Peach heard the Toads whisper of Lucy’s return the second she was spotted. They spoke in hushed awe of the return. Many wondered what would happen next. Would Mario be bitter to see his sister after so long? Would Peach come down from her tower she’s been cooped up in for so long? Is it possible to hope for their heroes to become the family they once were? When she was notified the Mario Siblings requested an audience she responded clinically. They were citizens of the Mushroom Kingdom. The two might have lied but they truly saved the Kingdom time and time again. She had the staff prepare tea and biscuits. She was perfectly prepared for this. Ever since this started Peach has been filling time with meetings. She’s been securing her country’s relations since Sarasland was done with her- the country. She has done everything to bring tourism up. Koopaland has even opened up to them since Bowser hasn’t bothered kidnapping her lately. She was planning on taking a break after securing a Disneyland for the Mushroom Kingdom but a Princess can never rest. “Introducing the Knights of the Mushroom Kingdom.” Toadsworth made a few glances before exiting. “Mario, you are as gallivant as ever; Lucy, it’s a pleasure to see you after so long. Lucy, I hope you enjoy your return more than your sourjon.” The Princess measured each word. “So how have you been Peach? I’ve missed you dearly.” “I have been active, Mario. The Kingdom deserves a Princess who is always enterprising its prosperity.” “Yeah, I saw a headline that said you were cutting back on public appearances.” “Business had been taken care of for the moment, Lucy. You can’t mow the lawn twice,” the Princess took a sip of tea. That’s how it went. The siblings made fumbling attempts at small talk hoping to open up Peach’s heart. Every time her icy exterior held firm. “It was fun Peach we-“ “Knock, Knock.” Lucy interrupted. The estranged lovers stared. Peach pursed her lips for a minute. "Who's there?" "To." "To whom?" "Did you have to spoil the punchline?" Lucy teased. Mario and Lucy gaped as Peach started laughing. They rushed over when they realized she was crying. “I’m sorry-“ “No Lucy,” Peach sobbed out. “I won’t lie, this deceit has caused me pain. Daisy has left me. I was forced to watch the reverence my people had for you turn into gossip. My relationship with the two of you was strained. The worst part was that you just left us all to pick up the pieces.” Tears ruined her delicately laid makeup. “I’m-“ “Don’t please don’t. For the longest time I’ve been alone. I traveled the world doing meeting, cutting deals. Yet for far how my body physically moved my soul was trapped.” The princess buried her face in her hands. Mario consoled his lover. Lucy cringed in shame. “Please leave. I’m not dismissing you I just want some time to myself,” Peach locked eyes with Lucy. “Sarasland is where you are needed most.”