Red Kingdom

Wagers

Bubbline's POV

Meetings, meetings, meetings. I've been worn out all day with these useless diplomatic meetings. I wish I can just get Marceline to sneak me out of these like the old days, but as years went by, my responsibilities piled up. I know as a ruler I've sworn to protect my people and the land of Ooo, but glob, these meetings are really killing me. 

As I finish up my tenth meeting of the day, Peppermint Butler tells me the next task on my very long list, another meeting with Flame Princess. I know that there's bad blood between us, but trying to find a middle ground is all I want. If going to these diplomatic meetings means smoothening out the tension between us and our kingdoms, then I will do everything I can to make sure that happens.

. . .

Me and Pep arrive at the Flame Kingdom, obviously in our heat suits. Glob, how does this kingdom even exist? I feel like it's a ticking time bomb that bound to explode, especially with Flame Princess being their ruler. I gotta snap out of it and put my opinions to the side. We arrive at the front of the kingdom and are greated with two flame guards. They become defensive, holding their fire staffs by their side.

One of them asks, "Who do you seek for?"

It's obvious to me that Flame Princess didn't do the bare minimum to tell their guards that she has a diplomatic meeting, but again pushing my opinions to the side, I respond, "I'm here to talk to your ruler. She requests a meeting with me."

The guards let their defenses down, and usher me into the kingdom into a courtyard where FP is sitting in her thrown.

"Bubblegum, you have arrived" said FP.

"Yeah I have, so can we get this meeting over with?"

"I don't need a meeting, I just have one request."

"What do you want now?"

With a slight pause, FP gathers her final thoughts. She then finally says her request, "I want Marceline to accompany me on a quest."

As soon as I heard those words come out of her mouth, I was filled with shock and anger. Why would she ask me to fulfill her request? Why can't Marcy be here instead? What does she want with my girlfriend? I don't want to put her life in danger because of this stupid quest. But I had to maintain the relationship between our kingdoms. I look down at the ring on my finger. It's burning bright as ever. Guilt instantly filled in me, because I know I want things to be neutral between our kingdoms, but I can't risk Marcy's life. I know Marcy promised me that whatever decision I make, she will fully support, but is putting her life on the line part of the promise? Filled up with these thoughts, I ask, "Why bring me into this? Why not invite Marceline out here?"

FP responds with "Because you basically have Marceline on the ropes. I see the way you interact with each other. I know her weak spot is you, and she will do anything for you. If I were to go and ask her myself, she wouldn't give in."

I was filled with more anger and frustration as hot as the flowing lava. How dare she use Marcy's emotions against me! How dare she take advantage of our relationship!

I asked, "What will I get out of this?"

"You will have my military aid at your convenience. Whenever danger strikes, you will have my troops to help."

Based on the wager, I can tell that this quests is really important to her. She's desperate, I can tell. Her military is stronger that my military. Heck, my military is spineless bananas that I clone in my lab. Hers are natural-born warriors, meant for war. I can't turn down this offer, but I also can't do this to Marcy. We just got together. I can't lose her in my life again. I couldn't come up with a decision. I can't decide for Marcy. I have to talk to her about this.

I tried thinking of other solutions to replace Marceline.

"What about Finn and Jake? I know Finn is willing to go on an adventure."

"I have thought about it, but Finn is sensitive and the quests we're going on will eat him up in an instant. Marceline's vampire and demon powers are a perfect fit. She is stronger, and I need her powers to help me complete this quest."

"When do you need an answer by?"

"I'll give you until tomorrow night. I am set to embark in two days. Whatever decision you make, I will bring Marceline either way, unless you can give me another stronger and more powerful option."

I gave her a nod, and started walking out with Pep trailing behind. This is obviously a big decision, but Marcy's been through worse right? Glob she's been through the Mushroom War and the aftermath. This should be easy for her right? As I walked outside the Fire Kingdom, I deactivated the fire suits.

"Peps, cancell my meetings for the rest of the day."

"But you majesty---"

"It's important. I need time to figure this out."

"As you wish."

If I can figure out a solution to this, then FP won't need Marcy. But I know I have to talk to her about this. I can't hide it from her.