OS follows on from "Sing for me", and will (maybe?) mark a crucial turning point in the relationship between Bowser and Cinder. I'll let you find out! Because you know how fate can throw a spanner in the works.

Romance/fluff! Get ready.

The proposal

Bowser was constantly engrossed in thought.

For several days, the mind of the great and respected Koopa had been busy imagining scenarios, most of which ended badly, very badly. Just get used to it! He couldn't stop thinking about Cinder and what it would be like if she became his Queen... The Queen of his empire. If he were no longer alone in power at the head of his mighty army, if he had someone to assist him on a daily basis. What could the two of them accomplish together? Hand in hand? Every day he thought about it, and every day he imagined what his life would be like with her by his side as wife and Queen of his lava kingdom. Her gentleness and benevolence in the face of his sometimes explosive strength of character could be an interesting combination, perhaps even beneficial in certain situations. He wasn't shy, and he'd always be the one to make all the decisions, but a little diplomacy now and then wouldn't hurt if he ever wanted to conquer the rest of the universe.

"Sir, it might be time to think about proposing to her ... I'm actually quite surprised you haven't done so yet! You don't usually miss an opportunity to declare your love! There was a time when you didn't care about the answer." Kamek interrupted his train of thought to tell him what he was thinking after listening to his King's long monologue full of uncertainties. Sniffing as the giant Koopa rose from his throne, the Magikoopa touched the pink stone of his wand as he resumed with the same indecisive tone he wasn't used to hearing from his usually self-assured Master in all circumstances.

"Yes, but what if she refuses?" The latter immediately worried as he played with his claws, his nervous gaze falling to the ground.

"If you don't try, then you can't know! Come on, Your Highness, where's your self-confidence? You've got everything you need to succeed! You've trained hard, the goal just changed along the way. Nothing dramatic! I'm positively certain she'll say yes - I've got a sixth sense about these things. Didn't you notice the way she looked at you? That sparkle in her eyes when she looks at you? That smile that lights up her face when she sees you ... She's madly in love with you, there's no doubt about it! How can she resist you?" Kamek recalled with a little bounce quickly followed by a dreamy smile, placing his clasped hands to his left cheek at this romanticism. Everyone here had noticed how much Cinder was in love with him! Except the principal concerned.

Besides, how could he even doubt his capacity for seduction? His charm was irresistible and he knew it! Yet he continued to doubt, to fear potential rejection... Which neither Kamek nor the others could understand after seeing Bowser's determination to conquer Peach's heart despite numerous failures. What was the difference?

"What if I don't measure up? What if then she hates me? Like with Peach?" With an anxious voice, the big turtle began pacing back and forth in front of his throne, which quickly annoyed the Magikoopa below.

"Look at you your Majesty! You are perfect! There's no one more perfect than you. But please stop comparing Cinder to Princess Peach ... They're both different in so many ways! You can't keep focusing on her, otherwise you won't get ahead in life and you'll always be in doubt." He revealed with a small shrug as the King turned to look at him in dismay, motivating him to continue with a more convincing tone this time.

"Trust me! You have every chance with her. So be confident and propose to her!" Kamek urged with a thumbs-up in his direction.

Even so, Bowser continued to harbor insecurities deep down inside. Which was particularly frustrating for someone who didn't care about opinions! With Peach, for example, he'd never been afraid of being rejected, and even if it hurt him at the time, he'd always get over it quickly and go back to hoping to get her one day. Now, once again, it was completely different. Just as it had been since the day he'd met Cinder... Nothing was the same, everything seemed so much more complicated now. The fear of making the wrong move, of scaring her, of seeing disgust in her tender gaze... In that non-judgmental look. When he could just as easily make the same statements to her as Peach! Having trained at length with Cinder precisely to obtain a positive response, he had all the cards in his hand to stack the odds in his favor and succeed. As she had taught him so well.

But then, why?

Since his return from the Kingdom of Time after the defeat of Tick-Tock, he had spent most of his time with her as his advisor. He couldn't help it, he always found excuses. He needed to see her, to feel her presence! Because whenever he wasn't with her, his thoughts were all focused on the woman with the fiery hair and the smile that bewitched him... That systematically embraced his heart in sweet warmth. Almost forgetting that he had obligations and an army to motivate to one day dominate the eight worlds as he had promised them so long ago. But she inhabited his mind, constantly. Sometimes he even felt a terrible jealousy at the closeness she had with his son, an uncontrollable feeling that gripped him to the core when he saw her smiles and laugh at Junior. It was so annoying!

So when he needed to think, or simply to be alone, the King Koopa would retreat to his quarters where he could find some peace and quiet. His small private library was the best place to take stock.

Facing the large display cabinet that once proudly displayed pictures of Peach, Bowser studied the latest photos to be added to his collection of memorabilia. One was a portrait of a smiling Cinder, the other of his son held in her arms. Only him knew of this room's existence. It was his secret garden... A place to get away from the outside world and the tough-guy shell he had to wear at all times to keep his bad-guy reputation intact. Arms folded, he looked at all those pictures he had displayed on that cabinet where candles burned endlessly. A brief summary of his life. His first meeting with Kamek as a child, his very first black magic trick, his coronation, the arrival of his son Junior by the storks... One of the happiest days of his life. With a small, emotional smile, the Koopa brushed the green frame with the tip of a claw at the adorable face of Junior, then just a few weeks old.

Obviously, there was no longer any frame with Peach's photo. Since he no longer had any feelings for her, not even the desire to burn down her castle, he saw no point in showing them. However, he had decided to keep the copy of her tiara because he thought it was so pretty! And it looked good on his display. Bowser retrieved the engagement ring he'd had custom-made for Peach, his eyebrows furrowing in disdain at its appearance. He didn't like it, with its large diamond encrustation and small pink stones all around the ring. He'd never liked it, but he thought Peach would have liked it then. He wanted to get rid of it, except he had a last-minute idea to store it in its shell until he could visit a certain blacksmith.

Day by day, Bowser's insecurities grew as he waited for the right moment to propose to Cinder. The good moment! Looking for the perfect opportunity to approach her, he always lost his courage at the very last moment and went on to other topics of conversation instead. Who cared where the Cheep Cheep was trapped? He was ridiculous and he knew it! And this lack of self-confidence was seriously getting on his nerves to the point where he was having fits of anger for no real reason, yelling at his guards or at Kamek whenever they had the disoblige to say something he didn't like. From a simple compliment to a suggestion for a plan of attack. Things that were nice to hear, but with his anxiety and doubts, he had no emotional stability so he took out his frustration in anger.

As always.

The only one still able to contain this rage was none other than Cinder. When he was with her, she disappeared. Without a trace. Without even having to sing to appease him... It was magic! He'd never felt that way with anyone else, and he wanted to make her happy. Fill her up! Make her feel at home here in the castle with him and his Koopas. So when he learned that she was depressed by the lack of greenery, no doubt homesick after seeing Peach's verdant kingdom, he ordered his builder Koopas to make a special place for her. A little corner just for her to grow flowers. A sublime garden accessible from the castle's west gate in the middle of infertile land, protected by a barrier of rocks. He had assigned a Koopa gardener just to look after this little corner of paradise, which had come to life in less than two days' work! Considering the stifling heat and unsuitable living conditions, this was quite an achievement.

"It's incredible! I can hardly believe it! You did all this for me? But, how?" Cinder marveled as the hand covering her face lifted to reveal the small flower garden. Mouth wide open in amazement, she walked slowly along the stone path leading directly to the center of the garden to see that there was a white marble bench beneath an archway filled with violet flowers.

"I found it a little lacking in decorations. It's really not a big deal. I just wanted to see flowers grow in this castle..." Bowser commented behind her, clapping his hands in embarrassed laughter. That was the worst excuse of the century!

"There are also white bell-shaped flowers? How did you know they were my favorites?" Cinder wondered with big eyes as she leaned towards the famous flowers that smelled so good. The same ones she had once received from a charming Koopa. Crouching down in the freshly cut grass, she brought her delighted face close to one of the flowers to smell their exceptional perfume, letting out a little moan of happiness. Behind her, the King feigned surprise.

"Really? I didn't know. I thought they went well with the color of the lava and that of the dark rock ... And the smell covers up the delicate scent of the sulfur a bit." He retorted with a nonchalant shrug, much preferring the smell of sulfur to flowers. Flowers in his castle? Pfft, nonsense! Not only were they useless, but they were also insultingly fragile. No place for the weak here! Not to mention the maintenance these little things required. However, Cinder's wonderful smile deserved an effort on his part for once.

"You're amazing." Cinder laughed. Of course, she could see he was lying! It was written all over his face that he was looking for excuses to explain his choice. He was trying as hard as he could to hide behind that disinterested air, but it was a total failure, especially when she looked at him with that bright smile that broke that famous veneer.

"I know, yes." He said wearily, raising an eyebrow as the gardening Koopa flew up to them.

"Welcome Milady! Do you like your garden? I've planted your favorite flowers at the King's personal request! I hope it pleases you." Declared the blue-shelled winged Koopa gently with an elegant little bow. He didn't even realize that he'd just revealed an embarrassing piece of information, so absorbed was he by the human in front of him. He secretly hoped that she would remember that it was he who had given her the bouquet of flowers last time.

"Oh yes, I love it! Even more so now that I know the origin of these flowers..." Amused, Cinder crossed her arms then looked discreetly behind her shoulder at Bowser in shock. She smiled mischievously; "In any case, I'll be coming here every day to collect myself. It's a truly exceptional gift! Thank you."

"O-of course! I'll take very good care of it for you." Stammered the Koopa gardener from a blush to his cheeks when he felt the human's lips rest on his forehead. Her thanks were so warm it made him want to pirouette in the air! Smiling happily, his delighted expression quickly turned to terror as he laid eyes on his monarch behind Cinder. The spiny Koopa glared down at him, claws and teeth in full view as its imposing build loomed over the human. Smoke was coming out of his muzzle.

He'd taken all the credit for it being HIS idea!

"Well, I think I'll be going..." Nervously, the winged Koopa clapped his hands before turning with an awkward smile to take flight away from the garden. Terrified of being roasted by his overly jealous King. Nevertheless, he left with the feeling of having accomplished something great for someone special!

"As for you..." Cinder began after rising to turn back to Bowser, who immediately stopped showing his teeth to clear his throat with an embarrassed smile. Oops. Running his right hand through his hair and about to look for another lame excuse, the big Koopa felt his heartbeat faster at the grateful face of the young woman.

"You never cease to amaze me. I can't thank you enough for everything you do for me ... For everything you've done. I haven't really had a chance to tell you, but I'm extremely grateful. For everything. You've given me back my freedom, you've made me your advisor and I've loved every second of being with you. You gave me a home and a room. A family. And now this? You fill me up! I've never felt better in my life!" With a burst of joy, she spun around to raise her arms to the fairytale garden, with rosebushes and arches that hid the place from prying eyes. Her smile was so big it could reach her ears, but it faded when she noticed the turtle's indecipherable expression.

Bowser was at a loss for words. He was used to receiving compliments and thanks all day long, that wasn't the problem. But to hear it from this human who had captured his heart... Left him speechless for some strange reason. Somewhat frustrated by his sudden lack of eloquence, the King knotted his fingers nervously in front of him while Cinder continued to admire the pretty flower garden he'd had specially made for her. He glanced left and then right when he suddenly had an idea in the back of his mind, now that they were both alone. It was finally time! His moment of glory! He was going to ask her to marry him. The setting was idyllic, the view magnificent and he had the new ring hidden in his shell ready to be unveiled to his bride-to-be! All the elements were there.

His red eyes following the girl's movements as she focused on her flowers, Bowser took a few steps closer, coughing into his fist to get her attention.

"I ..." But his throat suddenly went dry when he met Cinder's gaze again.

And as always, all his confidence vanished in an instant. His heart began to race as his hands grew clammy. A strange, uncomfortable sensation that spread to the back of his neck, where he felt drops of sweat form at his sudden stress. He could sweat?! He'd learned something. The guy who wanted perfection now looked like an idiot incapable of expressing his feelings! This was inconceivable to him. This irrational fear was going to drive him mad! Anger quickly replaced his stupor and before the perplexed woman could say anything, he put an immediate end to this awkward moment.

"I have to go. I have work to do!" He gritted his teeth as he turned away without a last look back, leaving the garden with heavy steps.

Confused and saddened by his irritated expression, Cinder raised her hand to him but he was already gone.

At the top of the castle's west tower, four figures stood out. Among them were Kamek, Junior, and his two Koopa guards, both of whom had kept their made-up names from the last tea party. Marwin and Charlie, respectively. Leaning against the edge of the tower, the Magikoopa had a pair of binoculars pointed at the couple in the garden. Discreetly observing the King Koopa and Cinder below, they clapped their hands together with a collective sigh as Bowser walked away without so much as an explanation.

"That's not possible..." Bowser Jr complained, raising his muzzle to the sky with a hand to his forehead. They were almost there! Why had his father given up at the last minute? What's more, Cinder was looking even worse for wear!

"Change of tactics!" Kamek then announced with a finger pointing in the air.

Their King just needed a little extra help!

The next day, Bowser did everything he could to avoid running into Cinder. He avoided the main corridors, where he knew she would pass at specific times. He remained focused on his invasion plans and his next conquests in neighboring galaxies, keeping his mind permanently occupied. At his one-eyed army chief's side, he listened. Or at least tried to listen to what he proposed in terms of military strategy for assaulting a temple that would contain a great treasure trove of gold coins. This temple would apparently be engulfed in a large water bubble with a lava core in the center that would contain the famous treasure. Or something like that... He wasn't really sure anymore, as he was having difficulty following his explanations with his diminished concentration. His loyal general soon seemed to notice, for he snapped him out of his momentary reverie after clearing his throat noisily.

"Is something troubling you, my Lord? You seem distracted by something." The latter questioned suspiciously, placing his hands on his hips to squint at Bowser. Leaning over a map, he was about to continue but his beloved leader abruptly cut him off with an unexpected question.

"Do you find me disgusting?" He asked with a grimace, pointing at himself from head to toe with both hands.

"Is this a trick question?" Wary, the General raised an eyebrow then crossed his arms, certain that this was a test of the absurdity of this situation. Was he making fun of him? It was the first time! However, to the uncertain face of his King, apparently in the midst of questioning himself, he awkwardly continued; "Your Majesty, if I may say so, we have more urgent priorities to deal with."

"Go on." Bowser grumbled as his shoulders slumped in defeat. Apparently, his general wasn't very supportive... Demoralized, he tried to concentrate on the rest of the debriefing until dinnertime.

Breathing a sigh of relief when he finally got out of this boring meeting, the great Koopa made his way mechanically to the dining room, only to run into his son Junior at the next intersection. The latter seemed out of breath as he rushed towards him to take his big hand in his own and drag him down a completely different corridor. Bowser was outraged, but his little brat of a son didn't care as he hurriedly dragged him off to his room, where the head of the Magikoopas was waiting. Incredulous, the spiny turtle frowned when he noticed his ceremonial purple bow tie lying on his bed next to a black comb. He immediately gave Kamek a doubtful look when he finally spoke to end the suspense.

"You've been invited to a royal dinner! But before you go, I'm going to make sure you look presentable and irresistible. You already are, of course, but I want to put all your chances on your side for this special dinner with Cinder. You just need to add a little touch of color!" The blue-robed wizard hastened to say, speaking through his nose as he used his magic to tie the knot in Bowser's necklace.

"What?! What the hell!" He dazed with a small gasp, but the Magikoopa continued his magic tricks without considering the slaughtering look his King gave him.

"You'll see, you'll be on top! We'll do everything we can to make it work!" Excited, Kamek hopped up on his little stool with a big, enthusiastic grin.

"This is going to be great, dad! I know you can do it! Let's go!" Junior clapped his hands after meeting the anxious gaze of his father, who hadn't been so sure of himself for a few days. His son's encouragement gave Bowser the courage he so desperately needed. The admiration in Junior's little black eyes and the determination in his voice were all he needed to regain his self-confidence and face his fears.

"Ouch!" Bowser growled as the comb tugged wickedly at his flaming mane, nearly knocking him backwards. Was he trying to rip his mane off or what?! He felt his face contort.

"A little comb here ... Another one there ..." Kamek muttered on his stool while gesturing in the air to control the comb twirling in the air. His Highness's hair was really wild! Hard to tame, but after a few unsuccessful attempts, he finally managed to make it more docile.

"Here we go!" He exclaimed when the job was done.

"Will she be impressed? What if she doesn't think I'm elegant enough?" Uncertain, Bowser turned away from the mirror to look at his advisor and son both examining him up and down. With one finger tucked under their chins, they exchanged a glance before smiling in satisfaction.

"You're so handsome! No doubt you'll make a big impression tonight." The Magikoopa finally nodded with pride.

"She already thinks you're handsome without accessories." Junior revealed lightly with a small shrug as he let his foot drag across the red carpet, this information turning his father's uncertainty into amazement.

"She said that?" With a bewildered look, Bowser raised his eyebrows but his son just giggled like a little rascal.

"She and I tell each other all kinds of things! And yeah, I'm her confidant! We have no secrets. She even told me she thought you were brave and that your smile gave her butterflies in the stomach ... Or something like that. Not sure. I just think it's weird that she eats butterflies when she thinks about you ... I wonder what it tastes like? Oh no!" Realizing his stupidity, Bowser Junior quickly placed his hands on his muzzle after revealing some confidences. But of course it was too late to turn back. He really wasn't very good at keeping secrets!

"Dinner's about to start. Let's give the King a few minutes to gather his wits and then we'll go to the meeting place." Kamek shooed the sharp-tongued young prince away before turning back to Bowser to find that his stunned expression still hadn't gone away. Did he have a cramp? The Magikoopa headed for the door, but before stepping through it, he looked back one last time; "and don't forget, act natural!"

Being natural ... Wait, what was that again?!

At eight o'clock on the dot, Cinder was escorted by the two Koopas guards Marwin and Charlie to the meeting place. Not knowing exactly what awaited her, given that everyone had refrained from giving her any explanations, the lady in the elegant long-sleeved red dress made her way towards a huge metal door. This door was strangely familiar to her. She'd walked through it once before, but she couldn't remember what lay behind it. Swallowing nervously, she let her two Koopas friends open the door to reveal a long stone walkway leading to another door on the other side of the void. A sea of fire several hundred meters below. To her left flowed a gigantic wall of lava, heating this impressive hall linking two parts of the castle by this single walkway.

Now the memories came back. This was where her greatest nightmare had taken place...

But in the middle of the large, long walkway she could see a small table with a candlestick and candles in the middle, covered with a white tablecloth. Stepping cautiously into the room, Cinder's eyes came to rest on a familiar turtle standing behind the largest armchair facing her. Motionless, he awaited her arrival. The Koopas guards closed the door in her wake as she reached the halfway point, her gaze lingering on the King who looked as nervous as she felt. Once she reached the table, she could see that it was beautifully set with silverware, white and gold plates, crystal glasses, silky red napkins, the famous tea set she had used with Junior... This last observation made her smile.

"Good evening, Your Highness. You look very elegant tonight." Cinder greeted him politely with a short curtsy after noticing Bowser's well-groomed appearance. She found him very handsome with his hair slicked back, very attractive.

"Ah yes, you think so?" King Koopa questioned with a hesitant shrug, crossing his hands in front of him to keep them from trembling. The last thing he needed was for her to notice his nervousness!

The human's little nod made his heart race faster in his chest, to the point of making him laugh awkwardly. Being natural was the watchword of the evening! Stay focused. Quickly regaining his seriousness, the giant turtle hurried around the small table to pull the chair out for Cinder, inviting her to sit down with a wave of his arm. She did so with a quick "thank-you". With the two of them now seated facing each other, a long silence immediately set in as they searched for a topic of conversation to break the sudden unease. Tying her hands timidly in her lap, Cinder's smile gradually died as she recalled the scene in the garden and how saddened she had been by his unexpected departure. Certain that he had been about to tell her something important. She felt guilty. Convinced that it was her fault that he'd left so angry yesterday afternoon.

"I wanted to apologize for yesterday ... I'm sorry if I said anything to upset you." She undertook while keeping her eyes lowered to her clasped hands, affected by his evasions.

"I wasn't upset!" Refuted Bowser a little too quickly, for he couldn't control the tone of his voice which sounded far too threatening for what he really meant. He'd just been surprised by her apology, and the last thing he wanted was for her to think it was his fault that he'd gone off the deep end... Ever. Clearing his throat, he resumed more calmly at his interlocutor's incredulous look; "I meant not upset with you, he he."

He chuckled foolishly after inserting two fingers around his collar, which suddenly seemed much too tight. Was it hot in here or was it his imagination?! He felt as if he were melting! It was a good thing he hadn't put on the rest of his costume, or he wouldn't even be able to speak... Irritated by his loss of control, the giant Koopa tried to loosen the knot around his neck a little as he smiled awkwardly at the woman who just looked at him compassionately. He lost himself in her big green eyes, naturally quickened the rhythm of his heartbeat. Once satisfied with the position of the purple bow, Bowser reached for the edge of the table too small to lean against as the door opened behind Cinder's chair to reveal a young turtle in servant's clothing.

"Lord and Lady, here is your dinner!" Junior declared in a haughty voice, keeping his chin up as he walked manfully to the table. Concentrating on his steps, he almost stumbled when his toe encountered a stone, letting out a small cry of surprise at the two cloaked dishes that were swaying dangerously from side to side. Nevertheless, he managed to regain his balance without breaking anything.

"The Chef's specialty! Fried Cheep Cheep with vegetable pie. I hope your romantic meal is going well. If you need me, I'll be in the hall!" Bowser Jr exclaimed happily after placing the hot plates in front of the two people at the table. Not even realizing the effect of his words.

Cinder thanked Junior with a smile while Bowser tried not to laugh at the embarrassing situation, as he had an annoying tendency to externalize his stress through laughter. With a white towel draped over his left arm, Junior leaned towards his father to give him a little wink before turning on his heels to head for the exit. This made Kamek appear in his little pink cloud of magic with a good bottle of melon wine, a specialty of the Dry-Cry desert! A priceless bottle. Tightening his little black bow around his neck, the bespectacled Magikoopa poured some into the crystal glasses, making sure to put a few extra drops in Cinder's. That way, she'll be even more relaxed! With a cunning chuckle, Kamek disappeared to leave them alone to talk.

"Looks delicious!" Cinder enthused, pulling back the bell to smell that incredible aroma of hot vegetables and wood-fired fish. Steam swept her hair from her face. There was no denying that Koopa Cook knew how to make this pie to perfection! Her favorite dish.

Bowser, on the other hand did not follow suit, despite the exquisite aroma of his dish. Watching him thoughtfully from across the table, he played with his cutlery until he accidentally dropped his fork on the floor. The fork bounced off the table, forcing him to get up and fetch it. Unfortunately, his sudden movement caused him to rip off almost the entire table with his tail, after the tablecloth caught on one of his spikes. Glasses spilled a little of the precious honey-colored liquid and all the silverware clinked in the violent jolt, but nothing miraculously fell. Bowser's shoulders slumped with an exasperated sigh as Cinder laughed out loud. This table was much too small for him! Annoyed by his clumsiness, the King nevertheless felt a pleasant thrill come over him at the bursts of hearty laughter from the young woman who was amused by all of it.

Dispelling all anger in an instant.

"Humph, that's not fit for a King of my stature! I wonder who the idiot was who did this!" Bowser grumbled once back in his armchair, crossing his arms with a little pout.

"You're right, you deserve better." Cinder agreed with a nod, her smile still firmly in place. It really wasn't comfortable for a Koopa of his size because not only did he have to watch his movements, but everything was too small for him.

Bowser's bored gaze fell on Cinder after this ego-boosting reply. He wanted to tell her that he'd do anything to deserve her, even the greatest sacrifices, but changed his mind after remembering her advice. Falling back into a pleasant silence this time, the two stared at each other across the table. Paying no attention to their dish. Cinder could feel her cheeks warming at his insistent gaze containing a certain form of admiration, perhaps even affection. He was like an open book... But sometimes she couldn't make out his face. The feeling of butterflies in her stomach suddenly returned as she admired him with an evasive smile, as she contemplated the turtle sitting opposite her devoid of malice. She could see behind his nasty mask, she could see the Koopa hidden in his shell. Raising her eyes briefly to the broken spike above his left shoulder, she swallowed at the painful memory of a fierce battle before speaking again to lighten the mood.

"Junior is a wonderful child. He's very intelligent for his age, and he's very imaginative with his prototypes. For example, this morning he showed me his new galactic ship, which will be able to travel twice as fast! He never ceases to impress me with his talents. I think he has a gift for it." She admitted with a light laugh, her smile widening at what he'd managed to create to conceal the castle and make it undetectable to radar. She was so proud of his genius.

"Nothing could be more normal, he inherited it from his father. My son is brilliant and will make a worthy King when he reaches the age to rule." Bowser retorted, inspecting the state of his claws with a superior air, inwardly flattered. However, he stopped admiring his claws when she resumed in the same tender tone of voice.

"I love living in this castle. It may not have the flowers or the clean air of the Mushroom Valley, but I feel good here. With you, with everyone here. I've never known a place like this. And I must confess something too..." Cinder stopped in mid-sentence to look down at her hands, seeking the courage to tell him what had been weighing on her heart for so long. Shyly, she raised her eyes to his and saw that he was impatiently waiting for her to finish what she'd started. His eyes shone with hope so she let her emotions speak for themselves; "I ... I have feelings for you."

As soon as these few words were spoken, Bowser's surprised expression changed abruptly. She wanted to keep going, but he seemed preoccupied with something, under pressure as he nervously tugged at his purple bow while his other hand quickly fumbled at his right side. Concerned, she raised her eyebrows at the Koopa, who had adopted a strange demeanor at her statement. Now was the time! Now there was no turning back. Her confession had just given him the courage to take the plunge! His heart pounding in his chest with apprehension, he almost felt dizzy as he sat back in his purple armchair and placed his hand on his breastplate. Closing his eyes for a moment, he reopened them to make a passionate expression.

"Well, here we are. I think it's time for me to tell you what's been in my heart for so long!" Laughing uncomfortably, Bowser held out his hand to Cinder who looked at him with wide, shocked eyes. But he didn't let this throw him off balance.

"You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen in this world, in the entire universe! The constellations are no match for you. Your eyes are like jewels, your sweet voice guides me through the darkness ... When I think of you, my heart races! Before you, I didn't know what true love was. I never imagined I'd feel this way about someone! It's so strong, my passion knows no bounds. I want to be able to live by your side forever... Will you marry me?" Bowser finally made his declaration, averting his eyes after shyly smiling at the motionless human in her chair, interpreting her blissful expression as hesitation. Urging him on.

"I know I haven't always been very tender..." He hurried to answer the fear that gripped his heart, so lost in his own words that he didn't even hear Cinder's answer.

"Yes!" She quickly interrupted with a broad smile, but the King took no notice.

"That I sometimes have uncontrollable mood swings..." Bowser continued, keeping his eyes fixed on the ground with a hint of sadness.

"Yes."

"But you captured my heart the day I laid eyes on you!"

"Yes."

"Together, we'll rule a better world! We will shape it in our own image. Hand in hand... Forever."

"Yes!"

Finally, at this last exclamation, the dazed Koopa raised his eyes in the direction of the moved human.

"Yes?" He repeated in a hesitant voice, not sure he'd understood.

"Yes! Of course I'll marry you!" Cinder laughed as Bowser's eyebrows rose so high they almost touched his hair. His mouth was wide open in amazement, his hand still outstretched with the other resting over his heart as he openly expressed his feelings.

Yes.

She'd said yes... He'd finally gotten a yes in his life! He simply couldn't believe it. He was still in shock. After all these long years of loneliness, all this time dreaming of true happiness, he was finally going to experience it. He was finally going to have his own fairy tale with the one he loved. With his beautiful Cinder, her caring personality, her patience and generosity that had made him fall in love with her. The one who had brought so much positivity into his life, the one who had shown him that there was more to this world than hate and anger. She was everything. She was his perfection. With a sincere smile, Bowser finally revealed what he'd been hiding under the table and presented it to the human, whose eyes lit up with intense happiness. A small black box he slowly opened in front of her to reveal the magnificent ring inside, carefully placed on a red cushion. Silver-plated, it featured a pretty trillion-cut emerald stone.

Her breath taken away by the beauty of the ring, Cinder allowed Bowser to take her left hand and gently thread the ring onto her ring finger. Taking great care with his claws not to hurt her in the process, he succeeded. The ring was a perfect fit! The emerald jewel sparkled in the red light of the lava, barely gripping her finger so as not to slip. Little by little, tears filled her beautiful green eyes as she watched the large turtle in front of her play nervously with his hands and smile that wonderful smile she loved so much when their eyes met. A real smile... The emotion was there.

Resting her hand on his fingers, Cinder straightened up then took hold of his chin to place her lips delicately on his.

End

I think everyone who has followed this story from the beginning has been waiting for this ending. Haven't we? Me first. I've had this statement in my head since I started my main story to tell you how much I've been looking forward to writing it! A real torture haha

I think they're way too cute ... But if one day another idea for a proposal comes to me, I'll surely write it here. In the meantime I'll continue with the stories I have in mind and your little writing challenges 😊the next story will tie in with this one.

WEDDING! AHHHHHHHHH! I can't wait because you'll all be invited!

See you soon, VP