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Diplomats from all over the kingdom packed the palace to settle the aftermath of the disaster wedding. Once Code Red finally went to Code Orange, Peach straightened her crown and made a pitcher of tea. Toads opened the locked door to a large room with a tiny cage.
Bowser jumped out of where he was curled in his shell, turning slightly pink in embarrassment. “What?” he snapped, folding his arms.
“King Koopa,” she greeted. Toads pulled up a stool and table, then were dismissed. “Would you like some tea and pleasant conversation?”
He turned away. “You’re just being kind. I know you’d rather spend time with Mario.”
Peach poured herself a cup. “I’ve only known Mario for a few days.” Admittedly, their friendship made her warm, but she also had reason to stay cool, at least for now. “Just like with you.”
Bowser’s folded arms tightened.
Peach took a sip then set the small cup and pitcher spout inside the cage, so Bowser could pour his own if he wanted. “Why did you want to marry me?” she asked bluntly.
“Is that it? Is that what this is for?” he snapped in his tiny voice, swinging in the pitcher’s direction. “I’ve been humiliated enough, princess, you don’t need to add to it!”
“That’s not what I’m trying to do. I’d appreciate it if you’d listen,” she said sternly.
The Koopa frowned but didn’t shout more.
“I wanted to know if you meant what you said,” she tried again, softer. “About being happy.”
He froze.
After a pause, Peach continued. “Truth be told, I thought getting married was just a political stunt- a way to break the wills of the Toads. But I’ve been thinking… and I want you to know that… I can’t make you happy.”
His eyes widened and he half reached toward the kettle. “Princess, I didn’t mean- I’ll take the tea if you want.”
“That’s not important. You barely know me. So why did you think I would make you happy?”
His claws clicked self-consciously. “Well, what wasn’t to like? You only had all the grace and beauty and- and the kingdom that loved you.”
Peach shook her head in shock. “Your kingdom adores you. I’ve seen that much.”
He threw his hands in the air. “They love the endless conquest- But I just get tired of it, you know?”
Peach pursed her lips. Then why continue, she wanted to ask, but held it.
“I thought, if anyone could appreciate a heart that can fight and love- it would be you,” he said, a fraction of vulnerability showing up like at the altar. “But Mr. Mustache is just better, I guess,” he muttered.
Peach could feel her patience thinning like drying skin. “He loves the land like I do. If he did make me happy, it wouldn’t be-” She sighed, stopping herself. “Look, you kept the Koopa kingdom together for this long- In fact, you made it a world power! You inspired your people around your ideas, you clearly want to care for someone and- you wrote a nice song.”
His eyes shone. “You liked it?”
“Not nessesarily the content, but the composition was masterful. I guess what I’m trying to say is, I think you’ll find something that makes you happy. It’s not me, but I believe it’ll come to you, if you welcome it like a gentleman.”
Bowser sighed, sitting down.
“You sure you don’t want tea?”
“No, princess. Thank you.”
Peach smiled a bit sadly, not sure if she had any affect. But she took the tray and called the Toads to open the doors again. “I’m having a specialist work on a small piano,” she added as she turned. “It’ll be dropped off soon.”
She left, hearing only the faint jangle of the cage chain, as if Bowser had jumped up to the wall of the cage to say something, but just watched her go.