Chapter Text
Her arms outstretched, pinkened from the sun, Princess Daisy lay on her balcony. Hearing footsteps from inside, she scrambled to her feet and hid behind the door.
¨Dammit Daisy! Stop playing around, you need to get ready¨
Daisy knew this was true, but refrained from responding to keep herself hidden.
Today was the day Princess Daisy and many others were to travel to Mushroom Castle to attend an annual ball that symbolized peace between the kingdoms.
To her displeasure, Princess Daisy received an invitation this year. Years prior she hadn’t received one, for her rumored bad behavior.
Three years had passed since Daisy had come of age. She was now 19, and as her mother would say, ´in need of a suitor´. The princess disagreed, she had no intention of giving up her freedom for the unity of kingdoms and the well-being of the country.
This ball was supposed to be full of dangerously important, rich young men. None of which seemed even somewhat alluring to the princess.
Bored as she was, Daisy refused to attend this ball.
♡
Daisy’s cheek pressed against the warm carriage window, small bumps in the road causing her nose to occasionally tap the glass.
¨See, it’s lovely out, aren’t you glad you came?¨
Daisy turned her head to see her caretaker seated across from her, forcing a smile. The woman couldn’t deceive Daisy, the princess had known her long enough to know she was far from happy. The princess merely huffed, still annoyed that her caretaker managed to persuade her to come at the trivial mention of food.
Moments later the train station came into view. Daisy’s eyes shot up quickly in interest. Realizing her caretaker was watching her, the princess lowered her gaze back down to her lap, in fear the woman beside her would see through her facade of disinterest.
Gaze fixed upon her gloved hands, it came as a surprise to Daisy when she was launched across the compartment by a sudden halt of the carriage.
¨Fuck! What the hell happened?!¨ muttered the princess, her head throbbing in her hands.
¨Watch your language!¨ snapped the caretaker, clearly ignoring Daisys pained state.
¨Sorry Ladies the horses are terrified of the train’s whistle, you’ll have to walk from here!¨
The two passengers clearly deciphered this yelling despite the ambient noise of the train station. Both women nodded to each other and Daisy pushed open her door and hopped out. A warm breeze swept through Daisy’s chestnut-colored hair, the midday sun shone against her freckled cheeks.
¨Too hot¨, The princess whispered to herself as she grabbed her luggage from the back of the carriage.
♡
Daisy hopped onto the train station platform, wincing as she contorted herself in an attempt to crack her back. Her legs ached from the hours she spent seated on the train.
As the princess called out to her caretaker her voice was drowned by the train’s whistle. Without hesitation, Daisy sprinted for the stairs, apologizing to the people she ran into. As she gained speed the staircase grew nearer, pushing off from the top step, the princess was sent flying into the air.
Daisy's ankles slammed into the ground as she slid across the gravel. Ignoring her swelling ankles the princess threw her head back and began to laugh. Her insides began to ache as tears fell from her eyes and stares came her way, she had finally lost her caretaker.
Before she could recollect herself Daisy felt a cold hand firmly gripping her shoulder.
¨Is something matter, you seem to be crying¨
Without turning around Daisy recognized the voice immediately. Slowly the princess wiped her eyes and coldly stared at her caretaker.
¨You're too fast for an old lady¨, mumbled Daisy, no more than a second later she was dealt a large blow to the back of her head.
Head in hands, Daisy looked up to see her scowling caretaker.
♡
Daisy stepped out of the escort carriage and made her routine attempt at cracking her back. The princess’s gaze shifted to the large castle that stood in front of her. Gleaming white pillars and archways, topped off with high red roofs.
In awe, Daisy stood still for a moment until she was brought back to reality by her caretaker’s harsh tone.
¨Quit catching flies, and get your luggage¨
¨Yeah sure¨ responded Daisy, clearly still distracted by the Castle.
As the two ladies entered the castle they were greeted by a short woman with vibrant pink hair and rosy cheeks.
¨We all are so glad you could make it, just put down your luggage and I’ll show you to both your rooms¨
The woman’s voice was high-pitched yet relaxing, Daisy almost let the lady’s words fly over her head. The princess’s brows shot up with excitement and opened her mouth to speak, but was beaten to it by her caretaker.
¨Rooms? As in two?¨ inquired the caretaker.
¨But of course! The princesses will be staying in the first branch of the left-wing of the castle, and the guardians the second¨
Visibly annoyed, the caretaker nodded to the pink-haired woman.
♡
Daisy slowly closed the door as she silently waved goodbye to the pink-haired woman. As soon as the door shut Daisy leaped onto the large bed. Sinking into many pillows, the princess examined the large room she was to be staying in. The room was well lit by the sun and a lamp that sat on the cream-colored nightstand to her left. Besides a few small furnishings and a door, which Daisy imagined lead to the closet, the room was relatively empty.
Exhausted from the day’s travel Daisy sunk further into the pillows and closed her eyes, she slowly lost grasp of her consciousness.
♡
Eyes blinded by the sun, Daisy woke up what seemed like seconds later. As Daisy sat up she loosened her hair from the saggy bun that once sat on top of her head, and let her wavy hair down to rest on her shoulders.
Daisy threw her arms into the air and yawned. Mid yawn she caught sight of a black notebook on her nightstand. Curious, the princess snatched the book and flipped through the pages, it was her schedule and all the events she had to attend. Disappointed, she tossed the book to her feet and nestled herself back in the pillows, going over what she had seen in the schedule in her mind.
¨1:30-Welcoming Tea/Introductions¨, she mumbled to herself.
Nearly flying out of bed, Daisy rushed to find a clock.
¨I couldn’t have missed it right!¨
Giving up on her search for the time. The princess rushed into the closet praying there would be something there. Just to her luck, a clean white button-up lay folded on top of the dresser. With no time to waste, Daisy slid on some shoes and bolted out the door, buttoning her shirt as she flew down the rolling staircase.
If Daisy’s memory was correct, the pink-haired lady had shown her the room in which most events would take place. After a few turns, the princess heard the sounds of conversing grow louder. Without hesitation, Daisy plowed through the large doors to the room which she believed to be the source of the noise. Her sense of direction had not failed her, in front of her sat around 50 people at a large oval-shaped table.
Many heads turned her way as she gasped for air in exhaustion. Daisy ignored the stares and fixed her posture.
After she recollected herself, Daisy raised her head to see a stern glare from her caretaker. Out of pure spite, the princess smiled and waved as she walked to the only empty seat.
Daisy pulled the chair out from under the white lace tablecloth. Sighing as she fell into the chair and returned to her usual slouched posture. To her right sat a thin woman with pale bold hair and nearly transparent skin. Daisy nearly thought she was a ghost, though her vibrant teal dress brought Daisy back into reality.
To her left sat a princess with long blond, layered hair, and bangs that lay gently against her forehead. Her face was slender and full, pink lips opened slightly to reveal a perfect smile. A pale pink dress brushed against Daisy’s pant leg, and a white corset on top defined the princess’s waist. From her neck to her bust was a thin lace embroidered with mushrooms and floral patterns.
Daisy caught herself staring, and shifted her glance to her place setting, and could see a small piece of paper folded like a tent with her name on it. Out of curiosity, Daisy looked to her left to see the name of the princess who sat next to her. Princess Peach.
Time passed and Daisy’s posture worsened, many princesses stood to recite speeches and introduce themselves. Rich ladies with too much time on their hands were quite talkative, Daisy thought to herself. The princess sighed and bit into a sandwich.
♡
Daisy passed time shoving small sandwiches and pastries into her mouth and burning her tongue on scorching tea. Eventually, a middle-aged woman stood up at the head of the table, her horse tone rung around the room as she spoke,
¨Thank you so much for your time everyone, I’m so glad I got to meet you all. You are free to leave and return to your rooms. Have a good night!¨
As these words reached Daisy’s ears her back straightened slightly. She decided to grab some extra food so she wouldn’t have to go to dinner. Grabbing all the pastries she could, Daisy discreetly slid them into her large pant pockets.
Ready to leave Daisy extended her hand to grab her napkin, though her actions were interrupted as she heard the chair to her left drag along the floor, Peach must be leaving, Daisy thought. The princess cautiously turned her head to watch Peach leave.
As the princess in pink stood Daisy’s jaw dropped, her legs seemed to go on forever, Peach must have been at least 6 feet tall.
Peach’s look shifted toward Daisy, clearly reading the shock on Daisy’s face, Peach bent over. Her glossy lips skimmed against Daisy’s ear and her warm breath traveled down Daisy’s neck. The ends of her lips were upturned as she whispered into the princess’s ear,
¨It's rather rude to stare¨
Peach slowly stood up, brushing her dress with her gloved hands as if to wipe off dirt, which wasn’t there. The princess pivoted causing her dress to shift and as she walked away she raised her glove and waved goodbye to Daisy without so much as turning her head.
Daisy sat there, face pale with shock unable to move.