The next day and a bath.

When you awake the next day the room is filled with a low rumble. Bowser, snoring, is asleep in a chair next to the bed. That chair wasn't there yesterday so he probably left and came back at least once. Needing a bath you decide to sneak out, not wanting to wake the big sweetie, especially if he was up all night worrying about you.

As you exit, you close the door behind you as quietly as possible. You are so focused on it that you are startled by a sudden voice behind you. "My princess, is there some sort of problem?"

You turn around holding your finger to your mouth in a 'shhh' gesture. Standing behind you is Kamek, the oldest, strongest of the Magikoopas and a trusted advisor of Bowser, if anyone has authority around here besides the king, it is him.

"Yes, sorry! The king is sleeping... but I would really like a bath... or a the very least a shower..."

"Of course, let me show you to the way your highness."

You walk for a while, longer then you expected but eventually arrive at a large double door.

"Why is the bath so far from Bowser's chamber?" you can't help asking as you and Kamek enter the decent sized bathing chamber. Does Bowser not bathe... that might be a deal breaker...

"Ahh this is a second bathing area actually, Lord Bowser's personal bath would not work for you as it uses lava instead of water."

Yeah, bathing in lava would get one cleaner then water but for you that isn't an option.

Not feeling modest at the moment, you strip despite the company and get in without any fuss. Kamek for his part passes you soap, shampoo, and a scrub brush helpfully.

As you wash, the thoughts about what you should do begin to swirl in your head again... Marrying Bowser... maybe you should talk to Kamek.

“Hey kamek?” you say hesitantly.

“Yes princess?”

"Is Bowser a good king… like... his image is all fire and metal… and he leads you all like an army… but does he take care of his people?" You ask bluntly.

"Yes, I think that is why we we are willing to fight for him. I won’t say he is perfect, but all of us have full medical and dental coverage... in addition we have never gone hungry."

Your eyes bulge as you stare at him. "Full healthcare, how can your kingdom afford it?!"

"Well, such things aren’t hard if coins are distributed based on the needs of the people and not on the needs of the few, I personally suspect your government is a bit more corrupt then you may think if this comes as such a shock."

"Maybe..." You want to refuse... but after what happened.

"If I may be so bold, I think they may have **** you, I detect traces of a spell of some sort on your clothes. I don’t expect you to trust me, but did anything strange happen before Bowser kidnapped you yesterday?"

"Yes… Bowser saved me..."

"Ahhh I see, he didn't tell me the details yet, just that you... ahh and the effects have worn off now, after you proposed to Bowser. You are worried the spell effected your decision?"

"I am not really having second thoughts, more... I want to confirm that my choice is correct."

"Perhaps... if our previous talk of funds is an indication, I think Bowser can help you fix what is wrong with your kingdom, more then your other choice at least."

"Mario..."

"Yes, if may be so bold, he wouldn't make a good king."

It’s true… the real reason you haven’t become more serious with Mario is your belief that he just isn't suited to the responsibilities of a leader. But if what Kamek is saying is true, maybe you aren’t either…

"Do… do you think if I marry Bowser he would help me fix it? Not just burn it to the ground?"

The castle might already be burned to the ground... your home...

"I think it is worth talking to him about, I think despite what happened yesterday, he would still marry you and I think he is willing to do what it takes to make you happy."

"Make me a queen… if this would help my people.." You say convincing your self. "Then I need to do it."

"Still worried your highness?"

"No, that helped a lot, thank you."