AN: Here is the next chapter of the story! Things are finally going to start turning! Also, fun fact, this is the longest chapter that I have written for this story to date! Yes, it beats out chapter 2 "Double Crownings", probably by about 300 words or so. Wow, things are getting pretty interesting now! Enjoy this chapter!
The rustle of paper shifted throughout the room air. Glimmer of sunlight bounced off Bowser's spikes. A heated sigh escaped from his lips as smoke seeped through his nostrils. A blue cap waved about in his vision. "Just get to the details already." He snarled; his teeth on full display.
A shiver ran up Kamek's spine. Sweat dripped down his brow. "I will, your Majesty, but I first need to get the paperwork sorted." He explained. His voice caught at the back of his throat.
"If the paperwork needed to be sorted…" Bowser paused. His large figure towering over the magikoopa. Anger twisted behind his vision. Tension ran up his muscular arms as his fists tightened. Claws threatened to dig beneath his scales. "Then why did you call me away from Peach on our first morning together as a married couple?!" His voice roared off the walls.
"Uh, well…" Kamek coughed. His signature cap shivered in fear. The wooden broom inched up and down in the air. "That wasn't my intention, your Majesty."
"Intention or not, shrimp, it's exactly what happened!" Bowser growled. His red mane flared in the sunlight. His powerful voice shook the interior walls. Paintings and murals of himself shied against his might. "We could be talking, laughing, or maybe even hugging right now! And instead, I'm stuck in this blasted chamber with you! Over what?! Paperwork!" Flashes of red escaped the back of his throat.
"But, but your villainous-" Kamek started.
"Don't 'but' me, ingrate!" Bowser roared. Heavy silence crept back into the room. Steam continued to bellow out of his nostrils. Heated blood pumped through his veins. Twinges of anger flashing across his face. Moments dragged by. Every second felt like an hour. A rush of air flew out between Bowser's lips. Flashes of Peach circled in his mind. One happy, one sad, one angry. Trickles of nervousness appeared in the back of his thoughts. 'Last thing I need is an even MORE unhappy wife' he pondered. Tension slowly released from his clenched fists. "You have ten minutes to sort through those papers, otherwise, I'll burn them along with you for wasting my time." Browser stated; his voice low and rough.
Kamek blinked. A confused look passed his face. His mouth opened silently before closing again. Words scrambled inside his mind before getting lost in his throat.
"Today, Kamek!" Bowser roared. His vision fully glued on his most trusted subordinate. His chair creaked as the large koopa sat back down. His spiked shell extending out the back of the chair. His beautiful Queen returned to his mind. Visions of her dancing, laughing, smiling sweetly played behind his eyes. A soft grin pressed out into his face. His inner mind scanning her every inch.
A flutter escaped his beating heart. Hot romance merged with his inner fire. His wife and her stunning beauty was fully present in his thoughts. Her beautiful dance, one of grace and dignity, completely charmed him. Bowser watched inwardly as she twirled. Her vibrant, elegant, dark pink dress complemented her. Her crystal blue eyes glancing lovingly back at his. Her blonde hair dancing to a tune. Her soft, supple hands gently grabbing the dress. Her glistening legs; dawning a sheering set of pantyhose, peaking out. The perfect ring to fit his perfect wife on full display; nestled perfectly on her wedding finger. Ring. The lids to his eyes shot open. "I never gave Peachy a ring!" He exclaimed.
Paper rustled on a large desk. "Wha!?" Kamek shrieked, his voice fully exhibiting his shock. The magikoopa's face turned back towards his King. "What was that, your Highness?" He asked. Shivers hung along the tips of his lips.
"A ring! Don't you listen?! I need to buy Peach a wedding ring!" Bowser shouted. A quickened beat pounded inside his ears. Nostrils at the end of his snout flared. His clawed hand pressed against his forehead. "I can't believe I forgot! Here we are, married, and I have yet to present her a ring!"
"Your Highness, I don't believe-" Kamek attempted. His flying broom shifting closer to the large koopa.
"Of course you don't!" Bowser shouted. His nerves frayed underneath his skin. Images of Peach's face, dramatically shifting from sweet smiles to disappointed scowls, pranced in his head. "If I don't get her a ring, she won't truly feel married! Arrgh! How did I miss this?!"
"But, sire. I don't think you-" Kamek tried, again.
"Without a ring, Peach could come to hate me!" Bowser scowled. A nervous twitch appeared in his claws. The tap of claw against scale echoed in the room.
"Well, sire, what is it that you propose we do?" Kamek sighed. A growing sense of defeat gripped his mind.
The chair creaked. Bowser's heavy figure stood up. His clawed toes echoed of the walls. The sunlight dimmed against the windows; the sun getting blocked by passing clouds. "Obviously, we are going to buy her a ring!" Bowser exclaimed. A satisfied grin found its way onto his face. His vision turned towards the room door. "And we are going to go, now."
"W-wait, your Majesty!" Kamek yelled. His broom whipped through the air. The magikoopa halted right in front of the mighty being. "We still have some matters to discuss!" He pleaded. Small arms waved to stop.
"What could be more important than me pleasing my wife?!" Bowser snarled. A tough clawed hand flexed in front of Kamek's vision. Anger pinged about inside his mind. A perfect ring; circling in his head, cracked. Red eyes borrowed down onto his aid.
"Matters regarding the Darklands and Mushroom Kingdom, sire! While we may be joined now, there are details that we need to work through!" Kamek explained.
"Details? And what exactly are these details that are more important than Peach?" Bowser huffed. His will attempting to restrain his anger. His clawed hand fell back towards his side. A twitch befell the corner of his eyes.
"Matters such as the economic differences, cultural merges and challenges, market systems, bodies of governing." Kamek stated. A glimmer passed his glasses. The tip of his cap bent downwards. "Also, your Majesty, if I may inquire…you wish to surprise her Majesty the Queen with this ring, correct?"
Bowser glared. His red eyes staring down at Kamek. The tip of his lips curled up into a smirk. "That's right." He agreed. The blazing red mane swished with a nod.
"Then-' Kamek started.
The atmosphere in the room broke to the sound of a phone ringing. The loud tone split the air. Bowser's gaze fixed on the desk. A royal phone ringing off the hook sat in his vision. "Who?" He growled; a snarl crawling across his nose. The large Koopa stomped over towards the phone. A sigh leaked out from Kamek's lips. Claws gripped the phone. "Who is it?" Bowser answered; each word dripping with disdain.
"Ya-hoo!" A female voice rang out on the other end of the line.
The loud voice screeched into Bowser's ears. His eyes flashed closed. Smoke whisped through his teeth. "Daisy." Bowser replied.
"Yes, that is me, your evilness!" Daisy giggled. Her beaming mood transmitted through the line.
A smirk passed Bowser's face. The apple in his throat jumped with a chuckle. "What do you want?" He sighed. His voice carrying a splash of relief.
"Well, I know this is really out of the blue, and I also know that you and Peachy just got married yesterday and all, so I had completely forgot! Honestly, my head has been spinning these past few days! So much has happened that I could hardly-" Daisy explained, hyperly.
His hand pressed against his forehead. "Daisy, what do you want?" Bowser repeated. His voice lowered.
"Oh! Hahahaha! I completely went on a tangent, didn't I?" Daisy laughed.
A low sigh bellowed out from Bowser's lungs. "Yes, you did." Bowser stated, flatly. Irritation dripped into his blood stream. The growing emotion trickled into his mind.
"Well, as I was saying, I know that you two just got married yesterday, but I was hoping that Peachy could be allowed to come visit me today?" Daisy asked, her voice almost a playful plead.
"Why?" Bowser questioned.
"Oh! Well, for awhile now, Peachy and I had made plans to play tennis today!" Daisy cheered.
A grinning Daisy flashed inside his mind. Shivers crawled up the back of his spine. "No, Daisy." Bowser sighed. The pressure from his hand increased into his skull. "I am asking why you were asking me."
"Oh!" Daisy laughed on the other end. "That's easy! Because you're her hubby, Bowser! I mean, she would need your permission, right?" Her teasing voice entered Bowser's ear.
A puff of pride shocked through his body. Bowser felt a wash of happiness flood his system. 'Hubby' he repeated. The word rang bells throughout his mind. "Well," he coughed; a snarky grin plastered on his face, "I am her hubby!"
"Right? So, can she come over, your Majesty?" Daisy continued, her playful tone still apparent.
"I don't see why not." Bowser mused. A light whipped behind his eyes. "However, she is currently watching the brats."
"That's fine! I'd love to meet my new niece and nephews!" Daisy chirped,
Bowser's throat rumbled a deep chuckle. His red mane swaying backwards. "Then I will go and ask her." He laughed. His free hand motioned Kamek over.
"Great!" Daisy replied. "Oh! A quick question, Bowser? Bowser!"
"What, Daisy?" Bowser huffed. The phone removed from his ear.
"Peachy isn't too sore to play tennis right? From last night?" Daisy asked. Her sarcasm hung on every word.
A roar of a laugh blasted from Bowser's stomach. His sharp fangs shone in the light. "I can assure you, Peachy is not too sore." Bowser laughed. His claw placed the phone back. A gentle click sounded out. His red eyes turned towards Kamek. The grin still present on his lips. "Kamek, instead of paperwork, how about you send someone to get Peachy?"
"Sire, we still need to go over these documents." Kamek replied.
"Gah! Just send for my wife already, flyboy!" Bowser ordered. His grin disappearing into his face.
"R-right away, your Majesty!" Kamek shouted. His wand waved about. Sparkles of magic fell into the air. A dark light passed through the magikoopa.
Bowser watched as his trusted aid disappeared into the air. A blank space laid before the King. A gruff escaped his throat. A nervous thump echoed inside his chest. His mind returned to his dancing Queen. Heat rose inside his heart. A smile crawled across his lips.
X-X-X-X
The passing clouds shadowed the yard. Peach's eyes following the Koopalings. Wendy, her daughter, played with her dolls next to her. The warm breeze playfully passed through her hair. Dark light sparkled in her peripheral vision. Her eyes turned towards the sight. A magikoopa, dressed in blue, materialized before her.
"Kamek?" Peach questioned. Her voice carried traces of shock. A quick beat of her heart jolted through her nerves.
"My Queen!" Kamek smiled. His broom hovered feet away from his Queen. "I was looking for you all over!"
"Oh?" Peach giggled. A warm smile passed her face. A free hand playfully pressed into the grass. "Well, I've been here with the children this entire time."
"Yeah, Wizzboy!" Wendy laughed. Her painted claws moving her dolls. "Like, Mama Peach has been watching over us all morning! How could you, like, not know where we were?"
"My apologies, Princess. You are correct, I should have found you sooner." Kamek grimmanced.
"Wendy, that's not very nice." Peach scolded her daughter; gently. Her smile still remaining on her face. The shimmer of the sun radiated off her glossed lips. "Kamek works very hard for you children and your father. It would be smart to treat him with some more respect."
"Aww, fine, Mom." Wendy whined. Her inner irritation revealed on her face.
His mouth opened. Air trickled into his lungs. Kamek gazed at his new Queen. Admiration smirked across his lips. His blue cap titled downwards with a bow. "Your Majesty, I appreciate your wise words to the Princess." He humbled.
Her free hand waved in the open air. A sweet smile graced her face. The radiance of her eyes rained on the magikoopa. "Kamek, I only told her what was needed. There's no need to thank me." Peach stated. Her heart dripped in sunlight. A weightless feeling swayed through her body.
"But, I must." Kamek insisted; his head still bowing before Queen Koopa. "It's been too long since someone defended my honor."
The benevolent smile wavered on her face. Peach's lips gently fell. "I'm terribly sorry to hear that, Kamek." She said. The sorrow of her mind reflected in her blue eyes. 'Bowser needs to treat his people better' she thought. Memories of her kidnappings were summoned into her mind. As if watching a movie, Peach could see her husband interacting poorly with his underlings. Her eyes stayed on the trusted aide. "May I know why you were looking for me?" She asked.
Kamek's head flung up. His mouth gaped open. "Oh! That's right! My Queen, His Majesty requests your presence inside his office!" Kamek rambled. Nervousness hung to his voice.
"Bowser did?" Peach questioned. Her blonde hair fell across her shoulder. A warm breeze picked up across the lawn. "Did he say why?"
"No, My Queen. All I know was that His Majesty wished for me to find you and send you to him." Kamek lamented. His head shook in disappointment. "I shall watch the Koopalings for you."
"Oh…" Peach paused, her vision glancing towards her daughter. The air passed through her fingers. A canine gently bit her lower lip. 'Why would Bowser want to see me right now?' she rumbled inside her mind. Ideas and thoughts flung around; each pressing as an answer. Nervousness crept into her beating heart. Air rushed out of her lungs in a heated sigh. "Alright, thank you Kamek." She smirked.
The magikoopa watched as Peach stood up. Her dress carried small blades of grass. The bright sun casted shadows across the yard. "Do you need directions, Your Highness?" Kamek asked. His broom wavered closer to the new Queen.
A small smile passed her face. Her blue eyes glancing towards him. "No, I already know this castle like the back of my hand." Peach giggled. A naked hand elegantly covering her mouth. "Thank you for the offer though, Kamek. I will be back."
X-X-X-X
A deep hum rumbled through the air. Bowser's closed eyes fluttered in his mind. His Queen danced before his inner vision. Air gently seeped through his nostrils as a calm smile lasted on his face. A free claw swayed up and down with an imaginary tune. The sound of wood knock shattered the sweet air. His hum transformed into a grunt. "Yes?" Bowser growled. Trickles of anger dripped in his mind.
"Bowser? You sent Kamek to find me?" Peach questioned. Her voice, slightly muffled by the door, swirled around his ears.
"Peachy!" Bowser jumped. Nervousness and joy washed over his inner anger. The large koopa thumped towards the door. His claws tightly rounded the handle. Rushing of air breezed past his fiery mane. His red eyes fell upon the stunning figure of his Queen. Thumps echoed in his ears. A goofy grin plastered itself to Bowser's face. "C-come in." He stuttered. Nervous rumbles blasted throughout his body.
Heat grew on her cheeks. Peach eyed as her husband fumbled his words. A soft giggle escaped her throat. 'He always has been nervous around me.' she endeared. Her giggles danced throughout the room. Her shimmering blue eyes fell upon a chair. "Did you want me to sit?" She asked. A cat-like playfulness seeped from her smile. No love, no fondness, but the bond of close friendship. That feeling surged her desire to tease her King.
Bowser's red eyes caught glimpse of heaven and hell. The fading smirk of his wife's face pounced into his mind. Shivers crept through his nerves. A low, heat-full growl rumbled through his throat. "You can, Peachy, if you wanted." He replied. The goofy grin switched for a smirk. His large feet twisted. His hand extended out towards his wife. "My lady."
A small blush grasped her cheek cusps. Her playful smile extended. "Oh, such a nice gentleman." She responded; her voice drenched with faux haughtiness. Her naked hand lightly touched his. A shockful sensation rippled up her fingers. She willingly let the koopa lead her. Her dress pressed as she sat down. Her vision met her husband's. A flutter entered into her heart. "Thank you, your Majesty." She played. Her head slightly bent down.
The thumping of his heart grew. A drawing sound echoed in his ears. The world seemingly faded from the existence of sound. 'Why does she tease me like this?' he gleemed internally. His mind danced behind his soft gaze. "Of course!" He grinned. The spikes of his arm-bands glimmered in the passing sunlight. "Nothing is too much for my wife!"
Tiny drips of heat, mixed with warmth, fell upon her heart. Bowser's words sunk into her thoughts. Peach's spirit twisted in confusion. 'I still need to get used to that title…' she lamented. Her playful grin slowly faded. "Um, Kamek said that you wanted to talk to me?" Peach pressed. Her teasing demeanor all but vanished. A fidget entered into her fingers.
The change in tone split Bowser's heart. A frantic pulse echoed through his blood. His mind rushed about. 'Why did her tone change?' he wondered. His red eyes painfully watched his Queen. Her fidgeting fingers, her lost smirk, all burned into his mind."Uh…" Bowser started. His claw rustled through his mane. His vision bounced between Peach and the desk next to him. "I received a phone call earlier, for you actually."
"Who was it?" Peach asked. Her face picked up slightly.
A bleak grin slipped past his face. His wife's tone, though better, still fell. Thoughts continued to bang in his head. The past moments on an agonizing repeat. "It was Daisy." Bowser replied. His red gaze centered on his beloved Queen.
Confusion rippled behind her blue eyes as they blinked. "Daisy? As in my cousin?" She pondered, openly. Her confused state apparent on her face. The fidgeting of her fingers increased. A worried wash sank into her heart.
"The one and only." Bowser chuckled. Particular words resurfaced in his mind. Heat trickled into his heart. His grin still sat on the edge of his lips. "She wan-" He began.
"Why did she-" Peach started. Her pause met her husband's perfectly. Their broken, yet unified, attempt to talk faltered. An awkward air hung between them. Pressure slinked into her skin. A broken giggle escaped her covered mouth.
The contagious giggle affected the large koopa. The tickle entered his throat; causing a chuckle of his own. The hung air cracked. Their eyes met. An eruption of laugher shattered the pressure around them. Tears dripped from the side of Peach's eyes. One hand covered her mouth, the other her side. Blonde hair tossed and fell with her laughter. Bowser's teeth were fully exposed from his laugh. His barrel chest jumped with each breath in.
The combined laughter echoed down the castle hall. Moments drifted by. Peach gasped; her body attempting to recover. Tears streamed down her chin. Her cheeks almost permanently lifted into a smile. Her fingers gently wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry for interrupting you, Bowser. Oh, I needed that laugh." Peach continued; attempting to hold in her giggle.
Bowser's face lit up. His lips stretched as far as they could across his face. The Koopa King's hand placed firmly on the desk for support. "Pay no mind, Peachy." He smiled. Fangs extended out of the top lip. His signature mane ruffled by the laughter. A swirl of joy formed in his heart. "I would rather be interrupted a hundred times, if every time led to your beautiful laughter and smile." His romance oozed from each word. A seductive glimmer flashed behind his eyes.
Peach's eyes caught the look. Her heart jumped inside her chest. Blood rushed through her being. A small red formed along the lobes of her ears. Her vision shifted between her husband's drowning eyes and the floor. Strings of blonde hair curled over her ears before sticking to the tips of her lips. 'How can he say such things so…so naturally?' Her mind rushed. The beat of her heart grew stronger inside her ears.
The awkward silence crept back into the room. A satisfied sigh blew out of Bowser's nostrils. His eyes caressing his embarrassed Queen. A rough cough slipped through his throat. "Daisy wanted to know if you, and surprisingly the brats, would come to her place today to play tennis." Bowser finally explained. His face still smiling towards Peach.
Her hair fell to one side. Peach's eyes glued on her husband. "Tennis? Wh-" she stopped. The area of her eyes grew. Her glossed lips opened in shock. Memories, buried beneath everything, sprang to her mind. "That's right! Oh my gosh! I had promised Daisy that I would play with her today! I had completely forgotten! Oh she's going to tease me non-stop for forgetting." Peach rambled. The chair shook as the Queen jolted from it.
A chuckle rumbled from Bowser's chest. "Your cousin knew that you would forget." He laughed. His voice stopping his Queen in her tracks. "Heck, she forgot herself." The snarky grin grew on his lips.
Calm washed back into her mind. Peach's hands pressed down on her dress; fixing herself. "I see." She smiled; her worry still visible in her eyes.
"So, did you want to go?" Bowser asked. His eyes stuck on Peach. The corner's of his lips slightly fell as he waited. His beating heart echoed loudly in his ears. Wind pressed past the room windows. The rumbles of a far off explosion trickled along the floor.
"Well, yes, if I can." Peach admitted. Her blue eyes glancing towards a far off corner. A splash of guilt resonated in her mind. "Oh, she said she wanted to meet the Koopalings as well?"
Muscles bulged in his arms as they crossed. His grin replaced with a stern look. "Yeah, for whatever reason, she said it was absolutely fine to 'bring along her niece and nephews'.
Bowser replied; he sarcastically mimicking Daisy's voice towards the end.
Heat rose to her cheeks. The tip of her nose turned a pale red. "Niece and Nephews?" Peach giggled. Joy and pain twisted together inside her. "I guess they kind of are. I am their mother, they are my children. Since she is my cousin, I suppose the labels fit."
Bowser's face contorted as a huge grin plastered to his face. Her words kissed his ear lobes. The rate of his heart sped. "Then, I will have the finest clown-cart prepared." He puffed. His chest filled with pride.
"Are you sure?" Peach questioned. A smirk graced her face. Her eyes scanned her King. A pitter of her heart drifted into her ears.
"Of course! Only the best for my Queen!" Bowser roared. His nostrils flared. The bright sun shone through his mane.
"Then, I shall go and tell the children." Peach smiled. Her mind glossing over Bowser's Queen comment. Images of tennis played out in her thoughts. Calm dripped into her heart. Her feet gracefully turned on the floor. Steps took her closer to the exit.
A pain stabbed into his heart. His once happy mind flooded with worry. His lips fell into a frown. Air seeped into his open mouth without a sound. Claws touched the scales in his palms. A huff flew through his teeth. "Uh…" Bowser choked. His nerves frayed about. The space between him and his Queen increased. Each step she took sent needles into his mind.
Her husband's choke entered her ears. Blonde hair drifted in the air. Her sea-blue eyes returned towards the large koopa. "Yes?" She smiled. Her joyful anticipation beamed through her face.
A heated sigh deflated his chest. Bowser's eyes shifted between Peach's and the floor by his feet. Horrible visions screamed out in his heart. "Just…please be careful." He spoke; softly. Waves of nervousness drowned his mind. The clanking of claws gently filled the room.
"Of course I will be careful, Bowser." Peach laughed. Her smile radiated the room.
"I mean it, Peach." Bowser gulped. His voice barely leaving his teeth. "If anything happens, make sure you call me. Not Mario, me." His flaring red eyes pleaded to his wife. The crawling feeling of vulnerability overtook him. An uncomfortable slither of shame flew up his spine.
Silence fell between the two. Peach watched the koopa. Her mouth opened without a word. Her lips closed. A thump echoed in her chest. The tips of her brow rose in worry. "Bowser…" escaped from her chest. The word floated alone towards the King.
"I mean it, Peach." Bowser insisted. His body shivered in the light. The red flare of his mane seemingly dimmed. "I would move both earth and stars to keep you safe." Each word carried his seriousness.
Heated cheeks blushed a soft red. Peach felt her heart leap into her throat. Her blue eyes grew wide. "I know you would, Bowser. Thank you." Peach said, her voice hiding tears. Torrents of emotions tore through her heart. Nerves fired on all cylinders. All her will pushed forth a reassuring smile. "And if anything were to happen, that I can't take care of myself, I will make sure to call you. Not Mario, you." Peach repeated. A smirk passed her face.
His lips briefly turned up into a smile. The red of his eyes returned. "Good." He sighed. The king glanced as his wife turned back. Her back now towards him, before disappearing into the hall. Silence returned into the small room. The nervous shivers came to an end. Bowser's heart thumped slower. "Hahaha, I love her too much." He smiled, his voice dying to the still air.
As always, if you guys like what you read, please favorite, follow, and leave a review. I love reading them, every single one that I get, and they motivate me to keep going! So, please, review and tell me what you think!