Chapter 14: A Royal Encounter

With their breakfast finished, Mario and Luigi headed out of their house, eager to meet with Peach. As they walked through the lush green streets of the Mushroom Kingdom, they chatted about their plans for the day. The warm sunlight cast a pleasant glow over the landscape, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. After a short while, they arrived at Peach's castle, its grandeur and beauty taking their breath away. The castle's tall spires and colorful flags fluttering in the breeze made it a sight to behold. Mario and Luigi approached the entrance, where Toads stood guard, and were greeted with a bow. "Good morning, Mario brothers," one of the Toads said. "Her Highness is expecting you. Please, come in." As they entered the castle, Peach herself appeared, a warm smile on her face. "Ah, Mario and Luigi! I'm so glad you're here. I hope you slept well last night." Mario and Luigi exchanged a brief greeting, and Mario tried to play it cool, not wanting to reveal his true feelings. "Yeah, we did. Thanks for asking, Your Highness," Mario said, attempting to sound casual. Luigi, however, seemed more at ease, chatting with Peach about the latest kingdom news. Mario watched his brother with a mixture of admiration and envy, wondering how Luigi could be so confident and carefree. As they walked with Peach through the castle corridors, Mario found himself stealing glances at her. He couldn't help but notice the way her golden hair shone in the light, or the way her bright pink dress sparkled with intricate designs. He quickly looked away, trying to shake off the feeling of infatuation. Peach seemed oblivious to Mario's struggles, chatting amiably about everything from the kingdom's latest harvest to her favorite hobbies. Mario and Luigi listened intently, asking questions and making jokes, trying to keep the conversation light and friendly. As they reached the castle gardens, Peach suggested they take a stroll, enjoying the beautiful scenery and fresh air. Mario agreed, trying to blend in and not draw attention to himself. But as they walked, he couldn't help but feel a little nervous, his heart beating slightly faster than usual. Luigi, sensing his brother's unease, placed a reassuring hand on Mario's shoulder. "Hey, bro, you okay?" he whispered. Mario nodded, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just enjoying the view." Peach turned to them, a curious expression on her face. "Is everything all right, boys? You seem a bit...distracted." Mario quickly recovered, forcing a smile onto his face. "Oh, no, everything's fine, Your Highness. We were just admiring the gardens." Peach smiled, seeming to accept Mario's explanation. "I'm glad you like them. I find them quite peaceful myself." As they continued their stroll, Mario couldn't help but feel a little trapped, trying to hide his true feelings from Peach. But he was determined to keep his emotions in check, at least for now. Little did he know, however, that his secret wouldn't remain hidden for long.