THE HIDDEN PRINCESS
CHAPTER 4
::LILLY'S POV::
A few weeks later, the palace was in chaos while servants and guards ran to and fro in preparation of the tournament being held later that day. I watch from my window as pavilions are put up for the competitions that will take place, ranging from jousts to hand to hand combat. Sitting booths for the judges and onlookers stand above all, making sure that all in attendance will have a great view of the events that will take place. I sigh as I rest my chin against the palm of my hand, wishing I could take part in it all but knowing my family would be highly against it. All my life, I've felt like a prisoner in a guilded cage. Even though my family and a trusted few come see me when they can, and I have my secret garden to go to, it still isn't the same.
The only time I ever get to see the world beyond my window is through books, books; and an enchanted mirror I keep tucked away beneath my bed. Through it, I can see beyond our Silver Moon Kingdom, and roam the desert lands of the Crimson Pack, or look upon the beautiful meadows of the Hyrulian Kingdom, but beyond that I can't see. My powers aren't yet strong enough to see that far and I wonder, just what majestic and wonderful things lie beyond. Lost in my daydreams of a world beyond, I don't sense the presence behind me until a hand falls onto my shoulder lightly. This causes me to jump up, grab the hand on my shoulder, and twist it up behind the strangers back harshly, causing the person to yelp in pain.
"Princess, it's me! Greda!"
"Greda?" I snap out of my fighting trance and let go of the person before taking a step back. Once I see it is indeed my maid, a look of worry and panic crosses my face.
Greda stands there rubbing her wrist while unshed tears gleam in the corners of her blue eyes, her pretty freckled face is tinted red and her red hair is slightly messy.
"Oh, Greda. I'm so sorry! I thought you were an intruder!" I say, full of worry for my life long maid and friend. I then take, Gredas hand in mine before a warm, gentle glow washes over her hand.
"It's ok, your highness-" I shoot her a look.
"I mean, Lilly. With all the chaos going on, I can understand why you'd think that." Greda admits as a sweet smile graces her pouting pink lips.
I sigh and lets go of her hand before pulling her into a hug, which Greda returns happily. After a few moments we pull away from one another and smile.
"So what brings you to my, 'humble abode'?" I ask with sarcasm lacing my words.
Greda chuckles at that before walking over to my bed to pick up a cloak and hold it out in front of her.
I raise a brow and cock my head to the side slightly, curiosity washing over my features as I look at, Greda.
Seeing this, Greda chuckles again. "I know you want to go check out the tournament. And I figured, with this cloak and a bit of your illusion magic, we can do just that!" She beams.
I had always confided in, Greda about everything. Especially things I couldn't tell my brother. So, Greda knowing about my magic isn't surprising. What is surprising however, is the fact that Greda came up with such a plan and intends to help.
"Gerda, you know how much trouble you'll be in if anyone finds out about this?" I ask in a whisper while grabbing the cloak, both with excitement and hesitation.
Greda just clicks her tongue and rolls her eyes. "Of course I know. But I don't care. You deserve at least a few hours of freedom, especially on your 16th birthday!" She exclaims.
I sigh at this, I do want to enjoy the feeling of being able to roam around outside among my people as they go about their daily lives. But I'm also hesitant. My powers are strong, but I fear they might not be strong enough to last more than two hours at most. Then again, like Greda said. It is my 16th birthday, and this would be the most precious gift anyone has ever given me.
So, with a small smile and sigh, I throw on the cloak and look at my friend.
"Ok, how are we going to do this?"
::LINK'S POV::
Today is the day of the tournament held by our long time friends and trusted allies, the Silver Moon Kingdom. I usually could care less about attending these sorts of things, but when my father heard of not only, Prince Lucian's combat prowess and strength, but also the hopes of forming a stronger alliance through marriage, he jumped at the news and demanded we go. My sister, Zelda and I were already 20 and still haven't found our mate, my father hopes she will at the tournament. My sister always refused suitors, and they would always line up to try regardless. Her beauty was known throughout the kingdoms, long dirty blonde hair that reached the small of her back, flawless pale skin, deep blue eyes and a shapely oval face. Not to mention her slender athletic figure that would make all the unmated men howl. It was enough to make my stomach clench, how dare they look at my sister in such a way. But what I really think my father wishes is for me to show off my skills and impress, Princess Maridia so we can become close. I really wanted to gag at the thought. Her beauty was known throughout the Kingdoms, but so was her habits. Even my wolf, Shadow, scoffed in the back of my mind just thinking about it. Although I really wouldn't mind squaring off against, Lucian. We could probably teach each other a thing or two, being the 1st and 2nd most powerful Kingdoms in the world.
As I'm lost in my thoughts, I hear my father calling to me from the other side of the carriage.
"Now, Link remember this. As next in line to the throne, we need a powerful alliance. And what better way than to marry, Princess Maridia?"
"But father-"
"No butts, Lincoln Harckonian. I know the princess has a reputation, but she is the only daughter of King Roland and Queen Gertrude. This would be a boon to both our kingdoms." He says with finality, not even letting me get in another word.
I huff in annoyance and return my gaze back out the window before I feel a small hand in mine. Knowing it's my sister and this is her way of trying to help me calm down, I give her hand a gentle squeeze and sigh. Then I notice the, Silver Moon Kingdom in the distance and think to myself how this is going to be the worst day of my life.
Not knowing the events that will soon unfold, or of the mysterious woman who will change my life forever.