The Mushroom King ran as fast as his legs would take him. A left, a right and another left. He ran down the halls of his castle. Happy pictures of him and his daughter filled the halls. Stopping at the end of the corridor he caught his breath and knocked on the door.
A hushed voice spoke from the other side. "Come in."
Straightening himself out and clearing his throat he walked into the room. It was pink and filled with flowers and dolls he had got for his only daughter. On the walls were pictures of her and the man she is meant to marry. He looked around to find Peach collapsed on her bed and buried in pillows and blankets. The king walked forward and sat on the end of her bed.
"Daddy?" Her voice was soft and low.
He rubbed her back and sighed. "I'm here Sweet Heart. What seems to be the matter? Toad came to me spouting nonsense. Then he said you were held up in your room not well so I came fast to check on you." He looked at the lump under the blankets outlining his daughter.
Peach stirred for a moment then brought herself to a sitting position, letting the blanket fall and revealing her face. She was tired and her eyes were blood shot and puffy. She breathed in and held it for a second. "Daddy, there's something I need to tell you."
Sitting on his throne he thought about his daughter's story. "This can't be true." His words felt even more wavering aloud than in his thoughts. He stared blankly ahead as two small figures came running over.
"Your Highness, have you spoken with the Princess?" Toadsworth spoke up with Toad right beside him eager to know as well.
He still hadn't let the news sink in yet. "I have." He just couldn't believe his ears. "Toadsworth, please keep my daughter company and tend to her."
Toadsworth nodded and walked off to her room.
Toad looked hurt and eager to help her too. "Your Majesty, is there anything I can do to help the Princess?" He wanted to help his beloved Princess from having to cry anymore.
Spaced out eyes gazed upon Toad. "I do need your help Toad. I need you to find out if this awful rumor is true. The fate of this Kingdom depends on it. Even more so, Peach's fate. You must not let anyone else know about this. We don't want anyone taking advantage of our situation." He was trusting him with what may be the most important mission of his life.
Toad saluted his king, understanding the importance of his job. Leaving the palace he felt sick. What will we do if the rumor is true? Fear filled his head. Shaking it away he looked at the road ahead. "First things first! I have to find the one responsible for this rumor."
So what do you guys think? Why is the fair Princess Peach so distressed?