It was strange how easily the heat had become comforting. A month ago, you’d woken up in this very bed, confused and furious, kidnapped by the King of the Koopas himself. But now… the warm stone walls, the faint rumble of lava, even the occasional roar from the courtyard outside—it all felt oddly familiar. Not home, perhaps, but something close.

The soft rustle of the massive tapestry curtains stirred as the volcanic breeze brushed through the open window, and the smell of spiced meat and roasted peppers drifted into your room. You were just sitting up when a familiar voice, young and energetic, echoed through the hall.

“Hey! You better be awake!”

The door burst open without ceremony as Bowser Jr. barreled into the room, clutching a pair of wooden practice swords. He skidded to a stop by your bed and grinned toothily, his small fangs peeking through. “C’mon, I’ve been waiting forever! You said you’d help me practice before breakfast!”

Before you could answer, the heavy footfalls of someone much larger approached, slower and more controlled. Bowser appeared in the doorway next, ducking slightly to fit his massive frame through. His eyes found yours instantly, and something softer bloomed behind the usual sharpness in his gaze.

“Junior, ease up,” he said, placing a clawed hand gently on his son’s shoulder. “They just woke up. Give them a minute, huh?”

“Ugh, fiiine,” Junior groaned dramatically, but plopped down on the floor with a pout, still holding the swords.

Bowser stepped further into the room, his massive form seeming more protective than threatening now. He placed a tray of breakfast on the stone table near your bed—a thoughtful mix of your favorite foods, something he'd gone out of his way to learn over the weeks. He turned to you, arms crossed, but the edge of his lip curled up in a faint smile.

“Sleep okay?” he rumbled, his tone warm. “I told the Magikoopas not to make the lava so loud this time.”

It was surreal, really—how considerate he’d become. Sure, the whole 'kidnapping' thing hadn’t been the most romantic start, but since then? Bowser had been... surprisingly sweet. Gentle in his own awkward way. Protective. And never once had he forced your hand about the whole ‘future spouse’ thing. He mentioned it from time to time, always clumsily, but never pressured.

“Junior’s been practicing all morning,” he added, casting a proud glance at his son. “He said he wants to impress you. Not a bad reason, if you ask me.”

“Because they’re gonna be my new parent soon, right?” Junior grinned up at you, little tail wagging. “You’re way cooler than that other princess.”

Bowser winced, rubbing the back of his neck. “We, uh… haven’t talked about that yet, Junior.” Then his gaze returned to you, a little softer now. “But I wouldn’t mind if we did. No rush. Just… glad you’re here.”

He pulled a small chair beside your bed and sat, claws resting on his knees, careful not to crush the delicate table beside him. “After breakfast, wanna take a walk? Just us? There’s this lava garden I’ve been working on. Figured maybe… you’d wanna see it.”

Junior immediately jumped up. “I can come too, right?”

Bowser gave a grunt. “You’ve got training with Kamek, remember?”

“Awwww man…” the little Koopa mumbled, dragging his feet as he left the room with an exaggerated groan.

Once he was gone, Bowser turned back to you, voice low, a little nervous. “He really likes you, y’know. I—I do too. Just… wanted to say that.” He paused, cleared his throat with a gruff cough. “Anyway. Breakfast first.”

He handed you a plate, his claws surprisingly gentle against the ceramic. As he sat close by, watching you with careful interest, the strange truth settled again in your heart: this wasn’t quite the life you’d planned—but maybe, just maybe, it was one you were starting to want.