*Writing these oneshots fills you with Determination (Undertale AU Oneshots)

♥ Castle (Underkeep! Toriel x Reader)

'Ugh, my head... What happened? Am I dead again? God, I hope I'm not dead, it's so boring having to see that 'Game Over' screen a gazillion times.'

Feeling warmth on your face, you flickered your aching eyes open, staring at a flower-printed roof. Soon determining it was a bed canopy, you glanced at the similar-colored pillars supporting it.

There was a quick pulse of pain in your head when you realized the room itself was big, to begin with. The walls were colored a sea-green tint to complement the cream color of the wooden floor. A golden chandelier dangled from the center of the room with its shiny adornments shimmering in the sun.

"Where...?" you whispered, clearing your throat.

"Ah, I see you're awake," a woman's voice spoke from beside you, "I'm glad."

Startled, you turn your head in her direction and see a goat monster sitting beside the bed, giving you a concerned stare; her aura was calm and sophisticated, though, you were still very cautious. You shifted your position so that you were closer to the edge of the bed farther from her.

"Who are you?" You asked warily, glaring at her.

"I am Queen Toriel. Do not be alarmed, I will not harm you."

"Where am I?" Your breaths became deeper and hushed as you started calming down a bit.

"You are in the capital, in the castle of my husband, King Asgore, and I."

You sat up carefully, being met with a sharp pain in your abdomen. Looking down, you see bandages tightly wrapped around your stomach; they were stained with blood.

Apparently sensing your confusion, the Queen answered your inquiry. "You were severely injured by the Royal Guard. They were ordered by their head, Baroness Undyne, to eliminate any human, should they fall into the Underground. Your HP was fatally low, so my child saw to it that you were brought here for your own safety."

"... Your child?" you questioned, laying an arm over your stomach.

She nodded. "They were excited to meet you should you awake, but I insisted that they'd let you rest until you felt better prepared for any social interaction."

You winced and grinned discreetly at her, relieved you could understand. "Oh... I'll have to thank them when I get the opportunity."

Queen Toriel looks toward the door with a smile. "Do not be shy, my child. There's nothing to be afraid of," she spoke softly.

Looking at the large, open doors ahead, a small child sheepishly walks in with princely attire, looking at the both of us.

"She is awake now. Would you like to meet her?"

The child walked up to the side of the bed and the Queen set them beside you. They told you their name was Frisk and that they were worried you wouldn't wake up for a long time.

"Thanks for having me brought here, Frisk. I'm feeling somewhat better after some rest." You felt and heard your stomach growl loudly, blushing madly soon after. "And a bit hungry, I suppose."

Queen Toriel grinned and stood from her chair, walking to the door. "You are in luck. I prepared food when you first arrived; I knew you would be hungry. I shall bring it to your room. Frisk? Could you keep her company, please?"

Frisk nodded and waved at her before she left before directing their attention to you. They asked if your stomach still hurt.

"Yeah, kind of. But it's nothing, really. I actually could've gone and got my dinner myself. It was foolish of me to let your mother do it for me."

Frisk smiled and shook their head, telling you it was okay. You were hurt and needed time to heal, so things had to be done for you in the meantime.

You sighed and winced once you moved a bit. "Alright, if you insist."

There was a short silence before Frisk asked you what your name was.

"Oh. My apologies, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is _____, it's nice to meet you."

Frisk grinned and said it was nice to meet you too. After a long silence, they asked you if you would be staying here for a while.

You froze, not sure of how to answer them. "Uh... I'm not sure, Frisk. I'll have to ask your mother about that."

As if on cue, Queen Toriel came back into the room carrying a tray with a plate; it had a slice of pie on it. "Here is something to fill you up," she stated, setting the warm plate on your lap. "It is a butterscotch-cinnamon pie. I hope you like it."

"Thank you, Queen Toriel. It looks delicious," you thanked her, bowing your head in appreciation.

"Please, you may just call me Toriel."

You blushed as you picked up the fork from my plate. "Oh, okay. If you insist." You put the fork in my mouth, enjoying the taste of the pie. "Mm, this is absolutely scrumptious... Toriel. Thank you very much."

She bowed her head respectfully. "You're quite welcome, Miss..."

"______. Sorry, I didn't think to tell you my name."

"It's alright. If you need anything else, just summon either Frisk or myself."

You nearly choked on the piece of pie in your mouth. "What? No! I have no right to beckon you with such insubordination! If I know better, I will do everything myself, thank you."

She nodded. "Very well, _____. If you'd like, you may take refuge here for as long as you desire."

You gasped, putting your fork down. "No! I can't, I would be overstaying my welcome and I..." You looked at Frisk and Toriel; they looked welcoming and their eyes were full of generosity. "... Well... I guess it wouldn't hurt to stay here... for a few more days. Thank you."