinette slid into her seat next to Rose and Lila. She snapped her attention back to Adrien who started speaking.

"Good morning ladies. As you may know, it has been just over a month since the Selection began. So far, four of you have gone home. There are still thirty-one of you, and I want to lower it to twenty by the end of this month."

Murmurs zipped around the room like a wildfire. More eliminations?

"Now, before you freak out, let me explain that I have been on dates with most of you. In three weeks' time, a Masquerade Ball will be held. After the ball, I will eliminate a few of you."

Alec stepped up to stand next to Adrien at that moment. He placed a hand on the Prince's shoulder and addressed the girls. "Understand that this is a masquerade ball, which will require you to design and create your own dresses and masks. By yourselves. You may let your maids help you, but other than that, your creations must be completely yours. No getting help from famous designers."

A hundred thousand dress ideas flashed through Marinette's mind. She internally squealed with excitement. This was her court. She could create her own dress, easy.

From across the room, Alya shot Marinette a desperate look. Marinette sighed. And she would be helping Alya design hers as well, it seemed.

•••

Another week flew by. Marinette didn't want to go back into the training room. She couldn't face Chat. Not after he'd practically left her to fend for herself during her first ever battle.

Alya had agreed to meet in her room in a few hours time so Marinette could give Alya some pointers on her dress design, and now Marinette felt bored - and lonely. She'd been to the Women's Room, but it seemed that everyone else was there listening to Chloè describe how she was 'the one for Adrien'. Now she was cooped up in her room, struggling to come up with good ideas for her own dress.

Don't get her wrong, she had plenty at first, but after a few concepts, the designs had seemed unoriginal. Too cliché. She had contemplated the idea of a Ladybug-themed dress, but had quickly decided against it, as someone could recognise her. Tikki had told her not to tell anyone, so what was the point?

Eventually, Marinette stood up and exited her room, deciding to head to a library or just a quiet place to gather her thoughts and figure out a design or too. She was so deep in thought that she hadn't realised she'd run smack-bang into someone.

"Oh!" She exclaimed, staring at the floor. "I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there!"

"It's fine, Mari."

Marinette looked up into Adrien's eyes.

"You seem lost, were you trying to find somewhere?"

Marinette blushed. "Um, yeah, I library need. I - I mean, I was looking for a library."

Adrien smiled, his eyes lighting up. "That was where I was going as well! Come with me."

Marinette followed Adrien as he lead her around the corner and down some stairs. They arrived at one of the Palace's many small libraries and Adrien opened the door for her politely.

"Th - thank you, Adrien."

"My pleasure." Smiles were exchanged.

Marinette wandered around the shelves full of books. Of course the castle would have them. At homes they weren't allowed books unless they had special permission for a job or could afford to maintain a library. Libraries had a policy where you couldn't take one home without express permission - and it cost a fortune to even apply to get permission.

She came upon one about fashion. Marinette pulled it off the shelf and found a cosy window seat to settle into.

The words popped off the pages and swirled around in Marinette's mind, creating elaborate images of gowns and outfits fit for a princess. She was so absorbed in the book, Marinette hadn't even noticed that Adrien had taken a seat right next to her.

"Good book?" He asked, and Marinette jumped.

"Oh - um - yeah, it's good..." She was suddenly aware that he had been watching her read for a while, as his own book lay forgotten in his lap.

Adrien smiled. "You look cute when you're concentrating." He scrunched up his nose and squinted his eyes playfully, causing Marinette to burst into giggles.

Adrien placed a hand over Marinette's and stared into her eyes. "I want to get to know you, Mari."

A blush coated Marinette's cheeks. "As do I, Adrien."

•

Author's Note:

Hey guys! So I've decided to announce a few things:

I've decided to turn this book into a three-part story. There won't be any separate ones, just this one book to make it easier for you to read!

And I've also entered this story into the 'AU' section of mlwattawards 's Miraculous Ladybug watty awards Voting doesn't start for a while (not until next year) but I just thought I'd let you guys know so you could (hopefully! Please?) vote for me! ^-^