This is a Robin Hood AU in honor of miraculous ladybug au week @miraculous-weeks
Summary: Robin Hood and Little Bug have run into some trouble with King Gabriel’s soldiers, but maybe they can trick the prince and his lackey into helping them out.
“Not good not good ow branch not good-” Lila mumbled between labored breaths and she tore through the woods.
“Robin Hood!” A voice called not far behind her.
Lila dove behind a bush and waited, scanning her surroundings. In every direction was a dense forest of trees. She looked up and saw the pale sunlight peeking through the leaves in the west – sunset was approaching.
‘I could use the cover of darkness to make my escape.’ She thought to herself. Then she took a deep breath and adjusted the quiver on her back. She only had one arrow left.
“This is just perfect.” Lila grumbled, her knees still tense as she heard the snapping of branches getting closer.
“Robin Hood!” The voice called again, this time right next to the bush that Lila was hiding behind. Lila quickly reached out her arm and grabbed the pursuer, pulling them down beside her and putting a hand over their mouth.
“Why are you yelling my name are you crazy?” Lila whispered, looking down at her hostage. She saw two wide blue eyes looking back. She sighed and took her hand away from their mouth.
“R.H. I was worried about you! When King Gabriel’s soldiers showed up and we got separated I – ” The girl said quickly, sitting up and waving her arms.
Lila smiled and put a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Little Bug –”
“We’re a team, R.H.! You can’t just run off like that and try to be the hero!”
“We’re thieves! We’re outlaws! If we don’t rely on each other we’re dead!”
“Marinette!” Lila yelled, then felt immediately guilty when she saw the shock on her partner’s face. She pulled her green hood farther over her eyes and looked away. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. I promise I won’t make any decisions without you.”
Marinette’s expression softened and she smiled. “I’m sorry for freaking out, Lila.”
“No, you have every right to. It got pretty crazy back there.” Lila admitted, blowing her bangs out of her eyes.
“I thought we were totally in the clear! I mean, we were so careful!” Marinette said, exasperated. She clutched her quarterstaff tightly in her hands.
“We may have a traitor.” Lila said, her eyes tightening. “How else would the king know exactly where we’d be?”
“We’ll find them, R.H., I promise. We’ll figure it out.” Marinette said, putting a comforting hand on her friend’s shoulder. She knew how much this hurt Lila. She had a hard time trusting people, and she had worked alone for so long – the fact that someone betrayed her was a heavy blow.
“I know we will.” Lila said with a small smile, then she gripped her bow more firmly in her hand and slowly stood up, looking around for any signs of coming soldiers. “But for now we have bigger things to worry about, like getting out of the king’s woods.”
Marinette got up and wiped the dirt off her knees. “What’s the plan?”
Lila pouted her lips in concentration. “Well the kingdom lies near the far east of the territory, so if we head west hopefully we’ll make it to the edge of the property. Once we’re out we should be able to find our way back to the camp from there.”
“Do you think the others made it back okay?” Marinette asked, looking worriedly back the way she had come.
“They were after me. That’s why I went the other way, so that all of you would have time to escape.” Lila explained.
“I know that.” Marinette replied, rolling her eyes. “That didn’t make it any less reckless.”
Lila smiled. “I guess you’re right.”
“I can’t believe you had to ditch the money though. All of those months of planning, and all we get is chased around the woods but the royal highness’ dogs.” Marinette said, bitterness in her voice.
“Oh you mean that bag I threw? That was a fake. Before the guards showed up I gave Alya and Alix the money and told them that getting back to camp was their number one priority.”
Marinette beamed and grabbed Lila’s hands, her dark red hood falling to her shoulders. “No wonder the king hates you so much. You’re too smart for him.”
Lila laughed and began to walk towards the sunset. “I take his hatred as the highest honor. If only I could’ve seen his face when he realized that that bag was full of potatoes.”
Marinette giggled and matched Lila’s pace step for step. “He probably went –”
Then they heard a pair of unfamiliar voices and looked at each other. Without speaking they quickly hid behind a wide oak tree and listened.
“Thanks for helping me sneak out, Nathanael. I hate being stuck inside all day.” One voice said.
The other voice laughed. “If I refused to help you you would’ve found your own way out, so I knew it’d be better if I said yes. Now at least I can keep an eye on you.”
The first voice laughed as well. “Well, regardless, I appreciate it. I don’t understand why Father was so insistent about me staying inside.”
“Well, there is a dangerous, bloodthirsty outlaw that just broke into the kingdom, my prince. Your father is only worried about your safety.”
Lila rolled her eyes at the word ‘bloodthirsty’. The king was nothing if not dramatic.
“No, he’s worried about another one of his possessions being stolen.” The other voice, which Lila assumed was the prince’s, mumbled. The two young men were only getting closer.
“What do we do?” Marinette whispered, looking at Lila.
Lila looked at the approaching sunset and had an idea. “Quickly, hide my bow and your quarterstaff under your cloak.” She said, handing over her prized weapon. Then she set down her quiver and kicked some dirt over it.
“But Lila, you’ve had that quiver forever!” Marinette said, struggling to put the two weapons carefully though her belt.
“Don’t worry, I have plenty of spares back at the camp.” Then she tucked her last arrow under her tunic and pulled back her hood.
“What are you doing?” Marinette asked, looking at Lila with wide eyes.
“No one has ever gotten a good look at my face. Only you, Alya, Alix, and Chloe have ever seen what I look like. Most of the kingdom thinks I’m a man.” Lila said with a scoff.
“Where are you going with this?” Marinette asked, looking worriedly past the tree. The voices were getting louder.
“We’re going to let the prince lead us out of here.” Lila said with a grin. Then she pulled Marinette’s hood over her head. “You keep your face hidden, okay LB? Most of the kingdom does know what you look like.”
Marinette huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “Of course my hood had to fall off right in view of the king. And then he just had to plaster wanted posters of me all over the kingdom.” She said, pouting her lips and looking angrily away.
Lila laughed. “Just follow my lead, okay?” Then she took Marinette by the arm and led them away from the tree.
“Hurry up, Nathanael! Maybe we can sneak out of the castle grounds before Father notices!” The Prince said with a laugh. At that moment he came into the clearing. The Prince stopped in his tracks and looked at the two girls before him.
“Um, hello.” He said slowly, furrowing his eyebrows. He was obviously confused.
Lila heard Marinette gasp softly and felt her tighten her grip on Lila’s arm. Lila looked at her in concern and saw a blush creeping on her cheeks.
‘What’s going on?’ She wondered. Then she looked back at the prince and shook the thoughts away. ‘I have to focus.’
“I’m so sorry. We are visiting from a neighboring kingdom and we must have taken a wrong turn. We got lost and now we don’t know how to get back to town. My lady has some duties that she needs to attend to there.” Lila said, making the most pitiful expression she could muster. She even managed to bring some tears to her eyes.
Lila – or rather, Robin Hood – was famous for her archery, but she was also very skilled in the art of lying. It kind of came with the territory.
“Oh, wow, that’s awful. Is there any way I can help?” The Prince asked, concern in his voice. Lila was a little startled by his kindness. Was this blond boy before her really the king’s son?
She was about to respond when a sound came from a dense patch of tall bushes. “Adrien, you can’t just run off like that how am I supposed to keep up?” A young man grumbled as he pushed away some stubborn branches. He finally entered the clearing and straightened up, his eyes immediately meeting Lila’s.
Lila was at a loss for words as she looked at the boy in front of her. What was the name that the Prince used? Nathanael?
The Prince was wearing his typical royal attire – a dark green doublet with black breeches and an emerald cloak. It was obvious that he came from high society. And yet it was this boy Nathanael that stood out to Lila. His long red hair flowed down in waves at his shoulders, a lock of it covering one of his blue-green eyes. All he wore was a simple purple tunic and dark gray breeches. He was plain. He was ordinary. But even so, Lila couldn’t seem to look away. And she noticed that he didn’t look away either.
“Adrien,” Nathanael began, still looking at Lila. “What did I tell you about talking to strangers in the woods?”
The prince, Adrien, rolled his eyes and smiled. “You know I could have you imprisoned for addressing me so formally.” He teased.
Nathanael finally broke eye contact with Lila to look at his friend. “And I could tell the king that you are secretly keeping a cat in your room.”
Adrien gasped. “You wouldn’t.”
Nathanael smiled evilly. Lila giggled, and then immediately covered her hand over her mouth in shock. Even Marinette gave her a questioning glance.
‘Where did that come from?’ Lila wondered, looking down at her hand. She felt so jittery all of a sudden, and her cheeks felt warm – she didn’t like it.
Now the attention was back on her and Marinette.
“These two girls are from a neighboring kingdom; they got lost in the woods.” Adrien explained to Nathanael. Then he looked over at Marinette. “You said you were a lady, right?”
Marinette blushed and pulled her hood farther over her eyes.
“Yes, she is a part of the nobility in my kingdom. She is very shy, so I can speak for her. I am her lady-in-waiting.”
“And what are your names?” Nathanael asked, looking at Lila. She felt her throat suddenly become dry but then she straightened her back and said, “It is hardly important what my name is, but I am Lila. And this is my mistress, Lady-”
“Bug!” Marinette blurted out, then she bowed her head in embarrassment.
“Lady…Bug?” Adrien asked, his head cocked to the side.
Lila smiled. “It’s short for Beatrice. She likes to be called Bug for short.” She lied easily.
Nathanael didn’t look convinced. “Okay Lila, Lady Bug,” He began, taking a step towards them. Lila was annoyed with the way her heart skipped a beat when he said her name. “What kingdom are you from exactly?”
“The Kingdom of France.” Lila said without hesitation, moving a step closer to Nathanael. “It’s across the water.”
“You have such a perfect English accent for someone from France.” Nathanael observed, taking another step.
“I was raised in this kingdom. The king of France was delighted when I told him that I knew two languages.” Lila shot back with a smile, taking a step closer as well.
“Ah, so you’re close with king of France? Strange.” Nathanael said with a smirk, taking yet another step. Lila’s eyes flashed with annoyance.
“The king makes it his duty to see that his servants are of the highest caliber. I suppose your king does not do the same.” She said, looking Nathanael up and down. She knew she had won and let a smug grin spread across her face. Then she saw Nathanael’s eyes gleam.
“It seems that you do not approve of our king. Maybe you would like to tell him of your critiques yourself?” Nathanael offered innocently, looking down at Lila. Their faces were only inches apart.
“Oh I bet your king would be delighted to see me.” Lila said venomously, clenching her fists. She could feel her last arrow digging into her back.
“Lila.” Marinette said quietly, a warning in her tone. Lila blinked and took a step back.
‘What am I doing?’ She wondered, taking a deep breath. She got all riled up, all because of some servant boy? She bit the inside of her cheek in frustration. She watched as Nathanael only smiled and moved to stand by Adrien’s side.
“We will lead you back into town; it would be our pleasure.” Adrien said, looking at Marinette and giving her a low bow.
“Th-thank you.” She managed to say, clutching the hem of her hood.
Nathanael made a noise of surprise. “It’s getting dark, my prince, shouldn’t we take them back to the castle?”
Lila’s eyes widened in panic. That wouldn’t end well. She slowly looped her arm around Marinette’s, ready to make a run for it if necessary.
“Lady Bug has duties that she must fulfill in the town. I am bound by honor to see that a lady gets to where she is needed.”
“You just want to leave the castle.” Nathanael said, blowing a lock of hair out of his eyes.
“Yes. That too.” Adrien admitted, grinning. Then he walked up to Marinette and offered his arm. “It’s this way, my lady.”
Lila heard a small choking noise at the base of Marinette’s throat as she looped her arm through the prince’s. Then Lila watched as the pair led the way.
“I’m not offering my arm.” Nathanael said plainly, coming to stand next to Lila.
“Good. I can get along perfectly fine on my own.” Lila said, sticking her nose in the air and following Adrien and Marinette. She heard Nathanael laugh behind her and he began to walk as well.
“So how did you two get lost in the woods anyway?” Nathanael asked, giving Lila a sideways glance as they carefully stepped over tree roots and bushes.
“You ask a lot of questions, don’t you?” Lila decided to shoot back, refusing to look at him.
“You don’t give a lot of answers I’m satisfied with.” Nathanael replied honestly.
“Do you think I’m lying?” Lila questioned, finally turning to look at him. She watched as he moved a branch away from his face, the sunlight catching in his hair. Her annoyance flared significantly.
“I’m not sure. I’m trying to figure that out.”
Lila sighed and rolled her shoulders. Her body was still tense since she had to flee from the king’s soldiers. “It was my fault. I was reckless and wasn’t paying attention to where I was going. I was the one who got us lost.”
“Why were you being reckless?” Nathanael asked. His voice wasn’t accusing, but curious.
“Okay now I think you’re lying.” Nathanael said simply.
“Look how you’re walking. Each step is calculated and planned. Even the way you speak is practiced. You choose every word carefully.”
“How can you tell?” Lila asked. She felt both uncomfortable and impressed.
“I’m good at noticing the little details.”
Lila stared at him for a moment and then looked at the ground before her and kept moving. “Well this time I really was reckless. I just – had a lot on my mind. I needed to figure things out, and sometimes when I’m faced with a problem my first instinct is to run.” Lila was startled by her own honesty. She didn’t even know this boy – why was she opening up to him?
“And I thought that your king’s servants were of the highest caliber? Abandoning your own lady and getting you both lost doesn’t seem to fit that description.” Nathanael pointed out, a smirk on his lips.
Lila huffed and pulled back a thin branch as she moved forward, releasing it in time to smack Nathanael in the face. He only laughed in response.
“You’re one to talk; you can’t seem to keep your own prince from getting into trouble and helping every stranger that comes his way. I may have taken the lead, but at least I can keep up with my lady. Some servant you are.” Lila spat, crossing her arms. He had struck a nerve when he took a hit at her pride, even though it was based in a lie.
“I’m actually not a servant.” Nathanael said. He didn’t seem to be bothered by Lila’s venomous words. This annoyed her.
“I’m his art teacher.” Nathanael answered.
Lila stopped in her tracks, not expecting that answer, and Nathanael bumped into her and let out a startled noise. Adrien turned around, Marinette still on his arm.
“Are you guys okay back there?” Adrien asked from a few yards ahead.
“Yeah we’re fine. It’s getting darker though.” Lila pointed out, looking at the setting sun.
Adrien smiled. “Not to fear, we’re almost at the edge of the castle grounds. Then it will be a quick journey into town.”
“Good. Thank you.” Lila said, looking at Marinette to see how she was doing. She seemed a little flustered, but generally okay. She would have a lot to talk about with her later. It would be dangerous to get too emotionally attached to King Gabriel’s son.
Adrien faced forward and he and Marinette began to walk once more. Nathanael and Lila followed suit.
“You’re a little young to be an art teacher, don’t you think?” Lila finally asked.
“My father is the king’s official artist and architect, so I guess I learned from the best.” Nathanael replied with a shrug.
“Okay,” Lila conceded, “but then what is the prince’s art teacher doing in the middle of the woods with his pupil?” She looked at Nathanael, wondering if he was carrying canvas or paintbrushes and she just didn’t notice. But she was always aware of her surroundings – it was survival instinct at this point – and indeed there was nothing art related on his person.
“I’m not just his teacher; I’m also his friend.”
“You’re the prince’s friend?” Lila asked, furrowing her brow.
“It’s just, he’s King Gabriel’s son.” Lila pointed out, looking at Adrien’s back. “The king is greedy and cruel and he has no consideration for his subjects, especially in their time of need.” Lila began, then she realized that she said too much and bit her tongue. “At-at least that is what I have heard.” She added lamely.
Nathanael looked at her for a moment. “You sound like Robin Hood.”
Lila felt her heart beat faster, but she kept a calm expression. “I do not know who that is.”
Nathanael looked away and smiled. “I guess coming from France you wouldn’t. Robin Hood is a famous outlaw in this kingdom. He’s a thief and him and the king are always trying to get the upper hand against each other.”
Lila clenched her fists at the word ‘thief’. King Gabriel was the real thief, establishing unreasonably high taxes on the lower classes and bullying them into submission. She was only giving people back the money that he stole from them.
“Robin Hood must have a reason.” Lila said, quickening her pace. Nathanael kept up with her.
Lila turned to look at him. “People don’t become thieves for no reason.” She said firmly. “People don’t do bad things for no reason.”
Nathanael looked at her with wide eyes. “Okay, then what do you think is the reason?”
“As an outside party, why do you think Robin Hood is the way he is?” Nathanael asked simply, never breaking eye contact with her.
Lila looked away and pulled at a loose strand of hair. “Maybe he had no other choice.” She said quietly.
“People always have a choice.” Nathanael scoffed.
“Maybe in your cushy world, up in that castle. But not out in the real world. Not out there where things matter.” Lila shot back, daggers in her gaze. Nathanael gave her a puzzled expression.
“Because he is kind.” He said.
“You asked me why I am Adrien’s friend – because he is kind.” Nathanael explained. “He’s had a hard life –” Lila scoffed, but Nathanael lightly grasped her wrist, forcing her to look at him. “His mother, our queen, died when he was little. Ever since then the king was devastated. He became cold and distant, and became obsessed with money – because money is a constant. He needed control in his life – control over the people and control over Adrien.”
Lila looked at him with wide eyes.
“I would be hanged for saying this,” Nathanael said, keeping his voice low, “but the king has neglected Adrien. I have seen it with my own eyes. And yet,” he paused, “Adrien has always been a compassionate and sincere person. He did not let his isolation from the world and from his father make him cruel or angry.” Nathanael looked down and noticed that he was still holding onto Lila’s wrist. He blushed and let go. “Adrien is a good person, Lila, do not judge him when you do not know his story.”
Lila thought on this for a moment. All this time she felt like she – or rather, Robin Hood – was the one who was misunderstood. She never thought that she could be misinformed about some things, that she could be wrong. When she had first seen the prince enter the clearing, she saw him as a means to an end. She saw him as something to be used so that she and Marinette could escape. Now she began to understand what Nathanael was saying. The prince really was kind.
“I apologize.” Lila said softly, bowing her head.
“That’s why I said that people have a choice. Adrien chose to be kind. He didn’t have to be. But what do I know about the real world? Obviously life inside the castle is cushy. Nothing matters here.” Nathanael said, giving Lila a pointed look. Another jab at her pride.
“Then by that logic you have no right to judge Robin Hood either. You don’t know his story. You don’t understand his choices.” Lila said, head held high.
“I never said that I did.” Nathanael replied with a small smile, watching the sun set.
Lila was about to say something, but then she heard the snap of branches behind her and the familiar sound of a bowstring tightening.
“Take cover!” Lila yelled, diving towards Nathanael. They both fell to the ground, Lila covering him with her body out of instinct. She heard an arrow whizz over their heads and lodge itself into a nearby tree.
“Mar – my lady! Are you okay?” Lila called, her body still on top of Nathanael’s. They weren’t out of the clear yet.
“We’re fine!” Marinette called back. Lila breathed a sigh of relief. “What’s going on?”
‘I don’t know,” Lila thought, ‘but I’m going to find out.’ She was about to lift herself up when Nathanael gently grabbed her wrist and forced her back down.
“What are you doing?” He hissed. Her cheeks warmed when she saw the concern in his eyes.
“I will not be lying down when there is an enemy. I am going to stand.” Lila said firmly, removing her arm from Nathanael’s grasp and shifting into a crouch. She scanned the area but could not spot the attacker. They were hiding. Then she looked ahead of her and saw the edge of the forest. They were almost out of the castle grounds.
‘Well, I guess there’s no use keeping this game up anymore.’ Lila thought. She reached behind her back and pulled out her last arrow. She hoped that it would be enough.
“LB, I need my bow.” She said, standing to her full height.
“But Lila –” Marinette said, standing as well. Her dark red hood was still up, and Lila could only see the tense set of her mouth.
“What’s going on?” Adrien said, getting to his feet. Lila heard another twig snap.
“LB!” Lila called, but her friend was already on it. She pushed Adrien to the ground right as another arrow was heading his way. Then she removed the bow from under her cloak and threw it to Lila. After that she got out her quarterstaff, looking dangerous as her mouth formed a tight line.
Lila was comforted by the familiar feel of smooth wood in her hand. She aligned her arrow and pulled back on her bowstring, ready to strike.
“Who are you people?” Adrien asked, wonder in his voice. Lila glanced down at Nathanael and saw him looking up at her with an unreadable expression. But she couldn’t focus on that now.
“Show yourself!” Lila demanded, her shoulders tense.
“Now isn’t this hilarious,” A voice said on her right. Lila immediately moved in the direction that the voice was coming from, her bow at the ready.
A dark figure came out from a dense patch of trees. Lila saw that there was a bow in their hands as well. “The notorious Robin Hood herself is protecting the son of the man she hates most.” Lila could sense Nathanael tense on the ground next to her.
Lila gripped her bow more firmly. “Who are you?” she asked.
“Do you forget what that brat’s father did to you?” The figure said, ignoring her question. “He drove your family into debt. He’s the reason your father abandoned your family. He’s the reason you had to take care of your sick mother on your own. He’s the reason you had to watch your mother die slowly, having no money to buy her the medicine she needed. He’s the reason you were alone for so long.”
Lila grit her teeth. With every word a new wave of anger flared up inside of her. Anger towards this mysterious figure, anger towards her father, anger towards the king.
“Dodge my question again and I won’t hesitate to let this arrow fly.” Lila said with venom. “Who are you?”
The figure laughed and stepped into the light, pulling back their hood with their free hand. Lila took a step back in shock, then narrowed her eyes.
“What game are you playing at, Chloe?” Lila asked.
Chloe grinned. “What can I say? I like a little chaos.”
“Wait,” Marinette said, hurt in her voice. “You were the traitor, weren’t you? Chloe, why?” “This kingdom doesn’t belong to the Agrestes.” Chloe said, her blue eyes as hard as diamonds. “They stole it from my family; they forced us to go into hiding. I plan to take this kingdom back, and the first step is getting rid of him.” She said, jutting out her chin in Adrien’s direction.
“That doesn’t answer her question.” Lila pointed out. “Why did you betray us?”
“Because this kingdom doesn’t belong to you either. I can’t have some outlaw winning the people’s favor.” Chloe declared. “But then again,” she said with a grin, “maybe we can work together.”
“What are you proposing?” Lila asked with narrowed eyes, never lowering her bow.
“Leave. That was the goal, right? You were only using them so that you two could make your escape. So leave, and don’t look back.” Chloe said, her eyes flashing in triumph.
Lila looked at Chloe for a moment, and then she finally lowered her bow. “Fine.”
“R.H.! You can’t!” Marinette said, looking at her friend in shock.
“I have to make this choice.” Lila said, looking back at Marinette. Then she paused. “LB, you remember the mistake I made earlier today? I promised you I wouldn’t make it again.”
Marinette looked at her in confusion, and then she understood. She nodded her head and lowered her quarterstaff. “Okay.”
“I’m glad you two could see reason.” Chloe said, lowering her bow as well.
Lila walked up to Chloe and offered her hand. “Shall we shake on it?”
Chloe looked down at Lila’s hand and looked back up, giving her a smug grin. Chloe was always too arrogant for her own good.
“Chloe! I thought we were friends!” Adrien yelled, still on the ground. Chloe looked over at him with disdain.
“Our alliance was political; any friendship we had died the moment your father betrayed mine. And even if we were friends, you never helped me in my time of need.” Chloe said. Lila could hear the hurt in her words. Chloe had been abandoned, just like Lila. In a way they were the same – King Gabriel had taken everything from them.
“Chloe, I’m so sorry.” Adrien said, real guilt laced in his words.
“It doesn’t matter now.” Chloe said, looking back at Lila and reaching out her hand. “So we have an arrangement?”
Lila reached out and took Chloe’s hand in her own. When Chloe tried to end the handshake Lila only held on tighter. “An interesting fact about me,” Lila began, giving Chloe a sweet smile. “Ever since my dad left I’ve had a hard time trusting people. So, when people betray the trust that I so rarely give out,” Lila yanked Chloe towards her until they were nose to nose, “I get pissed.” She moved behind Chloe and pinned her arm painfully at her back.
“Already on it.” Marinette said, grabbing Chloe’s bow and cutting the bowstring with the knife that she always kept hidden in her boot.
“You really think I’m the only one after him?” Chloe spat, struggling to break free. “You’re not the only one who hates the royal family, Robin Hood. Sooner or later someone will come after this precious prince of yours. And I hope they come after you as well.”
Lila’s mouth formed a tight line and she gave Chloe a swift blow to the head, knocking her unconscious. Then she sighed and offered Nathanael her hand. The boy looked at it for moment and then accepted, moving to stand up. Marinette went to go check on Adrien.
“Well, that was…interesting.” Nathanael observed, wiping the dirt off of his tunic.
“Yeah, who would have thought that some power hungry individual who was determined to take down the royal family would ever join my ranks?” Lila said, bitterness in her tone. She blamed herself, she should have seen it coming. But Chloe was her friend, she shared things with her – personal things. Her betrayal cut deep.
“Hey, thanks for saving us.” Nathanael said, putting a hand on her shoulder. “You didn’t have to, so…I appreciate it.”
“You were the one who said we always have a choice, right? I just chose a path and stuck to it.” Lila said with a sigh, kicking the dirt at her feet. When she looked up she saw that Nathanael was looking at her. “What?” She asked defensively. Nathanael quickly took his hand off of her shoulder and looked away, his cheeks beginning to heat up.
“Nothing. I’m just glad that I could give some good advice.”
Then Adrien jogged up to the duo. “That was awesome, Lila,” Then he paused. “Or should I say, um, Robin Hood?” He asked, a little unsure of how he should proceed. They were meant to be enemies, after all.
“Don’t mention it.” Lila said as Marinette moved to stand next to her. “Seriously, if you could please never mention any of this happening, especially to your father.”
Adrien smiled and gave a slight bow. “It’s the least I can do.” Then his gaze shifted to Marinette. “So I guess that you’re not a lady, then?”
Marinette pulled back hood her to reveal her face. “I-I’m sorry.” She said, her cheeks flaring up as she stared back at the prince. His eyes widened in recognition.
“So you’re Robin Hood’s right hand?” Adrien asked, looking her up and down. Marinette only nodded in response.
“You’re a lot prettier than the posters make you out to be.” Adrien observed, then he realized what he had said and covered his hands over his mouth in embarrassment. Lila chuckled as Marinette began to sputter.
“I know you wanted to go into town, but I think we should head back to the castle before it gets dark. I don’t think Chloe was lying when she said that she wasn’t the only one after you.” Nathanael reasoned, looking at his friend sympathetically.
Adrien slumped his shoulders. “You’re right. And we should take her back to the castle. My father will want to know what happened.” Adrien said, looking at Chloe’s unconscious form.
“Actually, I would like to take her, if you don’t mind. She knows too much.” Lila said firmly. “I actually do have a connection in France, so I will have someone keep her there where she won’t cause any trouble.”
“Or spill any secrets.” Marinette added, looking at Lila with concern. Lila nodded her head.
Adrien sighed. “Okay. I just, can you tell her I’m sorry?” He asked, his eyes pleading. “We were so young, and father never really explained what was happening. I didn’t know – I would’ve helped –”
Nathanael put a hand on his shoulder. “There’s nothing you could have done. Don’t beat yourself up. But you might want to have a talk with your father.”
“Yes. It seems that I need to talk with father about a lot of things.” Adrien said, his gaze distant. Then he shifted his attention to the two girls before him. “Thank you two, for saving my life, and, for helping me learn some things today.”
“Thank you for showing us the way.” Lila said. “And, I think I learned some things as well.” She added, glancing at Nathanael.
“You will become a great king someday.” Marinette said firmly. “I can feel it.”
Adrien’s gaze softened. “This isn’t goodbye. We will meet again.”
“I hope so.” Marinette said with a smile. Then she picked Chloe up and slung her over her back. Lila had always been impressed by how strong she was. It was almost miraculous.
Lila nodded her head. “Then I guess it’s time to be on our way, before night falls completely.” Her eyes couldn’t help but drift to Nathanael, who was looking at her. But she didn’t know how to say goodbye.
“Until next time, Robin Hood.” Nathanael said with a slight smirk.
Lila smiled and pulled her hood over her head, then she looked at Marinette and together they made their way towards the edge of the woods. They made it to the royal marker when Lila looked back, watching as Adrien and Nathanael walked the other way.
She quickly brought out a piece of parchment and hastily scrawled out a note, silently thanking her mom for teaching her how to write.
“What are you doing?” Marinette asked with wide eyes.
Lila simply smiled and showed Marinette the note. She scanned her words and began to blush. “Are you sure about this?”
“I trust them.” Lila said firmly. Then she tied the note to her arrow and lifted her bow, aiming for the closest tree to the pair of boys. She let the arrow fly and bit back a laugh as Nathanael jumped in surprise. Then she watched as he found the note and unraveled it as Adrien hovered over his shoulder.
A moment later they both looked over at the girls and waved. “We shall see you then!” Adrien called, a wide smile on his face. Lila laughed and waved back. Then she and Marinette continued on towards the town, a certain lightness in their step that wasn’t there earlier that day.
“I can’t believe you actually told them where we hunt on Saturdays.” Marinette said with a giggle. “You would’ve thought that you’d give the king’s son that kind of information?”
“A lot of people surprised me today,” Lila said, glancing at Marinette. “Including myself.”
Marinette smiled and looped her arm through her friend’s, still carrying Chloe on the other shoulder. “Let’s go home.”
Lila smiled as well, a certain warmth in her chest. “Yeah, let’s go home.”
