As the bedchamber doors gently closed behind her Peach stifled a yawn, stretching her arms as she slipped off her heels. She could feel the soft carpet beneath her feet as she walked further within, wishing for nothing more than to jump into her bed, dress and all. It had been another long day, the bags under her eyes clear evidence of such, and she could certainly use some sleep.
Her parents slowly began to place more and more responsibilities on her young shoulders, those befitting a queen, and it made her wonder how her mother ever managed it. The bills, the treaties, her subjects who needed her rulings in court, it was all so much. Not to mention Bowser and his persistent attempted kidnappings. She needed a break.
She was thankful to her friend Daisy, who offered her pointers and advice. She'd been ruling for much longer and knew the ins and outs of politics. She also appreciated her closest friend, Mario, and his brother Luigi. While they didn't understand politics or the responsibilities of royalty they were fully supportive of her and her decisions, not to mention the times they saved her from Bowser or some other threats to the Mushroom Kingdom.
Tossing her dress aside Peach slipped into something much more comfortable, a pair of pink pajama pants and a matching top. Jumping into bed she let out a soft sigh, looking out at the bright starlit sky visible from her balcony. While she loved her kingdom and understood the responsibility she was born to uphold, she wished for at least a few day's rest. A nice week-long vacation with her friends would do wonders right now. Her eyes flickered to a large mirror sitting across from her bed, a small smile crossing her lips as she thought back to the day she had been gifted such a beautiful antique.
At the time it had only been a week since Mario and Luigi defeated Cackletta and saved both the Mushroom and Bean Bean Kingdoms. Prince Peasley had given it to her as thanks for the brother's efforts, explaining that it had been in the royal family for generations. According to him, the mirror held a strange power, fulfilling the deepest wishes of the owner, though he'd never tried it himself. With a playful grin spreading across her face she crawled out of bed and approached it, placing her hand against the reflective surface.
"I wish for a pleasant week-long vacation!" She announced, giggling as she stared at her reflection, not really expecting anything to happen. At first, nothing did, but just as she began to pull away the mirror rippled, much like the waves of a disrupted puddle. She froze in uncertainty and confusion, her eyes widening as she suddenly felt herself pulled forward, her hand sliding through the mirror as if it were water. She let loose a startled scream, unable to pull away as her arm sank deeper into the mirror. Two toads rushed through the door, eyes widened in terror as the rest of Peaches body was mercilessly pulled inside.
The sound of heels clicking against the stone floor echoed throughout the dimly lit and otherwise quiet hall, the only light present radiating from the many torches sitting on the walls. A young blond woman gazed forward as she strode toward her destination, her black dress form-fitting and caressing her vibrant hips. It came complete with an armored shell upon her back and a bright golden crown atop her head. On her arms and around her neck she wore spiked accessories, two horns protruding from her head and a long tail swaying slowly in the air. Her crystal blue eyes turned to the younger Koopa following behind her as she heard her clear her throat. Turning to her most trusted advisor, and to the Koopa, Bowsette saw as a mother, she couldn't help but grin a little.
"Let me guess, you want to talk about relationships again. Don't you?" Bowsette asked without candor, a hint of amusement in her voice. Kamek looked taken aback by her forwardness, audibly swallowing before responding.
"What gave you that idea?" She asked, her voice giving away her surprise at being caught.
"You always bring it up when we are alone together," Bowsette replied. Kamek cleared her throat again, looking away with embarrassment.
"Well, as I have stated before, my lady, it would be most beneficial for you to find a significant other. While I would prefer you form a relationship with the royalty of another nation, so that we may prosper and bring our nations together, I would even support your love with a commoner if it brought you happiness. I simply wish you would look. I know how lonely you are"
Bowsette huffed, a bit of smoke leaking past her lips as her humor turned to irritation.
"I am the Queen of the Badlands, Kamek, I don't have time to join the dating circuit"
"I know you are very busy, my lady, but you are not without free time. I am always here to assist you, as you know. What about Prince Peach, or Prince Daisy?" Kamek asked, offering a nervous smile, "relations with the Mushroom and Sarasaland Kingdoms are quite strong already, but a union could increase those bonds"
"Perhaps if I had any romantic interest in them. You know I'm not attracted to princes. Besides, Daisy is in a relationship with Lady Luisa, while Peach has started seeing Lady Maria"
"Has he? Good for them," Kamek muttered, "surely though it must be hard to see all your friends form relationships while you are still alone"
"Hmph" was all Bowsette replied with.
"What about Princess Peasley? She is still thankful for your help in saving the Bean Bean Kingdom, she may be interested. Plus, she's more your type"
Bowsette sighed, looking tiredly at Kamek as they reached the doors to her bedchamber.
"If I agree to ask her later will you drop it? I know you're just concerned about me but this is getting old"
"I do not mean to annoy you, my lady," Kamek replied, bowing as Bowsette opened the door to her room. Upon seeing her the Koopa Queen rolled her eyes, gesturing with her hand for the elder Koopa to rise.
"It's fine, Kamek, just stop bringing it up. And you know you don't ever have to bow to me. You're family, and you rule in my absence, so it's completely unnecessary"
Upon seeing the elderly Koopa smile Bowsette entered her room, closing the door behind her. Kicking off her heels she approached her bed, releasing her long flowing mane from the bind of its ponytail. As she felt her hair cascade past her shoulders she turned to the mirror Princess Peasley gifted to her many months ago, placing her clawed hand upon it as she thought back to the crazy legend she shared about the antique. Granting wishes, absurd. Yet, her lips morphed into a fanged grin, a small wisp of flame leaving her mouth as she spoke aloud.
"I wish to find someone who I can love, and who would love me in return!"
As soon as the words escaped her lips the mirror rippled beneath her touch, the Koopa Queen jerking back in surprise. For a moment nothing happened, then suddenly a woman in pink pajamas was thrown from the mirror, landing at Bowsettes feet.
She lay unconscious, unmoving besides her chest rising and falling due to her soft breathing. Bowsette kneeled beside her instantly, looking her over for any wounds. She had no idea who this woman was, but it was clear she needed her help. Scooping the stranger into her arms she turned to her bedchamber doors, kicking them open and chasing after Kamek, knowing her royal advisor would know what to do.