This is my third FanFic, and it's a story idea of mine that has been on ice for a while. I wanted to start it months ago, but I had a combo of university, work, and updating my previous works keeping me occupied. Now however I have the time, so without further delay, let's begin!
Disclaimer: I do not own The Legend of Zelda. Nintendo does.
Unhappy and Depressed
It was that time of day, when the sun raises her head over the horizon painting the sky with fire. That time of day when the rooster crows to awaken the farmer. That time of day when most teenagers are still asleep in bed and won't be roused until their parents wake them.
Yet, there was one teen who was not asleep, for she was not allowed to. It was demanded of her to rise with the sun everyday of the year so that she could keep up with her busy schedule. It wasn't that she had to work in the fields or on a farm. No, rather it was her studies that kept her busy. She hated her studies, but she had no choice. Not since she was ten did she have a choice. Much was expected from her; perhaps even too much for she needed to know everything: History, geography, cartography, mathematics, embroidery, poetry, politics, the language of court, the language of the scholars, proper table manners, and how to play the harp. Why did this poor lass who was scarcely an adult have to memorize so much, more than the average person ever will? Because, she is a princess.
Princesses are romanticized a lot these days, but there is a far cry between the princesses of fairy tales and real princesses. They may have the best clothes and the best food, and the best living quarters; but they had no money, for all money belonged to their father or husband. They had no privacy, and were constantly the target of political attacks. And in terms of marriage, they had no say, for princesses were never married for love. Royal weddings were always tactical and seen merely as another way to further increase someone's own political power. Perhaps the saddest truth, was their lack of real friends. That was the real life of a princess, of our princess.
Rising in her bed she rings the bell by her side to call her maids. They arrive, as they always do, with her clothes already picked out for the day. Before she dresses they lead her to an adjoining room to bath her. The brushes feel like steel wool on her skin, and the lavender scented soap was revolting to her senses; reminders of her life sentence. All the while her maids gossip about any silly thing.
When done, they dressed her in an all too tight gown; cinching her waist, shortening her breath and exaggerating her skinny frame with nonexistent curves. She then enjoys a rich but small meal before heading for her first lecture. The day drags on as she flits from one tutor to another, each one as boring bland, and ill tempered as the last. Overly strict and quick to belittle her, even if she did something right.
Halfway through her day she takes a break to enjoy another small meal. Partway through, the door to her quarters open and in walks the only person she was happy to see, Impa.
"How are you doing Zelda?" asks Impa. Worried lines etched into her face.
"I'm alright," Zelda replies almost robotic, weakly smiling at the sight of her old nurse.
Impa smiles a sad smile as she embraces the young woman.
Zelda smiles a real smile as a tear escapes her eye. She loves these hugs more than anything. The strength of Impa's strong arms, the softness of her bosom where Zelda rests her wary head, and the warmth that rolls of Impa over Zelda is the only love that the poor girl ever receives, and ever knows.
"Thank you Impa."
"You are welcome child. I will always be there for you, even if you do not see me."
Zelda tightens her hold, not wanting to let go of the woman who has been like a mother to her all her life.
Alas, they must part eventually for Zelda's break isn't a long one. Impa helps her redo her makeup and as they prepare to part ways she gives Zelda a final caress on the cheek. As she heads out the door and back into the shadows she reminds the princess of the audience she has with her father later that day.
Reminded of the ever approaching audience that she feared, Zelda returns to her studies, certain that she will receive an earful from her tutors, for her mind will be elsewhere or the rest of the day.
Her final lecture is over. With her studies behind her, Zelda embarks to face her father the king. She fears him above all else, for he has the power to decide her fate. Gathering what little courage she has, she approaches the doors that led to her father's chambers. There is a guard on duty, as always, and upon seeing her he knocks on the kings doors and announces her arrival. Zelda takes a final breath before entering through those dark foreboding doors.
She does her best to meet her fathers piercing gaze with her own. She holds it, even though she wants to look away. When the distance between them is half-closed, she curtsies to him and he gives a curt nod of approval.
"You wished to see me father?"
"Yes," he replies. "I have called you here to clarify a matter of great importance." His voice is stoic; void of emotion, and every action was treated with indifference.
"What matter is this father?" Zelda asks, though she fears she already knows the answer.
The king reaches into his robe and pulls out a piece of parchment; a letter from the looks of it. "I called you here because of this."
Zelda eyes the parchment warily. "What is that father?"
The king smiles bitterly. "A marriage proposal for you."
This news nearly makes Zelda faint, for it meant her worst fears were realized. "Who is it from?"
"The Duke of Goth."
The Duke of Goth. She met him before. A man over twice her age who ogles every woman in his peripheral vision. She feared him and the way he had smiled at her. How it sent a shiver down her spin and made her skin crawl.
But he was rich, and his holdings were vast. And he had "friends" in high places. Not to mention Goth was known for it's bountiful farmland. A marriage alliance would be most beneficial for Hyrule. A politician like her father would willingly jump at the chance to marry her to the duke. She could refuse, but then she would risk being the target of her father's anger. Chances were he had already made the decision for her, like most fathers did for their daughters.
She dares look him in the eye and can tell by the too calm expression that it was so. he didn't fear her saying no, because she couldn't say no.
"Father, if you have already made this decision for me, then there is no need to say anything more about this matter. I am a princess, and I am your daughter, that is all there is too it. Just know that I do not expect him to be the most honourable spouse."
Her father nods, a triumphant glean in his eyes. "That is all I needed to hear from you. Since you are so cooperative with it, I can now let the duke know we can start planning the wedding. Good night daughter; that is all."
Zelda's heart shatters as the weight of reality sets in. She was right to worry, and there was nothing she could do. Her fate had been sealed, and it couldn't be undone.
Defeated, she walks back to her room and rings the bell for her maids. Once she's in her night gown she sends them away. When she's certain she's alone, the walls surrounding her soul are allowed to break down as she cries herself to sleep, calling herself a coward over and over again.
First chapter done. Depressing, I know, but it will get better, don't worry. For now though, simply leave a review please, and stay tuned for more content.