Note: Hello, again. I actually got the next chapter out in a timely manner. Unfortunately, that actually had a lot to do with the fact that much of my work was cancelled. I hope to get the next chapter up in a week or so, but I can't promise. I'll do my best.

This chapter has a lot of talking in it. I know it might be a bit much, but I'm trying to set up for some things in the future. Let me know what you think.

Also, I would like to offer special thanks to everyone who commented on the previous chapter. I really appreciate it. I wasn't sure if going through and replying to everyone would be weird or not, so I held back, although I wanted to. But I am glad people still enjoy this despite the delay.

I hope this chapter lives up. Thank you.

Bitter Sugar Chapter 8

Bubblegum surveyed the room. Where was she supposed to start? In retrospect, her constant denial of invitations to tea with non-political royals seemed to have backfired- leaving her with few friends. She meandered aimlessly near the far wall, inching towards the refreshment table. Reaching for a nearby plate of cream puffs, she startled when her hand touched another person's.

"Well, goodness me!" a deep voice exclaimed. Bubblegum looked up to the much taller, extremely muscled man standing next to her. He looked familiar, but she couldn't quite place his name or title…

"Oh, if it isn't the little sugar-sweet candy princess…" The man observed her like a cat might a mouse.

"I… I apologize, I…" Bubblegum began to back away, unsure if being challenged over a cream puff was a great way to start the evening.

"You know…" the man straightened and gestured at Bubblegum, "Honey, I must say you look downright exquisite in that gown!"

"Thank you…" Bubblegum trailed off, still unsure of the man's identity or his intentions.

"Oh, silly me. I don't think we've formally met. I'm Prince Hughes- but everyone just calls me 'Huge'. Pleased to meet you," he offered his hand.

"Thank you, Huge," Bubblegum took the extended hand, unsure of how she felt about the nickname. "I'm Bubblegum. I like your… suit."

"Isn't it amazing?" Huge turned to the side and flexed his arms. There were no sleeves to speak of on what was left of his suit jacket. The ensemble also seemed to be missing a proper shirt, tie, or the last quarter length of his pants. What was left was sewn to fit his body perfectly, showing off his excessive muscle. "I had it especially made for today. The summer solstice is so much more conducive to clothes that accent my beautiful body."

Bubblegum nodded in agreement, unsure that she actually trusted herself to say anything. Before she could excuse herself, Huge took her small hand into his large ones. "Honey… are you over here haunting the sweets bar cause that military wife of yours took off on her own?"

"Well…"

"Don't you even worry about it. You're coming with me," Huge twirled to stand next to her, entwining their arms. Bubblegum followed his lead, heading across the large hall with her newest acquaintance.

"People keep on gabbin' their dumb mouths, sayin' you're haughty 'n too good to spend time with the rest of us 'n whatnot, but you know what I said? I says to them, Have you seen that face? I mean- look at your face. You are lit'rally made 'o sugar. Poor thing's probably shy, I says to them. Well, it's a right good thing I got ahold of you now. You'll fit right in."

Before Bubblegum could respond, they approached another group of overtly fashionable royalty. The group seemed to grow quiet when they realized exactly who Huge had brought back with him. "This is Prism, Boxer, Matilda, and Gene. Everyone, this is Bubblegum. I found the poor thing hiding behind the cream puffs, too shy and nervous to come say nothing to nobody."

"A pleasure to meet you all," Bubblegum murmured, trying to notice any symbols or regalia that might reveal who belonged to which family. Not that it particularly mattered, as she couldn't remember half of the royal families anyway.

The conversation turned into a rapid-fire discussion of fashion, food, and a tandem of other topics Bubblegum tried to follow. What trends were in, which were so last year, why were there so many berry dishes, who had already been to which party room, this wasn't a war meeting so why couldn't the old men shut up about it…

Just as Bubblegum was trying to devise a way to excuse herself before anyone asked for her opinion on something, Gene snapped her fan shut. "Look at them! This is supposed to be a party!" Stomping towards another group of people that wasn't even a full five feet away, she wrapped herself onto an older man's arm, dragging him towards the dance floor. "We are going to dance at least once, darling!"

"That's Gene's political husband," Huge whispered to Bubblegum as they walked over to join the other group. "Hello loves," he said more loudly as they entered the nearby circle. "Having a riveting discussion?"

"Yes, we were discussing the positive aspects of automaton workers in factories," answered a man wearing an elaborate silver crow pin across his pocket.

Most of the people Bubblegum had been originally standing with rolled their eyes. Curiosity getting the better of her, she cleared her throat before speaking. "Ah- how do you propose to rectify the decrease in job availability for your citizens?"

The man with the crow pin rolled his eyes. "Of course there would still be jobs, darling. There would be overseer positions, engineers to do checkups, etc. etc." He sighed, moving his wine glass from one hand to another. "It's always the first thing arguers go to- jobs for the people. Obviously we're trying to give them a better, safer life. No eye for the bigger picture, and no gratitude if you ask me."

Bubblegum bristled at the man's tone. If someone called her 'darling' one more time… Straightening her shoulders, Bubblegum faced the man as she spoke. "The creation of a few specialized jobs, that no doubt require access to higher levels of education and other privileges, does not equate the erasure of hundreds of labor positions. If you care about offering your citizens a 'better, safer life', then your first intention should be to actually provide such a thing."

A moment of silence washed over the group. Everyone eyed each other as if reluctant to speak. Bubblegum was wondering why what she had said was so shocking when a deep chuckle broke the tension. A tall woman with long, thick brunette hair rolled over one shoulder adjusted her wire-rimmed glasses.

"The Candy Princess has a point," the woman's voice was smooth.

"No, she doesn't," the crow man insisted again. "Automaton workers are tireless. They don't need sleep, food, vacation… They can get double the amount of work done in a fraction of the time with fewer mistakes in the product. It's common sense!"

"You seem to still be mistaken in what I'm talking about," Bubblegum shot back without missing a beat. She refused to be cowed by his know-it-all tone. "No one is contesting the fact that your machines would offer you a cheaper and faster option- an option that thereby erases existing jobs for the actual people living on your lands. You keep saying they will improve the people's lives by giving them better products faster. How are they to afford such better, faster products after you've taken their jobs, and thereby income, in the first place? You keep harping about quality of life, but all you're really concerned about is how to better line your own pockets."

Crow-man's face turned so red that Bubblegum was momentarily worried for his health.

"You dare-! Where is your wife? I demand to speak with her!"

"Marceline?" Bubblegum scoffed, propping a hand on her hip. "I hardly need her to speak for me. If you have a problem with me, you can say it to my face."

A soft chuckle interrupted them, making the crow man's glare change directions towards the brunette from before. "Carrow- so serious! You're the one always saying you're more of a business man than a politician, so why are you so upset over a hypothetical discussion of socioeconomic reaction?"

Bubblegum thought the discussion was hardly hypothetical, but decided not to comment. Before the crow man, named Carrow apparently, could give them another piece of his mind, Huge sighed dramatically.

"Ugh! So right, Why-darling. I do not understand why anybody would get so upset over these party convos. Once, my father- a real serious type you know- got so incensed over a theoretical flying war balloon design and the discussion of it's practicality at a party- he came home and broke my great grandmothers urn! It was that night when -"

Huge's unnecessarily detailed story rolled on and on until Carrow silently removed himself from the group with one final glare at Bubblegum. Once he was out of sight, Huge stopped mid sentence with a deep breath.

"Nice work, Huge," the mysterious brunette complimented.

Huge stood a little straighter, a satisfied grin on his face. "Thank you Why-darling. But you," he turned to look at Bubblegum, "I'm not sure why you felt the need to take on Carrow the Crow in a debate."

"I'm not surprised," the woman smiled. "Haven't you seen her on the Holosphere? All that soft pink hair is hiding a pretty sharp brain, if you ask me."

Bubblegum ignored Huge's jealous frown and eyed the woman carefully. "Are you implying something?"

"Oh no," the woman chuckled merrily. "I don't doubt you could have taken him on in a real debate. But believe it or not, we do try to have fun from time to time without getting in frustrating arguments with the conservatives. Particularly on the solstice."

The man named Prism rolled his eyes. "The politicals, all serious talks no fun. Especially that Carrow- conservative stick in the mud."

Before Bubblegum could respond, Hunson's voice suddenly echoed through the room. "Ladies, Gentlemen, and all those in between, it seems that everyone on the guest list has arrived! Let us start the festivities with our opening dance!"

"Well, that's my cue to fade into the crowds," the woman winked at Bubblegum before doing just that.

"Wait, Why-da…. Shoot," Huge huffed in disappointment. "I was hoping she'd dance with me."

"You already know she never dances," Prism teased.

"I live in hope," Huge sighed dramatically. "Bubbles, would you do me the honor?" Huge offered his hand.

Before Bubblegum could come up with a proper refusal, a familiar presence appeared at her side, taking her hand in their own.

"I'm afraid I must insist that my wife and I share the first dance together," Marceline smiled politely.

"Lady Marceline!" Huge suddenly looked worried. "I meant no disrespect…"

"Of course not," the Vampire Queen agreed, her pleasant demeanor still in place. "Rather, I'm very grateful to you for taking Lady Bubblegum under your care. Do excuse us."

Bubblegum followed Marceline towards the dance floor in silence. Thankfully, Marceline kept them close to a wall, away from the center of attentions. While other couples seemed to take the opening dance as a competition of flourish, Bubblegum was more than happy to focus on simple steps. It distracted her from Marceline's hand on her waist at the least.

"So," Marceline spoke, obviously trying to hide a smile. "Care to tell me why Baron Carrow approached me, demanding I put a muzzle on you?"

"He WHAT?" Bubblegum exclaimed louder than intended. As people glanced their direction, she lowered her voice a furious whisper. "How dare he, I told him-"

"To say what he wanted to your face?" Marceline provided, her smile growing. "You know, it's not hard to piss off the Crow, but to make him so thoroughly hate you after only five minutes of conversation… I think it might be a new record."

Marceline's amusement at the situation quickly snuffed out Bubblegum's indignation. She smiled in return, despite her frustration with the Crow man. "Any news on your end?"

Marceline tugged Bubblegum closer, lowering her voice to avoid being overheard. "I approached my solider who works in Hunson's security detail. He says Hunson's been acting strange and agitated all evening."

"Is it the wine?" Bubblegum asked, keeping her voice equally quiet.

"No one's seen any in the main hall, which means it must be regulated to a side room. But that's not to say he didn't have some on his own before the party," Marceline sighed in frustration. "I have no idea just how involved these Pepps have gotten into his personal life. He's pushed me away so much lately…"

"We have to find where they're serving the wine… figure out what they're trying to do."

"If it's in one of the party rooms, it'll be harder to find," Marceline sighed. "I'm afraid my reputation as 'party pooper' precedes me… I never visit those kinds of side rooms, and my presence would hardly be missed."

"I suppose it's up to me then," Bubblegum decided. She glanced over Marceline's shoulder where Huge and his friends seemed to be discussing everyone's fashion choices for the evening amongst themselves. "I imagine I can get someone to help."

"It's good you're meeting people," Marceline grinned.

"Well," Bubblegum acknowledged, "I definitely have come to know many kinds of people that I wouldn't have back home."

Marceline cocked an eyebrow. "Meaning?"

"Meaning you and your country have expanded my worldview considerably."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Marceline chuckled. "I'll continue reaching out to my contacts, as usual."

The music came to an end, signalling the end of the opening tradition. Everyone stopped dancing to applaud the live band before returning to their chosen activity.

"Bonnibel..." Marceline looked worried momentarily before stepping forward, her mouth precariously close to Bubblegum's ear. "Stay safe. And be careful around the Wolf." Pulling back, she lifted Bubblegum's hand to kiss it.

Bubblegum stayed silent, keeping her compsure and resisting the desire to either rub her poor ear or hand. She watched as Marceline made her way through the crowd of people across the room.

Retreating closer to the nearby wall, she took a few deep breaths. Again, her body was acting in ridiculous manners against her will. And what did Marceline mean by the Wolf? Had she misheard what she'd actually said?

"Whispering sweet nothin's to your wife?" Huge's teasing voice approached.

Bubblegum turned to face the approaching group. "Oh... you know... just saying she was off to her... usual rooms."

"Typical political," Matilda shrugged.

"But you got a kiss," Gene pointed out. "That's something. My husband hardly looks at me, let alone a public display of affection like that."

Bubblegum felt a stab of sympathy for the woman. She wanted to ask why she had married that guy in the first place, but it didn't seem like an appropriate question for someone she had just met.

"Where did Why-darling go?" Huge whined, scanning the room.

"Just give it up," Prism rolled his eyes. "I don't wanna listen to you pine all night."

"We need something fun," Gene crossed her arms. "Get away from this stuck up party for a while."

Bubblegum looked at the members of the makeshift group. Was this her chance?

"I, uh..." she cleared her throat. "I was thinking... about finding some wine... maybe..."

Huge grinned over at her. "See? I knew we'd be fast friends. Follow me lasses!"

"Am I a 'lass' today?" Prism drawled, following anyway.

"Today's definition of 'lass' includes any and all ravishingly beautiful creatures in my immediate vicinity," Huge retorted over his shoulder. "So, yes."

Bubblegum giggled softly. The group's ridiculous nature was amusing, if nothing else. As they approached a large ornate door, she spotted Fiona nearby. Seeming to understand where her lady was headed, the makeshift handmaiden nodded once. Bubblegum offered a barely perceptible nod in return as she followed Huge through the door.

The hall they entered was dark, the only dim light coming from weak candles spaced about every five feet. It was also noticebly colder than the main room. They passed more doors as they followed the winding passage, Huge chatting away the entire time.

"I know this is your first solstice ball, so it's probably a bit confusing- but you'll get the hang of it soon enough," he was saying. "First things first- the side rooms are the best part of the party!"

"Unless you're old," Matilda interjected.

"An assumption on grumpy Matty's part," Huge countered. "However, you still have to be careful! The paparazzi and servants aren't allowed down here, of course..."

"But all the royalty are, even the lesser houses," Gene said.

"Lesser houses?" Bubblegum was suddenly worried. She could barely keep track of the five to ten families that seemed to run things, and she hadn't even touched anything on the lesser houses. How many could there be? Not for the first time, the idea of more than one line of royalty irritated her with its unnecessary complexity.

"Oh, they'll all talk amongst themselves and make their own opinions of you... You can't worry about it too much, or it'll just give you a headache," Prism was saying...

when Matilda intervened with, "But you can't ignore it either. It all comes back to how they regard you in the next serious business holla-balloo you get involved in."

"Or your spouse's business," Gene huffed.

"Or your friends and acquaintances seen with you through the evening," Matilda looked at her.

Obviously a gentle reminder that her reputation wasn't the only one on the line in case something happened. Duly noted.

"Anyway," Huge waved his hand at them for silence. "All that aside, Party God makes the best rooms!"

"That's up for debate," Prism snorted.

"It used to all be pretty cut and dry- you either had a party room or a boring room, like book clubs," Matilda said, speaking longer than she had up to that point. "Now there's all kinds of weird stuff. Those Peppermint Advisory dudes really kicked it up a notch when they arrived a few years ago. Starting with the wine room. It's quite lovely."

"You'll love it, don't worry," Huge reassured Bubblegum, obviously misreading the worried look on her face. "But try not to stay too long, even if you love a room. It's considered tacky."

Bubblegum wanted to ask why, but was still trying to catalogue all the information they had been throwing her way. It would seem the Pepps had been involved in Nightos' parties longer than Marceline had thought. They had been involved here for years?

"I heard someone started a strip chess room this year!" Gene whispered excitedly.

The others continued their heated discussion on whether such a room could possibly exist or not, and how they could find it if it did. Just as Huge was claiming that he didn't need to lose at a game he didn't understand in order to let others appreciate his body, they arrived at a door with a red and white striped rope hanging over the awning. Bubblegum held back her snide comment about ironicly bad taste.

As they entered the room, Bubblegum found herself staring in surprise. The extent to which the Peppermint Advisory had gone to decorate the room was almost admirable. Heavy maroon drapes hung from the ceiling and walls accented with strings of pearls that offset the direction of the fabric. Multiple lavishly adorned tables lined the walls, sporting towers of wine glasses, grapes and assorted fruit, and more pearls.

Even more surprising was the number of people in the room. While she couldn't count every individual, she guessed there were at least a hundred attendees.

"The Lady Bubblegum," a surprised whispery voice broke her assessment. A short, thin man of the Peppermint Advisory stood before her, holding a tray of wine glasses. "What a... pleasant surprise. You look quite marvelous this evening. Please, enjoy a glass of our special wine."

Bubblegum almost instinctively refused before remembering her entire reason for locating this room. With a polite smile she lifted a glass of the red liquid from the man's tray. Special my foot, she thought.

"It's Bubble's first solstice ball. We're showing her the ropes," Huge informed the man amicably. It was obvious no one in the group held any suspicion for the pale men. Perhaps good wine was all the credit they needed in a party culture like this.

"How wonderful," the Peppermint man smiled. "Let us toast to our new friend's first visit to the Wine Room."

"Here here!" everyone in the group echoed, raising their glasses. Bubblegum followed suit, sipping the drink lightly. She paused in confusion as everyone else downed the entire glass. Traditionally speaking, wine wasn't meant to be drunk in such a way.

"Come on, Bubbles," Huge nudged her. "First time in the room, you drink the whole glass at once!"

"I don't think..."

"I'm afraid it is a rather strange tradition. It is merely meant to embrace a newfound mutual friendship between allies," the man smiled again. "But please do not force yourself to do anything you deem unnecessary."

Judging by the way the others watched her, Bubblegum knew this was one of those moments that people would be watching and judging her for. Taking a breath, she tipped the glass back and drank down the contents. The strange sparkling taste that made her reminiscent of home hit her tongue. When she lowered her empty glass, the others applauded happily.

The Peppermint man smiled happily, gesturing another member of the advisory over. This one held a tray with a fresh bottle of wine. He began to refill everyone's glasses, speaking as if to old friends. "We are so glad that you have visited our rooms again. We always enjoy speaking with you so. Come, I'll have my friends prepare you a sofa in the corner, as usual."

With their newly filled glasses, everyone began to follow the whispery man towards the opposite side of the room. "We get a sofa?" Bubblegum inquired.

Huge fell into step next to her. "Gene's husband does a lot of business with the Pepps, and I think Matilda's family started the trend of serving Peppermint Wine at private dinner parties. So, we're like... the important people."

"We're related to the important people," Matilda countered. "And we just let you tag along because we're so nice."

Huge stuck his tongue out at the smaller woman, the picture of mature royalty. Soon enough, they were seated on a pair of plush sofas. Huge sat between Bubblegum and Prism, with Matilda, Gene, and the Pepp sitting across from them.

"My friends," the Pepp whispered. "Please relax and enjoy your evening here. This is a safe space for you to release your troubles. I know I always feel open and able to share amongst you. I hope you feel that comfort in return. Think of our home as your home."

"I always feel comfortable here," Huge sighed gratefully. "It's good to just relax and let it all out with friends."

The Advisor smiled as the others murmured their agreement. Then, he turned his gaze to Bubblegum. "I would hope you also come to find comfort here, Lady Bubblegum."

"Oh, yes," she replied. "Thank you... I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?"

"We of the Peppermint Advisory do not have such personalized names as you are used to. I am merely referred to as Alpha Five."

The fact that Bubblegum never knew this bit of information put her on edge. She began to realize she knew even less than she had thought about the Peppermint Advisory.

"We call him Alphee," Huge informed her.

"A nickname I am grateful for and wear with pride," Alphee smiled. Bubblegum noted how the smile did not reach the man's eyes. When he glanced in her direction, she smiled politely before taking another sip of wine.

Gene finished off her second glass with a sigh. Peppermint Alphee refilled it quickly. "Dearest Gene, you seem exhausted. I would be amiss not to lend a friendly ear, should you so desire to release your burdens to me."

"It's just... my husband," Gene admitted, staring at her glass. "He focuses on work and only work... that stupid factory of his. It's like he's obsessed. He's always in his office, yelling about quotas and deadlines. But now he keeps going on about magic?" She dropped her head into her hands.

"Oh, my, glob," Matilda exclaimed next to her. "My father has been muttering about 'magic' too. I mean, it's not my faut he leaves all his notes out in the open. I can't help seeing them when I go to look for him. Not like he cares, he doesn't even listen to what I ask before waving me off. He just says yes to everything lately to get me to leave him alone."

Bubblegum sipped her wine, watching the others in the group. This didn't seem like the type of things she would expect people to talk about in front of other royalty, especially non-royalty like a Peppermint Advisor. Alphee in particular seemed to hang on every word.

Understanding dawned on her. He was inciting them to 'relieve stress' by complaining about their homelives, and thereby gaining intel. What easier way to keep tabs on the entire royal population than to hear it from their own mouths?

Alphee mentioned something about personal training, which spurred Huge into some explanation of his work. Bubblegum glanced around the room. Everywhere she looked, groups of royalty were chatting with a Peppermint Advisor who kept their glasses full and mouths talking.

How long had this been going on? And to what extent? Did they also attend other parties, or only the main balls? The amounts of private, even sensitive, information that they must be privy to was unthinkable.

Just then, Bubblegum saw a familiar face across the room. Carrow the Crow, the very man who she had so severely incensed earlier that evening, approached a lone Peppermint Advisor who stood in front of an undecorated, bland door half hidden by a maroon drape. After a quick exchange, the Advisor moved the drape enough for Carrow to slip past and through the door.

Bubblegum returned her attention to the group, so as not to raise suspicion. Huge was still going on about some new training regiment for... Hunson?

Before she could inquire about Huge's job, another Advisor approached them with tray in hand. "Good evening, honored friends," the man whispered with a bow of his head. "I do hope you are taking solace in this safe space to release your worries. If you are interested," he held the tray forward, "we would like to offer you an exclusive chance to try our newest wine."

"Oooh, a new wine!" Gene excitedly downed the rest of her glass. Everyone began to follow suit, as it was considered rude not to finish one's glass. Bubblegum attempted to politely decline, as she still had half a glass, but Huge insisted.

"This is so good!" Gene was exclaiming. "You totally have to try it Bubbles."

Bubblegum took a breath to steady her nerves. She was going to have to do something about this new nickname that was starting to take hold. Tipping her wine up, she finished her second glass.

Once she had a fresh glass of the newest wine, they had another small toast. Luckily, no one insisted she chug this one, so she sipped slowly. She hoped there was nothing new involved in it. There was no way to be sure her antidote against the special chemical would hold up against the new wine, but there was nothing she could do except drink as slowly as possible.

"It's sweet," she said in surprise as it hit her tongue. "I like it."

"I am so relieved to hear that," Alphee smiled encouragingly. "We do take so much pride in our wine. Although, I admit I do not know much of Lady Bubblegum's tastes, as you are rarely out in public or parties. All our invitations have been dismissed."

"You have been here for like... six or seven months now," Matilda added. "What have you been doing?"

Bubblegum lowered her glass slowly, thinking how best to answer. "Oh... well, I've been watching the Holosphere programs a lot. We don't have such entertainment in the Candy Kingdom. And... Marceline has quite an extensive library with many interesting books."

"So you've just been reading and watching the sphere for half a year?" Prism asked suspiciously. "And that was important enough to turn down all those invites to tea and dinner?"

Bubblegum sipped her wine to stall having to answer, worry bubbling in her chest. This was quickly beginning to sound like an interrogation.

"Please, friends," Alphee spoke softly. "Let us not assume to understand what the Lady Bubblegum has been going through these long months. I'm sure she would be happy to tell you of her time here. I know I would feel grateful for the chance to explain myself to new friends."

Alphee looked at Bubblegum expectantly, quickly followed by the others. "I..." she murmured nervously. A crazy desire to admit that she had only turned down all the invitations to tea because she thought herself better than trivial gossip parties, spent her free time helping with the relief efforts after the water poisoning incident, sometimes sparred with Marceline, and often studied the unknown chemical in the Peppermint wine crossed her mind. She managed to smother it, but was at a loss for what to actually say.

Her prolonged silence did not go unnoticed, as Alphee's look of interest quickly turned to suspicion. He's onto me, she panicked. "Well, I... at home, I..."

"Home?" Matilda nitpicked. "Are you just sitting around writing to people from the Candy Kingdom?"

"That's no good," Gene pointed out in an older-sister fashion. "You should be making new friends here!"

Bubblegum was more prepared for the sudden urge to divulge the fact that she had, in fact, been in contact with people from home. Luckily, Marceline had already given her the story she needed.

"I... I haven't heard from anyone in the Candy Kingdom since I arrived..." she said softly, staring down at her wine. "I haven't received even one letter since the day my entourage left me here... it's like they just dumped me here and forgot I existed."

"That's... so sad..." Gene murmured.

"No matter how many letters I wrote, I never got any responses, so I eventually stopped trying. I've felt so alone... I wanted to leave the estate and get to know Nightos more but... Marceline says I can't go anywhere without her- but she's never home! And the guards wouldn't let me out of the house..." Bubblegum trailed off. She was surprised to feel a tear run down her cheek. She must have been more nervous than she thought.

"You poor thing!" Huge exclaimed, reaching over to pull her into a friendly hug.

"Is that why you were out at the water plant that day?" Gene asked.

"I... I snuck out of the house," Bubblegum admitted. At least this, too, could be based on truth. "I didn't mean to get so involved I just... I used to study medicine and things in the Candy Kingdom, so I wanted to try to help."

"Marceline must have been angry," Prism murmured.

"Politicals," Matilda huffed with scorn. "They talk down at us like we're idiots, but how are we supposed to know anything when they never talk to us... or let you out of the house in your case."

"Don't worry, Bubbles," Gene reached across to pat her knee. "We'll make sure to come get you out of that house."

"Thank you," Bubblegum smiled gratefully. She risked a glance at Alphee, who was reclined comfortably on the couch, seemingly content with the information she had given him. "Actually, if you'd excuse me a moment," she removed herself from Huge's one armed hug and stood. "I'd better go find the restroom and make sure I didn't ruin all my makeup."

"Want me to come with you Bubbles?" Huge offered.

"Ah no, I'm ok, I'll be right back," she smiled. "Don't leave without me," she tried to sound playful as she disappeared into the room.

Once she was a safe enough distance away, she took a few deep breaths to steady herself. She felt a little strange, as if her feet weren't quite touching the floor. It was most likely a side effect of the wine, but she wasn't fond of the loose feeling it left her with.

Staying close to the wall in order to steady herself, Bubblegum walked through the room slowly. She lingered by various groups, attempting to discreetly listen in on the conversations.

"I think my wife is cheating on me," one woman said through choked tears.

"... and then I threw his journal into the fireplace I was so angry!"

"Something needs to be done. The fact of the matter is, Hunson's just losing his touch. He's been on that throne for too long."

Bubblegum slowed to listen closer, although she didn't recognize anyone in the group.

"Does he not realize that there is a war coming? Anyone can see it- with all this news about a new Ice King and bandits at the borders. And what has he done? Jack shit," an angry man struggled to keep his voice down.

"You shouldn't be saying such things outloud," another man whispered angrily.

"Please, friends," the Peppermint Advisor standing with them spoke calmly. "This is a safe space. There is no judgement for you or your opinions here. I would hope anyone might feel free enough to state their worries or stress. We are here to listen."

Another advisor appeared to refill the men's drinks. "We would not deign to comment on such high level preceedings as King Hunson's rule. Whether he chooses to ignore evidence of an approaching Ice Kingdom army... or not."

"This can't stand! What are we supposed to do when this army attacks? Someone needs to do something. Someone needs to change things," the first man stated vehemently.

While she wanted to try to listen further for more information, Bubblegum knew that lingering in one spot for too long would look suspicious. She moved on, heading for her original target as her mind worked. An Ice Kingdom army? Bandits? A new Ice King? This was the first she was hearing of any of it.

The Advisor standing in front of the door was looking in the opposite direction that Bubblegum approached. Perhaps if she quietly...

Just then, the man turned and spotted her. "Lady Bubblegum, welcome," he smiled calmly. "May I help you with something?"

"I was just on my way to the restroom," Bubblegum didn't miss a beat.

"I am afraid milady is mistaken," the man's smile stayed in place as he moved to block the door. "This is not a restroom."

"I really only need a mirror," she smiled. "If there's one..."

"I'm afraid not."

She wasn't sure if it was the wine or the stress of the evening, but Bubblegum's temper was already beginning to boil. Before she could say anything she might regret, an unfortunately familiar face approached them.

"Might I be of service, Lady Bubblegum?" Alphee inquired.

"No," she retorted, tired of being fake polite. "I don't think so."

"Milady," Alphee bowed his head slightly. "I do wish to apologize if my inquiries upset you earlier. It would be a grace to me if you would consider to forgive and forget."

Unsure of what the 'correct' response would be if she were truly under the influence of their persuasion drug, Bubblegum simply went with the time-honored phrase, "What's there to forgive?"

It seemed to placate him. He lifted the bottle of new wine and held it forward, filling her glass back to a socially acceptable full level.

"We do wish you to feel comfortable and open with us, Lady Bubblegum. We do feel a special kinship with you- as we are both foreigners in a strange place. Please visit us whenever you feel the need to release your worries."

"Of course," Bubblegum lifted the glass in a symbolic toast before sipping politely.

"Elsewise, I believe your friends are looking for you," he gestured back towards the opposite side of the room.

Bubblegum excused herself as politely as she could, bobbing a one-handed curtsy. She walked as quickly as she could without making herself dizzy, and it wasn't long before she ran into Huge and the others.

"Bubbles, there you are," Huge approached her. "Are you alright?"

"Yep!" she forced a smile.

"We should make another appearance in the main hall before we hit another room," Prism explained. "Let's finish up our glasses and head back."

Unfortunately, custom dictated that guests not waste any beverage offered to them during their stay. Bubblegum tried to take even sips of her wine as they walked towards the exit. She and Gene were the last two with wine when they reached the door.

"Bottom's up!" Gene clinked her glass against Bubblegum's before downing the last of it.

Bubblegum steeled herself, tipping the glass back and finishing the sweet wine. She set her empty glass on the tray nearby, looking back into the room one last time.

There, across the room, the Advisor guarding the mysterious door moved the curtain aside. Marshall Lee nodded to the man as he stepped through.