Zelda's Choice

Preparations

Zelda looked out the window as she was being fitted for her new gowns. Servants chirped around her while they measured her waist, torso, bust, and everything else. She was getting new measurements because she had grown recently. Zelda smiled. Actually, it was only in her chest region.

She watched birds through the window soar through the clear, autumn sky. Wrens and sparrows hopped along tree branches covered in burning colored leaves, and crows squawked while flying in circles. A soft breeze rustled the vibrant leaves. Winter was soon on its way.

As Zelda was in her reverie, the measuring was finished. A servant tapped her on the shoulder. "We're done, Your Highness." The Princess nodded in response and stepped towards her bedroom.

"Thank you," she said softly to the seamstresses. They tittered their welcomes before being shown out of the room by a couple of maids, curtseying. Zelda walked into her bedroom, wanting to get fully dressed because she only had a thin shift on. A maid followed her inside.

"Will you be needing help, Your Highness?" the maid asked.

Zelda nodded. "I would like to wear the yellow wool gown." The maid looked through the wardrobe until she found the specified gown. Pulling it out, she took the hanger out and hung it back into the wardrobe.

"Here we are," the maid remarked. She set it on the bed while she pulled out a petticoat and stockings. She unbuttoned the back of the petticoat, and then helped Zelda into it. The Princess always felt silly having someone else help her to dress, but it was nearly impossible to button all of those tiny buttons by herself. She sighed inwardly.

The maid then picked the yellow gown up once more and unbuttoned the back. Zelda pulled it on, and then the maid buttoned it back again. When she was finished, Zelda pulled on her stockings.

"Do you need any more help, Your Highness?" the girl asked.

"No," Zelda responded. She watched as the maid curtsied and left. Zelda picked out matching yellow slippers, and then looked at herself in the full-length mirror. The gown cut tightly across her newly developed bust, and pushed both breasts up onto her chest, although tastefully. The dress had lace on the neckline and sleeves; the cloth was embroidered with tiny flowers. Zelda smiled at her reflection.

Zelda had consented to her father's plans, although in reality she truly had no choice. The king had invited both men and women to the event which would be called the Mid-Winter Ball, and it was to be held on the winter solstice. They had three months to plan; it was middle September.

The young, unmarried men that were invited ranged in age: some were Zelda's age, some were in their twenties, and others were in their thirties and even forties. The women ranged in similar ages. Balls were not uncommon in the capital city of Hyrule, but they were usually held in spring and summer because of the warmer weather. Hyrule, however, rarely acquired snow. The king believed that there should not be any problem on the subject.

Zelda sighed at her reflection. She was still angry at her father, at the fact that he seemed to not care about her feelings. But, she also considered, did he have much of a choice? She really was his only heir. The throne must be secured. It was her duty as the Crown Princess of Hyrule.

Zelda walked outside of her rooms. She was to speak to her father once again.

* * * *

Zelda pulled the thick covers of her bed over her body. It had been such a long day. Her father had introduced her to many young men (and women, also) that had recently come to the castle. The majority of the men were well-known sons of dukes or marquis; they had come to the castle immediately in hopes of elevating their social position, at least in Zelda's opinion. Others all ready lived in the castle - their parents were either advisors, soldiers, etc. of the king. Zelda covered her face in a pillow. She hated being put on a show.

It had started off well enough. Zelda was escorted by her father to the throne room, where she sat on the throne next to her father. Each person was introduced one by one; the women curtsied while the men bowed and even kissed her hand. Some men were handsome, but some were hawk-nosed, or oily-haired, or just very short in stature. One man in particular, though, stood out.

He wasn't terribly handsome, but he was tall and ebony haired. He wore a silk white tunic, with matching green jacket and pants. His boots shone in the sunlight; his smile showed all of his pearly teeth. He was charming and suave.

His name was Duke Kyanel of Fathington Hills. His family owned the land that contained Kakariko Village and produced the flour and energy that was made by the large windmill. He was the eldest and was first in line to inherit. He was very proud of that fact.

"Your Majesty," Kyanel said while bowing towards the king, "and Your Highness," as he bowed toward Zelda. His sharp emerald eyes penetrated Zelda, and he made her feel extremely nervous. Who was this man?

"Your invitation was greatly appreciated, and I thank you for the opportunity to stay in your lovely castle." He flourished another bow, and then he took Zelda's hand in his. He kissed it lightly; his lips were soft against her hand. The Princess blushed, embarrassed.

Kyanel soon left, and other men were introduced. The introductions were finished in the afternoon. Zelda left in a sour mood. She found none of those men to her taste. They were all so haughty or slimy looking, or simply made her uncomfortable. She felt with each one that she had to mask her true self, as if they wouldn't approve of her personality or actions.

Zelda ran her fingers through her long hair as she lied in her large bed. The silly introductions only further brought her hopes down. She had to find a suitable partner, her father had said. And out of the fifteen-something men, there had been none. Her disappointment and anxiety grew rapidly. And then she thought of him, again.

This man, however, was not one that was introduced or would be introduced in the future. He was not approved of when it came to her father. The man was a bastard son of the king's long-deceased brother. His brother's wife had committed an affair, and it was discovered by her husband. She bore a son of her adulterous partner, but the mother soon died from the hard birth and the infant was secretly sent to the Kokiri Forest to be concealed. When the king's brother was killed in a riding accident, the boy was brought back to the Hyrule Castle. And had been there ever since.

Zelda's throat burned. She had known Link since she was six years old, when he had arrived once again to the castle. He had grown up into such a wonderful man. She growled under her breath. He was also the progeny of an unknown man and a scorned woman. It was so unfair.

Recently she always attained a flush to her cheeks and a rapid beating of her heart when she thought of Link. It was even worse when she saw him in the flesh. His sapphire eyes made her knees tremble, and his lilting voice made her pointy ears burn a crimson red. She knew she was falling in love with the man---she had been for a long time, and it wasn't only until a few days ago that she recognized what her emotions meant. Ever since the encounter in the hay loft had she been pondering her reactions -and his. He was the man she wanted to dance with at the ball. He was the man she wanted to be with.

Zelda wanted to cry, but she bit the inside of her cheek to stop the tears. She refused to be a pathetic, self-absorbed maiden girl. She would find a way to have Link has her own. Hope was always an ever present emotion. While clinging to her precious hope, Zelda fell into a deep sleep, where she dreamed of her golden haired prince.