The storming footsteps echoed off every wall of the castle hall. The princess's dishwater blonde hair cascaded down her back as she awaited news from her general. It didn't take long for her heart to sink.
"I have… disheartening tidings," he said, stooping low into a bow as he approached the young girl. "The King of Twilight has… escaped."
The girl slowly shook her head in regret. "I am morose to hear such terrible upbringings," she replied mournfully. "Is there anything we can do to prevent another fall of Hyrule?"
The general bit his lip in concern. "There is… perhaps one way," he said without haste. "What if… the princess should return… to hiding?" He glanced up at the girl with a frightening spark in his dark eyes.
Her blue eyes flashed and she was on her feet in an instant. "I would have no such thing," she remarked harshly, dismissing the suggestion with a flicker of her hand. The guards positioned near her throne drew into a defensive stance as the general took a step closer to the young damsel.
He backed away slowly as the guards approached him, weapons lowered. The princess held out her hand in retreat and stepped down from her throne. The guards stepped back and awaited further instructions from their leader.
"Explain yourself," she demanded the man. "What makes you think I would hide in cowardice again?"
The man shook his head quickly. "Not like before," he replied. "Like your ancestors." The princess nodded, waiting for him to continue. "I understand your wish to fight for your people," he went on. "The army would never allow a woman to fight, let alone a woman like yourself. You must… disguise yourself."
The princess approached the general with a new reverence. "I understand," she mused. "You propose the garments of past generations be revealed once again?" He nodded in response. "That… is a very wise decision." The princess turned back and gestured for one of the guards to approach her. "Are you aware of the location of the Hero?" she asked.
"No Princess," he replied dutifully.
"Is there anyone who might know?"
"Perhaps the Princess. The other Princess," he said.
The girl nodded. "Please contact her. Find the Hero. We're going to need him soon." The girl turned back to the general. "Please. Do not inform any other person of our plan." She bowed her head. "I will take care of all the arrangements. The decisions made today shall not be repeated to any one else." She faced the guards. "Is that understood?" There were grunts of agreement and acceptance.
"Princess? Will you not even tell our Hero?"
The princess smiled softly. "I do not think even the great Hero of Time needs to know our secret."