Bride of Bowser

Waltzing and Waiting

I make my way to a long table lined with food. There's a variety of cheese boards, roasted meats on skewers, sliders, and other finger foods. As well as a selection of various wine assortments. Thank God. I don't have to be anxious on an empty stomach.

I load up my plate with sandwiches and fruit pairing it with a glass of strawberry wine. This looks yummy.

Now, where to sit?

I get overstimulated easily at parties but I enjoy the music and hum along to it. I find a velvet loveseat next to a fireplace tucked away in the corner. The castle is pretty. I look around the vast space illuminated by candlelight. Large chandeliers hang overhead with sparkling rubies hanging from them. As I continue to take in the decor my eyes linger up to the throne of the king hosting this event.

Lord Bowser is large in stature with a head full of red hair. I've never really met Koopas aside from the two guards who escorted me in but he was massive in comparison. He had a spiky shell, a large tail, and horns. Although he was sitting down, I could tell how tall he was.

He was wearing a white suit with purple accents and a dark cloak. As he sips from a large chalice, many princesses bow at his feet. He seemed uninterested in them though, surveying the ballroom just as I was.

I found myself fascinated by him analyzing his features and body language while nibbling at my sandwich. I wonder who he'll pick to court tonight. I raise my glass to my lips before locking eyes with him and almost spit out my drink.

I try to hide but it's too late. He's already making his way across the ballroom towards me. Oh god... I begin to panic trying to make myself look presentable, adjusting my dress hastily. I gulp down the last of my wine not knowing what to expect. My heart pounds in my chest at the thought that I may have offended him by staring.

"Good evening Princess," his voice is deep and surprisingly warm. I'm unable to respond, intimidated by his looming height. I'm in utter shock that he's actually speaking to me.

He continues unphased by my silence "I seemed to notice you sitting here all by yourself, and I was wondering why." he smiles revealing his sharp teeth. He seems very polite but I would be lying if I said I wasn't terrified.

I stare up at him wide-eyed and clear my throat "I um..." I pause debating whether to tell him the truth or not. "I got invited here as a cruel joke actually..." I laugh nervously deciding that honesty is better than lying on the spot

"Is that so?..." his expression is difficult to read, only making me more anxious.

"My family isn't the kindest to me and the kingdom I'm from has been at odds with yours." he arches an eyebrow at this. I realize that oversharing might not be the best move but once I've started it's almost impossible for me to stop "And I've had trouble finding suitors and they had so little hope in me that they said that even someone like you wouldn't be interested..." My sentences are all fast and jumbled up from nervousness.

Bowser listens intently, his eyes never leaving mine. A small frown forms on his face as he processes what I just said. "I'm sorry my dear" He replies stepping closer to me.

My breathing becomes more shaky at his closeness. I really hope he doesn't notice...

"They're wrong you know" he looks to my empty glass and has a waiter pour me another.

"A-about what?..." I reply taking a sip. He smirks down at me shaking his head at my obliviousness. "About you not being worthy of my attention."

I almost spit out my drink again blushing profusely at his comment.

He seems to enjoy seeing how flustered I am because he steps closer to me tucking a stray piece of my hair behind my ear. H-how do I even respond to that?!