A/N - I am so sorry this chapter took so long to bring to you. Chapters may be a little slow for the rest of the year as I have a few other projects to work on, but fear not! We will keep going 💜

Hours earlier...

While Adrien and Marinette were busy exchanging vows and still trying to fight against their true feelings, Félix had already surrendered his heart to the Princess he had first sought to only toy with to annoy his Uncle. She had effortlessly and unexpectedly nesseled a place in his heart. There was no time to lose, though, and escape was their only choice if they were to ever be together.

Théo Barbot was becoming far too powerful, and with the King still "indisposed" (or simply too drunk and depressed to be interested in his own Kingdom anymore) it was only a matter of time before Barbot could make a deal with Bourgeois. In the meantime Kagami was in danger of being handed over to XY as a trophy bride. Whatever his secret job was must have come with some baggage to warrant such a prize. Félix would rather die though than see his beloved Princess married to that traitor.

Felix's plan was that he and Kagami would wait until nightfall and slip through one of the secret passageways. From there they would use the underground tunnel to take them outside the palace walls. Unlike Gabriel who always insisted that everyone ate dinner together, which was often in silence and extremely awkward, Barbot was keeping everyone in the castle isolated from each other. That's worked perfectly fine for Félix. The less he had to see Barbot the better and fingers crossed they would slip out undetected.

Félix had been trying to convince Nathalie to come with them, but she still refused to leave the King. Félix had to admire her loyalty, although he didn't believe his Uncle deserved it. The King was rarely seen around the grounds now, and when Félix had seen him a few days ago he was barely coherent and quite honestly looked like he was knocking on death's door. Nathalie was beside herself with worry and Félix just hoped he could find Adrien quickly. Not that he cared much for Gabriel, but he did care about Lord Théo Barbot stealing the throne from under his cousin. That would be infinitely worse for everyone.

"Do you think Captain Luka received your letter?" Kagami asked as she drew lazy circles on Felix's chest. Yes he had come to see her with the idea of finalising their escape plans, but it was hard to resist the quiet time of the afternoon not to steal more time together and Félix couldn't help being intoxicated by her presence. He had fallen hard and fast, and perhaps even recklessly, but when Kagami was in his arms like she was now, he couldn't find a single regret in his heart.

"I hope so. The bird returned empty, so I can only assume he received it. Besides, a reply would have been too risky with Lila always snooping about. She's always hanging around that damn chicken coop."

"Pigeons." Kagami corrected, somewhat amused at Felix's clear dislike for the birds.

"Whatever." Félix chuckled, running his fingers lightly up and down her arm and kissing her forehead. "I guess we will know if he shows up at the Docklands hotel. It's not like he has much of a reason to trust me, we don't know each other all that well and the last time Luka saw me was when I tried to attack my Uncle at the Masquerade."

Kagami rolled herself up so that she hovered above him, the late afternoon light creating a warm glow on her skin. "He doesn't have any reason not to trust you either. From what you have told me he is close to the Prince and when he hears what you have to say I'm sure he will help us."

Félix reach his hand up to brush her cheek, her face still flushed and her hair hanging messily. "God, you're beautiful." He whispered, his emerald eyes lingering on her hazel ones. "I can't wait to make you the Duchess of De Vanily and be treated as the Queen you deserve to be."

Kagami smiled softly at him. "One step at a time, my love. Firstly you need to go before Lila comes to draw my bath." She said, peppering his face with kisses. "Then we need to have dinner. You need your strength for the journey ahead."

Félix couldn't help a small whine when her warm body left him. Reluctantly he got up, but only to pounce on her from behind and wrap his arms around her.

"Félix!" She gasped as he attacked her neck, moving her necklace to the side. "You need to go."

"Don't want to." He replied, turning her to face him. "I wish it was night time already and we were already out of this gilded cage and far away." He ran his finger along her chain and over the dragon pendant she wore. Over the last few weeks he had noticed that she always had it on under her dress and it seemed oddly familiar.

"Are you admiring me or my jewelry?" Kagami teased and Felix's face broke into a smirk.

"I can admire both." He quipped. "Tell me about it."

Kagami rolled her eyes and sighed. "If I tell you, will you get dressed?"

Félix pouted but nodded. Kagami picked up his shirt off the floor and threw it to him playfully. "It's a family heirloom." She said as she put on her own dress. "My Grandmother said it belonged to Tomoe Gozen, a famous female Samurai of the 12th century who was as well known for her skills with a sword as she was with a bow. My grandmother gave it to me when I was only young and it always angered my mother that it hadn't been given to her since she was even named after Gozen. I think my Grandmother knew what kind of woman my mother was, even then." Kagami let out a sad sigh. "I was never enough for her. No matter how hard I tried, no matter what I achieved, everything she ever asked of me... in the end I was just another useless girl placed into a marriage so she could be rid of me."

Félix closed the distance between them and pulled her tightly into a hug, resting his chin on top of her head. "You're not useless Kagami." He said, burying his hand into her dark hair. "And your mother didn't deserve to have a daughter as amazing as you." He held her face in his hands and kissed her softly. "I now know though where I had seen your pendent design before. In the library there is a book all about Tomoe Gozen. I remember reading it out loud to Adrien when he had the measles as a kid."

Kagami smiled at him lovingly. "You really do care for your cousin, don't you."

Félix tucked a stray hair back behind her ear. "I guess when I was so angry at my Uncle I tried to convince myself I didn't care. The truth is though that besides my mother, he is the only other person I did care about, until I met you."

Kagami raised up on her toes and snaked her hand along his neck and into his long blond locks before pressing her lips into his. It was so easy with Félix to become lost in his lips and his touch, that was until Lila came knocking on the door.

"Don't bother hiding, I know you're in there Félix." Lila said, unceremoniously opening the door and rolling her eyes at them.

"You didn't see anything." Félix laughed as Lila walked past him to the bathroom with Kagami's towel and soap. The sound of running water soon filled the room.

"Perhaps." She called out before walking back into the room. "But I did see something interesting in your Uncle's safe when he had it open earlier. But I guess if you're not here, I can't tell you about it."

Félix and Kagami looked at each other before looking back at Lila. "Okay, you have my interest. What did you see?"

Lila smirked at him. "Just the famed De Vanily twin wedding rings that belonged to your mother."

Félix balled up his fist. When his mother had died Félix had looked everywhere for those rings and had even asked his Uncle about them. "That bastard." He growled. "He told me he didn't have them. I should have known he had taken them, just like everything else."

Lila shrugged, although clearly enjoying Felix's emotional outburst. "Well, it won't matter much longer. As soon as my Uncle can figure out the combination on the safe he intends to take them and use them for his own wedding. He's already sent men off to fetch his bride."

That genuinely surprised Félix. "So she is real after all. I was starting to think she was a figment of his imagination."

"Oh no, she's quite real alright." Lila called out over her shoulder as she left to turn the tap off. She came back out and leaned her shoulder against the door frame while she dried her hands.

"Apparently she's been accompanying an invalid and an old man across the country. Uncle Thèo said they are members of the resistance and he wants to make sure XY gives them a proper punishment... Uncle Thèo has promised him a special prize for his loyalty that I'm sure he is anxious to claim as his own."

She gave Kagami an incredulous look and Félix wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders. "Like hell I'll be letting that happen."

"You won't have a choice." Lila replied. "But don't fret Félix, honey. When you're all alone rotting in a cell, remember that I'm still here for you." Lila gave him a flirty wink before exiting out the door.

Kagami looked up and could see the angry frown Félix had across his brow. "What are you going to do?" She asked, her clear concern evident in her voice.

Félix looked down into her hazel eyes with a look of determination. "I'm going to get those rings back." He started to move away from her when she grabbed his arm.

"Wait, what if it's a trap? You said yourself that Lila can't be trusted."

Félix cupped Kagami's cheek with his hand. "The only finger that ring belongs on is yours." He said with conviction. "And I'll be damned if I let someone like Barbot get his slimy hands on them. Still, be ready though. We might need to leave in a hurry."

Giving Kagami another quick kiss, Félix put his hair ribbon between his teeth and ducked out onto the balcony, scampering his way down to the Library window. Stepping in, he began tying up his hair when he heard something that sounded like a bird being strangled. He looked out the window, but couldn't see anything, although even the guard in the courtyard had stopped to look around too. It was probably one of those stupid pigeons again, he reasoned.

As he headed towards the door, Félix stopped in his tracks at the sound of voices at the other end of the library. Carefully peaking around the bookcase, Félix saw Barbot sitting at a desk looking through several documents with a very unamused Nathalie standing beside him. She had her eyes fixed on Barbot with her lips pursed and her arms folded.

"... should be back with her in a day or two. Once Lady Dupain arrives, I want you to arrange our nuptials as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence. Her Grandfather has already signed off on the transfer of property title and is well on his way to a place of retirement."

Nathalie gave him a skeptical look. "And I suppose this "place of retirement" was your idea."

Bardot kept his poker face. "The man is of advanced years and going senile." He said matter of fact. "In his granddaughter's shameful absence it would have been remiss of me not to make sure my future in law is well taken care of in his dotage. All I need is her signature as my wife and the Dupain lands will be mine. Bourgeois will have no choice but to back down and make me King."

"You're not planning on forcing poor Félix to marry Chloè Bourgeois are you?"

Félix had to restrain from gagging. He had met Chloè once before, and the impression she left was memorable, and not in a good way.

"I will admit that I considered it, but Félix is too unpredictable and his loyalties are questionable."

Nathalie watched as Barbot signed off on documents and glanced his eye over papers, already assuming the mantle of King in practice, if not yet in legitimacy. It made Nathalie's blood boil.

"What makes you think Gabriel will agree to any of your plans? He might be a drunk, but unlike your future in law he isn't senile. You can't possibly think he would be willing to abdicate as King and simply give you full control of DuPont no matter how fractured his relationship with the Bourgeois is."

Barbot calmly packed up his desk of papers. "Gabriel is out of allies. Tsurugi has no loyalty to their agreement as long as Kagami is kept out of her hair and the trade routes stay open. This war is well on its way to failure. The army is scattered, morale is low and Gabriel was always an unpopular King. There is no more Prince and no more Chat Noir to keep this country from falling apart. I just need to bring the resistance to my side. Once the Jade Turtle endorses my leadership, the people will stand behind me."

Nathalie shook her head in disbelief. "What good reason would the Jade Turtle and the resistance have to endorse you? Or that the Bourgeois would rescind their claims and make you King?"

Bardot gave her a menacing grin. "Everyone has a weakness, Nathalie. You just have to find that pressure point and squeeze. Tell me, how far do you think Audrey would be willing to go to keep a secret?"

Nathalie pursed her lips and folded her arms. "I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about." She said vehemently. "Unlike you I don't listen to idol servant gossip."

Félix watched Nathalie's reaction carefully and it was clear to him that Nathalie knew far more than she had been letting on. He wondered if whatever this secret was had anything to do with why his mother ended up with so much animosity towards Gabriel.

Barbot stood up to his full height and regarded her for a moment with a knowing smirk on his face. "Maybe you don't, but it doesn't matter. I would drop the vitriol from your voice when you speak to me though, Nathalie. Soon you will be working for me and I will demand your respect."

Nathalie stood her own ground, not allowing herself to be intimidated. "Respect is earned Thèo, not demanded. Remember I knew you when you were nothing more than a footman to the Marquise of Barbot. How very convenient for you that a man with no family suddenly dies in, shall we say mysterious circumstances and leaves everything to the young man he had taken under his wing."

Thèo narrowed his eyes at her. "Are you making an accusation, Nathalie? Because I would be very careful if I were you."

Nathalie matched his steely glare. "No, I am simply making an observation. Your hands are far from clean Thèo, and whatever you are scheming, you will be stopped."

Barbot let out an amused laugh. "The King won't be in any position to stop me. Neither will you or that brat Fèlix. Especially Félix. Guards." He called out. Two guards entered the library and saluted. "Make sure Lady Sancour is returned to her room and remains there undisturbed."

Nathalie had both her arms restrained as she pushed against the guards. "How dare you! You can't hold me prisoner!"

"Prisoner." Barbot scoffed in mock offense. "My dear Nathalie, this is for your own protection."

"What are you going to do with Félix?" Nathalie demanded as she was dragged towards the door. Barbot walked up to her and grabbed her chin in his hand, his eyes menacing.

"I wouldn't worry about Félix if I were you." Barbot replied, roughly letting go of Nathalie's face and causing it to flop to one side. "I have special plans for him."

Félix balled his fist and had to bite his tongue as Nathalie was escorted away. He reminded himself that once he finds Adrien and returns him, it will free Nathalie from this trap she was caught in. He had to stay focused.

Looking out the window it was beginning to darken outside. Waiting a moment to make sure the courtyard below was clear, Félix slipped out the window he had come in through and climbed up the balconies to where his Uncle's chamber was. Sliding the door open, Félix was surprised to find the room in darkness aside from the fireplace near the bedchamber at the far end of the room. He assumed his Uncle must have been sleeping off another hangover, but he wasn't about to get close enough to find out.

Creeping quietly, Félix went straight to where he knew Gabriel's safe was hidden behind a portrait of his late wife. It didn't take long for Félix to figure out it was Adrien's birthday that was the combination on the lock dial. In truth he had forgotten that his cousin's birthday was tomorrow.

Pulling down the handle of the safe, there was a loud click that echoed through the room. Félix froze and held his breath to make sure the sound hadn't disturbed his Uncle. The room was quiet... eerily quiet, and an unsettled feeling began to churn in his stomach. Gabriel had always been a heavy sleeper, especially when he had been drinking, but Félix wasn't even sure he could hear him breathing. Looking back towards the bed, Gabriel appeared to be unmoving.

Quickly, Félix grabbed the rings from the safe, but before he could reach the balcony the light suddenly came on and Barbot entered the room with a brandished sword in his hand.

"Well well well." Barbot drawled, clearly pleased with himself. "Look at what we have here. It appears I have caught a thief."

Félix quickly scanned the room and grabbed Gabriel's Sword of DuPont that was on display on the wall. Félix could see that Barbot was completely unfazed.

"I would think very carefully about my next movements if I were you, Félix." Barbot threatened as the tower bells began to toil outside. "Because your chargers are about to be upgraded to murder."

Félix looked wide eyed as XY emerged from the shadows, one hand firmly grasping Kagami's throat while a sword was held in his other. Now that the lights were on, Félix could see that Gabriel, the once King of DuPont, was dead in the bed with a dagger to the heart. So that sound he heard before wasn't a pigeon afterall.

"You did this." Felix accused Thèo, but the older man smirked as he inspected the tip of his sword.

"Sorry to disappoint you Félix, but I was in the library with Nathalie just now and officially XY isn't here. Nathalie would testify to that under oath. But you, however, well the last Lila would say she saw of you would be climbing the castle walls. Now I wonder where you were headed? Seeking some revenge on the man you hated so much? There are many people who would testify to the tirade you unleashed on our beloved King two years ago at the Masquerade ball. What was it you said - I'll see you rot in hell, even if I have to do it myself."

Félix gritted his teeth. He could see now how Thèo had planned this all along, right from the night Félix had arrived and bared his antagonism for the whole court to see. He had made himself the perfect fall guy. "You can't frame this on me!"

"But I already have." Barbot grinned, approaching Félix with victory on his face. "You have nowhere to go, so why don't you put that sword down before the little Princess gets hurt."

Félix swallowed hard, his mouth going dry as he looked over to Kagami, her eyes defiant as XY gripped his hand around her throat. "Don't worry Fathom." XY drawled as his cracked lips grazed her neck. "I'll take good care of her."

XY's sinister laughter was Fèlix's breaking point. His eyes met Kagami's and he could read the urging in her eyes. Gripping his sword tighter he gave her a slight nod before lunging at Barbot. The tip of Félix's sword slashed Thèo's face, cutting through his left eye. Barbot crumpled to the floor, screaming out in pain. XY, momentarily stunned by what had just happened, lost his grip on Kagami who kicked him swiftly behind her and ran straight into Felix's arms.

While Thèo flailed on the floor, Félix pushed Kagami behind him as his sword clashed with XY's. Years of sparring with Adrien suddenly kicked in as Félix got the upper hand. XY, no match for his more skilled opponent, soon felt the cold blade of Félix's sword between his ribs. As XY fell, the doors of the room burst open and two guards charged in. With no time to waste, Félix grabbed Kagami by the hand and the two ran past the stunned and confused guards and down the long corridor.

The voice of several men echoed across the halls and they heard Thèo bellow out that Fèlix Fathom had murdered the King. Footsteps where soon closing in on them from all directions as Félix pulled Kagami along with him down the grand staircase. Without a word, he pulled back a curtain and pushed Kagami through a concealed panel in the wall, closing it behind them.

Placing a finger on her lips, the two barely dared to draw breath in the darkened corridor as footsteps in heavy military boots ran past them.

"They must have gone outside." The gruff voice of a guard barked out. "Search the grounds."

Taking Kagami's hand in his, Félix led her down through the dark corridor. "This will take us to an outside exit." Félix whispered, giving Kagami's a reassuring squeeze. "From there we can find the escape tunnel that will take us outside of the walls."

Down a winding staircase, Félix carefully opened the door to ensure that the way was clear. He could hear that some of the guards had become lost in the garden maze. Somehow that didn't surprise him. The two kept close to the castle walls until they made their way behind a large fountain; there they found the tunnel entrance and disappeared into the moonless night.

~~~~~
Adrien and Marinette stared in disbelief as flames grew into the air. "We need to get out of here." Adrien said urgently. As they threw on their coats there was a knock on the door to their bedroom. Opening it, Adrien found a frantic Zoé.

"The town is under attack." She said, a packed bag in her hands. "Nate and Alix have gone to see what's happening, but I need to get you two and Master Fu to the coach now."

"Who's attacking them?" Adrien asked. "They are just civilians."

Zoé gritted her teeth. "Bourgeois raiders I suspect." She replied. "They have been looting villages all along the border."

"But that's illegal." Adrien protested. "It goes against the conventions of war to attack civilians without cause."

Zoé shook her head in dismay. "Until you can end this war, there is no way to stop it. Quickly, grab your bags and come downstairs."

Zoé scurried off and Adrien grabbed his new staff and the bags. Marinette was about to follow when she saw her ladybug compact sitting on the side table. She picked it up and shoved it into the pocket of her coat before following Adrien down the stairs.

The servants of the house were running frantically, worried and concerned for friends and family still in the village. Nathaniel and Alix came in through the kitchen, both of them covered in soot and smoke.

"It's the church." Nate said, a break in his voice as he spoke. "Father Antoine's dead."

"No!" Marinette cried, pressing her face into Adrien's arm. True she had only met the man a few days ago, but he had only just married them that day and she couldn't believe that he was now gone.

Nate lowered his head and Marientte could see his hand close into a fist. "I spoke with Father Antoine's housekeeper. They were looking for Master Fu. It wasn't just Bourgeois troops either, there is a special unit that has been sent by the acting Regent Marquee Barbot. I'm not sure what they were looking for, but the priest refused to tell them anything, poor man. You are all in danger here. You must hurry."

Zoé grabbed Nathaniel by the arm. "You have to come with us." She pleaded. "You're in danger too."

Nate gave her a reassuring grin. "They won't touch me and besides, I can't abandon the village. You and Alix can get the others to safety. I'm counting on you Zoé."

Grabbing a musket, Nate hugged Zoé before making his way back to the Village. Adrien helped Marinette and Zoé into the carriage before taking the reins himself with Master Fu beside him. Alix saddled her horse and followed with her musket in hand. Adrien tucked his staff beside him, ready to jump into defense if necessary.

It was well past 2am as the party made their way through the dense forest. It was a moonless sky, making the road ahead difficult to see.

"Wait." Alix suddenly said. Adrien pulled the carriage to a stop and Alix walked her horse forward a little ahead of them, taking out her pocket watch and checking the time. "The checkpoint is close and I can hear a lot of voices... too many voices for this hour of the night. I'm going to scout ahead and make sure it's safe. Wait here."

Once Alix was out of sight, Master Fu stepped down from the coach and stretched, his back making a rather loud crack. Adrien grabbed his staff and went to check on Marinette. Zoé was making her own way out of the coach, giving Adrien a small smile and nod before indicating for him to go inside. Marinette had her eyes closed with her head resting against the window. She looked exhausted. Hearing his presence, she opened her eyes and gave him a sleepy smile.

"Are you alright m'lady?" He asked, hoping into the carriage beside her.

"Just tired." She replied, sitting up a little. "Are we stopping for a while?"

"Just while Alix scouts on ahead. Hopefully once we pass the checkpoint we can find an inn and rest for a while."

Adrien put his arm around her and Marinette rested her head on his shoulder. Holding her close, Adrien closed his own eyes, resting his head on top of hers. She felt so soft and warm.

"I have to admit, this wasn't exactly how I thought we would be spending our wedding night." He quipped, feeling her shift slightly.

"Um... about that... Maybe we should be more careful not to get carried away. After all, we have responsibilities and..."

"If I remember rightly, you did say I could get as many kisses as I want until we reach the Capital." He lifted his head and hooked his finger under her chin, lifting her eyes to meet his. Marinette's heart wasn't ready for the way his soft emerald eyes were looking back down at her. "I'm warning you now, M'lady, I intend to kiss you every moment I can get between now and then, and hopefully for a long time beyond."

A soft knocking came to the coach door and it was opened to the sight of Master Fu.

"My apologies for the disruption, but I must speak with the two of you urgently. This may be my only chance too."

"Of course." Adrien replied, helping Fu into the coach. "But why the urgency?"

"I fear we may have to part ways here." Fu said solemnly. Marinette shook her head.

"I don't think that's a good idea. We should stick together."

"She's right." Adrien agreed. "There is safety in numbers."

Fu let out a long breath. "These men are looking for the Jade Turtle. If they find me, they find the two of you. My duty is to shield you both and make sure the Prince takes his rightful claim on the throne. There are dark forces at work tonight. I can feel their aura and I fear something dreadful may have happened. You must be ready for what lies ahead of you"

Marinette furrowed her eyebrows. "But why would Barbot be looking for you?"

Fu gave her a cryptic smile. "He isn't looking so much for me, but for what he thinks I have. Ancient Magical weapons. More specifically a sword and a shield in disguise."

Marinette dug her hand into her coat pocket and pulled out her Ladybug compact. "You mean these, don't you?"

Fu took the compact from her hand and held it up. "These were no ordinary gifts. When Ladybug and Chat Noir gave them to each other, they used ancient magic to infuse a part of their souls to them so that that one would always carry a part of the other in the hope that they would find each other again"

"You mean like soulmates." Marinette asked and Fu nodded.

"Yes. Since then they have always tried to find their other half but the bond weakened over time until the ties of fate were completely broken and the magic of these ancient weapons became trapped inside the jewels that you both wear. Since then it was the responsibility of the Jade Turtle to protect the weapons until the true Ladybug and Chat Noir found each other. Only a true pair can release that magic. Without that, these weapons would be nothing more than trophies of war."

"Wait..." Adrien jumped in, still holding Marinette's hand. "You said magic, right? Does this have something to do with why Marinette's earrings were glowing earlier?"

A small cryptic smile crept across Master Fu's face. "The magic is already trying to break free. I knew you two are the destined ones. Fate has brought you together, but it is now up to you to mend the bond that was broken."

"But how Master? How do we free it?" Marinette asked, trying desperately to make some kind of logical sense of all this. "I thought you said that the union of the Ladybug and Black Cat would end the war. If these weapons will help us to do that then what do we need to do?"

Fu handed the compact back to Marinette. "The Ladybug, as you will remember from the legend, is the symbol of creation and the black cat, her equal and opposite partner, represents destruction. To save DuPont, creation and destruction must be in balance. This is the second half of the prophecy..."

"Second half?" Adrien interrupted, exasperated. "You never said there was more to the prophecy." Why was it that Master Fu always had to talk in riddles?

"You were not ready to hear it yet, young Adrien." Fu counted gently. "An act of creation will mend the broken bond and release the magic, and an act of destruction will end the war, but both these things must be done together."

"Stronger together." Marinette whispered, remembering what Fu had said at the wedding. Adrien and Marinette looked at each other, but they still did not fully understand.

"But what are these acts of creation and destruction?" Marinette asked again. "How will we know?"

"When the time comes, you will know." Fu said, still being as mysterious as ever. Marinette wished she had the confidence in herself that Fu seemed to have had in them, she just had to hope that somehow they could work out the answers

Outside, the sound of horses' hooves alerted them that Alix had returned. Leaving the carriage, they met up with Zoé to hear the news.

"There are extra troops all around the checkpoint." She said as she dismounted. "We can not take Master Fu through there, or Marinette."

"Me?" Marientte said, astonished. "Why are they looking for me?"

"Bourgeois men aren't looking for you." Alix clarified. "Bardot's men are, although the cooperation between them seems a little too cozy if you ask me. They were asking if anyone had seen a Marinette Dupain, sometimes known as Cheng with your description and a photo from about two years ago. It seems your ex fiancée is keen to find you and bring you back to the Capital."

Adrien wrapped a protective arm around Marientte's shoulders. "But her name is De Vanily now, and we have the marriage papers, surely they won't stop us."

Fu shook his head. "It is too much of a risk if she is recognised. Or you for that matter. If they are Barbot men, one of them may recognise you."

"He's right." Alix added. "There's no other choice. You will have to go through the mountains and cross at the river. Here, take this." She handed Adrien a map and pointed to a marked spot on it. "There is a cabin here that is kept stocked with supplies. You should be able to make it there before sunrise. It belongs to the underground so you will be safe. Take my horse."

"But what about you?" Marinette asked. Alix waved her hand dismissively.

"I'll take Master Fu to a safe place. Don't worry, we have plenty of contacts. When you reach the cabin I want you to stay there. I'll only be gone two or three days at most and I will come back to help you the rest of the way to the Capital."

Adrien took the reins of Alix's horse and mounted the saddle. "What about you?" He asked Zoé who was preparing the coach to depart.

"Oh don't worry about me." Zoé said, an ever present positive smile on her face. "I have a personal invitation to the Palace, they won't stop me. Hopefully I will see you again soon in the Capital."

Marinette leant down and gave Master Fu a tight hug. She hoped that this wouldn't be the last time they might see each other.

"Master Fu." She whispered. "I don't know if I'm really the right person for this..."

"The earrings found you." Fu replied, holding both her hands. "And the two of you found each other, against incredible odds. Have faith in yourself and each other. Only together can you win this war."

After waving everyone off, Adrien offered Marinette his hand and pulled her up onto the horse, nestling her in front of him. "Are you ready m'lady?"

"Yes." She replied as the horse turned off from the road and disappeared between the trees. What she was ready for exactly, she couldn't say, but somehow just being with him Marinette knew that everything would be okay.