Prince Moral paced anxiously outside the closed door of the Castle's Royal, private infirmary as he awaited news of Queen Orchid's condition. She had collapsed only a few minutes ago but in his heart it felt like an eternity. Moments after calling for help two Royal Toad Guards were in the Garden and escorting the Prince as he carried the Queen inside the Castle to seek help. Once she was taken into the infirmary he was asked to step outside so the Royal Physician could examine her and find the cause of her mysterious and sudden collapse.
"Orchid," Moral prayed to himself. "please be alright. I can't live without you!"
Unbeknownst to the worried Prince he was being spied on through an opened window few a few yards from where he stood. Kammy Koopa, using her magic to render herself undetectable, watched with twisted glee as Moral stood outside the door with clueless fear about Orchid's well-being.
"This will please King Koopa." Kammy praised her own devious work. "It has begun!"
The happily married couple enjoyed their time together by spending every possible moment on the soft sandy beaches of the Hawaiian Islands. Pauline and Marcell laughed as they spoke about their dreams for the future and how one day they'd have a family to share their joy with.
"Pauline I want you to remember this night forever!" Marcell declared with unequivocal love in his voice.
"I will my beloved," Pauline led the way back to their suite. "I couldn't possible be happier than I am now! After tonight our lives will never be the same again, let's cherish it now and never forget!"
Returning to the Koopa Badlands Kammy hastily made her way to the audience Chamber where King Koopa awaited for the return of his Sorceress. He sat upon his throne with his small son napping in his arms. Kamek, Kammy's apprentice in Sorcery was standing at his side in stoic silence.
Upon entering the chamber Kammy flashed a twisted grin to her King and bowed. "The poison has found its mark. The curse is now upon the Mushroom Kingdom."
"Excellent work, Kammy." Koopa acknowledged her success with bared fangs as looked down at the sleeping child in his arms. "This ensures victory for my son." He looked back to Kammy. "A glorious victory for all Koopas across the eight continents..."
The door to the infirmary slowly opened as the Royal Physician stepped out into the hallway. He looked at the worried Price and smiled confidently as he spoke. "My Prince, she is awake and asking for you."
Without a word Moral walked into the infirmary and stood beside the small bed where Queen Orchid was resting. He grabbed a hold of her hand and held it tightly between his own. "How are you feeling my beloved?"
"I'm feeling fantastic!" She answered with a slight blush on her face. "Moral, I'm... I'm pregnant!"
...to be continued...