Dislcaimer: None of the characters from the realm of Nintendo, including Mario characters, belong to me.

Chapter Twelve

The net morning, Peach had a visitor. It was Kamek. As he entered the room the previous day's discussion with Anna ran through her mind. Knowing he wouldn't sit unless she did, Peach took a seat at the table.

"Good morning, Princess." Kamek said softly, sitting down. "I trust you are well this morning."

"As well as can be, all things considered." She replied, trying to be polite. This was, after all, Anna's uncle. "And yourself?" She returned, though she really didn't care.

The question seemed to take him by surprise. He was silent for a moment, as if considering something. Finally, he answered her. "I am well, Princess. Thank you."

Perfectly polite. What was she doing, wondered Peach, having small talk with the magikoopa who, in a sense, was responsible for all this?

"Lovely day, isn't it?" She asked, trying to figure out why he was here.

"Quite." He agreed without emotion. What did he want?

They sat there for a moment, in a silence that was, for Peach's part, rather awkward. She looked the magikoopa over. He seemed fine, for all Anna's worrying about him. Of course, something seemed different, but Peach couldn't figure out what it was.

At that moment the door slammed open and in stormed none other than Kammy. She was about to say something, but saw Kamek and stopped. At a loss, she stood and glared at him.

Her anger didn't bother him. "Good morning, Kammy." He said with a nod. "You will excuse me if I don't get up." Definitely not a question.

"What are you doing here?" She shrieked. Peach had never seen a red-faced magikoopa before.

"Speaking with the Princess." He replied. "Did you need something?"

"Are you finished with her?" At this Peach could have sworn she saw a smile on Kamek's face, but it was gone before she could be certain.

"No."

"Well, hurry up!"

"Have patience, Kammy." He replied. "I will be finished when I am finished." He turned back to Peach. "As I was saying, Princess, before the interruption…" He said as Kammy stormed out of the room.

As soon as she was gone, he lowered his voice. "Anna." He called, and the magikoopa nervously appeared.

"Here, Kamek."

"Princess, Anna is to stay with you now. Do not leave her sight, please. Anna, watch her. If you will excuse me?" And without so much of an explanation, he was gone.

"What was that about?" Peach asked.

Anna shook her head. "I don't know everything. I know he doesn't want her alone with you."

"Why?"

"Well," Anna said slowly, considering the answer, "She has a nasty temper and has been in a foul mood lately. That might have something to do with it, but he doesn't tell me everything. Whatever his reason, it's probably good. Listen, I know I'm supposed to stay with you, but I have somthing I need to take care of first. Can you stay here alone?"

Peach nodded nervously.

"Good. Lock the door behind me and don't open it for anyone else."

"How will I know if it's you?"

"You'll know. Be careful, Princess." And the magikoopa disappeared through the door.

Peah locked the door behind the magikoopa and worried. What was going on? Would she be trapped here? Was toad all right? And what aboutMario? Where was he? Was he okay?

Gradually she was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of voices.