Chapter 5 - Queen Zelda
Summary: After a month of restoration and recovery for both Zelda and Hyrule, Zelda returns to Hyrule Castle and is crowned Queen of Hyrule.
"Where's Mipha?" said Zelda. "Shouldn't you be with her?"
"She's in a late meeting with one of the architects," said Link. "She asked me to go check on you."
It was early evening in Kakariko Village, and Zelda was walking with Link near the statue of Hylia while two Royal Guard trainees walked several paces behind them. It was a clear night, just a few clouds in the darkening sky, and a pleasant time for taking a stroll.
"Mipha is so sweet," said Zelda. "She's always thinking of others."
"Yes, and that saved her life," said Link. "But I've been thinking about you too, Zelda."
"I know you have," said Zelda as she looked over at him and smiled. "And it's been wonderful having both of you here with me these past weeks. It helped me more than you know."
"I do notice a change in you," said Link as they walked past the shops. "You're like your old self again, Zelda."
"What? A spoiled brat?" laughed Zelda.
"No, not that far back," laughed Link. "More like the person I remember after we got over our difficulties. You're sleeping through the night now, right?"
"Yes," said Zelda. "I was always fine during the day when I kept busy, but at night, my mind would drift back to what happened. I would dream about that terrible day, Link, the two of us running for our lives from all the Guardians. I could hear their horrible sounds and smell the smoke and fire from their weapons. And then I would remember it was all my fault that hundreds of people died because of my failure. I lost an entire kingdom and let everyone down. My father spoke of rumors I would inherit a kingdom of nothing, and it turned out to be all too true. Then I would wake up shivering, afraid to fall back asleep, and take walks until I was exhausted."
"We've been telling you from the beginning that it wasn't your fault, Zelda," said Link. "And Hyrule needs you."
"Yes, everything you've been telling me these past weeks has finally started to sink in," said Zelda. "You joked about me being all you had, but I realize it's true. I am all that's left of Hyrule's royal family and Hylia's bloodline. I have a duty, a responsibility to our people, and it's helped me to think about the future."
"So, the nightmares have finally stopped?" said Link.
"Yes. I force myself to think of other things when my mind wanders back to that day," said Zelda. "I think of happy times, anything to get my mind off what happened. And it seems to be working."
"I'm glad," said Link as he smiled at her. "But I'm still upset at you for not letting Impa summon us here sooner. You should feel free to call on us whenever you need help, Zelda. I keep telling you that you're not alone, that we will do all we can for you. We both love you and want you to be well and do well."
"I do know that, Link," said Zelda. "And I am forever grateful."
They walked in silence for another moment toward the end of the village, where they could see two Sheikah watching the road.
"We should be getting back," said Zelda. "Thanks for the company."
"I'm your knight, Zelda," said Link. "I'm here for you whenever you need me."
Zelda smiled as they turned back toward the village center.
"Yes, I know that. I tried to fire you once, but it didn't stick," laughed Zelda. "I'm glad it didn't. Knowing I can count on you has helped me, and I promise I will call upon you if I need to. But I won't abuse your kindness either. Let's say goodnight now."
"Goodnight my Princess," said Link. "Sleep well and happy dreams."
"And the same to you, my hero," said Zelda as she smiled at him.
There was a moment of awkwardness, then Zelda reached out, and they hugged each other goodnight, then held each other in an embrace. Finally, they released their embrace and smiled at each other. Zelda returned to Impa's house, and Link went off to find Mipha.
After getting ready, Zelda lay down in bed and closed her eyes. She was feeling a good deal better about Hyrule now too. There was still much to do, but much had been accomplished in only one month thanks to the three of them working together and all the volunteer help that had come forward. She swore she would do her best to make Hyrule great again and restore her people's hope in the future.
Then her thoughts wandered back again to the day of the Calamity, the terror of the Guardians chasing them, Link collapsing in her arms, the agony of losing her father and all her friends. In the past, those thoughts had consumed her. But now she fought against those thoughts and concentrated on other things.
As she started to fall asleep, she thought back to a day with her mother and father when she was still a little girl, probably only five years old, and they were both holding her by the hand and walking to the park together for a picnic. For some reason, she never forgot that sunny morning, the blue sky, and the gentle breeze that ruffled her hair. It was one of her last happy childhood memories, and it had stuck with her all these years. But that was how she liked to remember her parents, as the kind and loving people they had been. She fell asleep.
Link headed to the inn and Mipha's meeting must have ended because she was sitting on the bed.
"I forget," said Link. "Is it our turn to sleep in the water tonight or here at the inn?"
"I need the water time tonight, sweetheart," said Mipha as she took his hand. "It's been a long day today going over the final arrangements for the castle. We want everything ready for Zelda at the end of the month, which is coming up."
It had been a productive month, full of accomplishments, including the restoration of enough portions of Hyrule Castle to enable Zelda to live there. A good deal of work remained to be done at Hyrule Castle, but the first floor had been almost entirely renovated as well as Zelda's bedroom and study.
"Do you want to sleep in the water by Impa's house?" asked Link.
"No, I want someplace more private, and there are too many Sheikah guards there," said Mipha. "Let's go higher up to Lantern Lake again."
"Fine," said Link as they headed to the lake.
They reached the lake and Mipha dove in, then let out a sigh. Link undressed and joined her.
"I guess I will never fully understand what it's like to be a Zora," said Link. "I enjoy the water, but for you, it's so much more."
"It's where we feel at home," said Mipha taking his hand. "I'm sorry that you can't experience it the way I do. There is a whole underwater world that you will never know, and I wish you could share it with me."
"Perhaps someday they will invent a device that will allow me to breathe underwater and I can share a part of your world," said Link. "I would like that."
"Perhaps they will someday," said Mipha. "But don't hold your breath. Isn't that the Hylian expression?"
"Very funny," laughed Link. "You are quite the comedian. What's the Zora expression?"
"Don't fill your gills," said Mipha. "But enough talk for now. I could use one of your delightful neck and shoulder massages. It's been a long day for me."
"Of course," said Link. "I love doing it, and you're my only client."
"I had better be your only client!" said Mipha. "There are some things about you that I am not willing to share."
He positioned himself behind her in the water and massaged her neck and shoulders. She sighed and relaxed. After a few moments, her breathing stopped, and she was fast asleep. He let go, moved next to her, and closed his eyes. A few minutes later, he was sleeping as well.
Next morning Link ran into Impa in the plaza, who took him aside.
"Link, I'm glad I ran into you," said Impa. "The castle is almost ready for Her Highness to move back there. Now you need to help me convince her it's time to be crowned queen. Whenever I discuss it with her, she keeps saying she isn't ready yet. I think she's doing that because of her father. She is in a state of denial and wants to still think of him as the king and herself as the princess. But the people need a ruler, and she is it. Can you speak to her? I need to have arrangements made, invite the leaders of the other races to send a representative, arrange for a celebration. But we can't start any preparations without her approval and a date."
"I'll talk with her," said Link. "I agree with you, Impa. It's time, and perhaps it will help her to move on."
Whether it was his powers of persuasion, or more likely her recovery and catching her in the right mood, Zelda agreed to have her coronation one week after she returned to Hyrule Castle. Link informed Impa at once, who arranged for notices to be sent out to the villages and stables and had people contact merchants to supply food and drink. Impa wanted this to be a proper celebration, for she believed Zelda certainly deserved it.
Mipha and Link had decided they would journey directly to Hyrule Castle with Zelda when she moved back there. Link had been working with the Royal Guard, explaining what they needed to do, and had sent a contingent ahead to the castle. Mipha was coordinating last-minute questions from the builders. And Zelda had formed a small group of ministers to help with the administration of Hyrule's government.
When the day to journey to Hyrule Castle arrived, everyone met first thing in the morning.
"Impa, I can't thank you and the rest of the Sheikah enough for all you have done for me," said Zelda as she and her entourage prepared to leave for Hyrule Castle. "You helped me over a tough time."
"We are all honored to have served you and glad we could help, Your Highness, and we will continue to do so and keep an eye on things for you," said Impa. "The Yiga Clan are still at large, Your Highness. Be careful in your travels, and I will be there for your coronation. For now, farewell Your Highness."
And so the group got underway. It consisted of some of the Royal Guard Link had helped form, as well as Zelda, Mipha and Link. Two Sheikah guards also insisted on traveling with them. They were planning to go by way of the western road out of Kakariko Village and across the Sahasra Slope meeting the road that ran north along the eastern shore of the Hylia River.
The ride to the castle proved uneventful. Link spent his time making sure the Royal Guard trainees understood what they needed to do, leaving Mipha to ride next to Zelda and chat. As usual, the Sheikah guards were all business and kept to themselves, scrutinizing the surrounding area for any sign of trouble.
The road led them north of the Sacred Grounds, and there were workers evident, making sure it would be ready in a week. Then they turned north and made their way through the partially restored Castle Town. There was quite a bit of work going on there as well as merchants worked to open their shops and get ready for the anticipated crowd.
After passing through Castle Town, they reached the front castle entrance. As they entered the gates, Zelda paused to stare at the castle. There was still a good deal of work needed to restore the upper levels. But the lower level was in good condition, and Link saw Zelda wiping her eyes. It was the first time Zelda had seen her home since Ganon's defeat, and she remembered again. Two Royal Guard members came forward along with an officer in charge who greeted them.
"Welcome, Your Highness," said Randon as he bowed. "Your room is ready, as are the floors on the lower level. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance."
"Thank you, er," said Zelda as she and everyone else dismounted and three members of the castle staff came forward to take charge of Zelda's, Mipha's and Link's horses.
"Lieutenant Randon, Your Highness," said Randon.
"Thank you, Randon," said Zelda. "I will go to my room shortly. Is there a guest room available for Princess Mipha and Captain Link?"
"Yes, Your Highness," said Randon. "The guest rooms on the first floor are restored."
"Then can we let everyone get freshened up, and then meet for lunch in the dining room?" said Zelda.
"Yes, the kitchen is aware of your arrival, and the dining room has been restored Your Highness," said Randon. "Shall I inform the master chef what you would like, or would you prefer her to consult with you in person?"
"Whatever she recommends is fine," said Zelda. "Oh, but please make sure one of the dishes is fish, and not overcooked."
"As you wish, Your Highness," said Randon. "And may I say on behalf of all of us who now work at the castle how thrilled we are to have you back."
Randon left to arrange things, after instructing the guards to escort Zelda to her room as well as Mipha and Link to theirs. As usual, Zelda knew the Sheikah preferred to make their arrangements and would not be joining them. And the Royal Guard trainees would meet with the rest of their colleagues in the barracks.
Mipha and Link followed one of the guards to a guest room and freshened up.
"This is a nice room," said Mipha. "If I get in some water time I might be able to sleep here tonight. Otherwise, I need to stay in the moat."
"Maybe we can get some water time in after lunch," said Link. "Speaking of which, I'm starving."
They made their way to the dining room, and Zelda arrived a few moments later. Then they all sat down to lunch.
"I never dreamed I would be eating lunch with both of you here at the castle so soon after everything that happened," said Zelda. "I hope this is the first of many meals we can have together here."
"I hope so too," said Link. "The builders did a marvelous job with the restoration. I hope your room was satisfactory as well, Your, uh, how am I supposed to address you in these circumstances?"
"I won't fine you a Rupee while the staff is here," laughed Zelda. "They know we're friends and you can call me by name if you want. My room is nicely restored, and I was amazed to find my diary untouched. It's a miracle it survived, and I wrote a small entry as soon as I returned to the room."
Link remembered this time, the week before Zelda's coronation, as one of ceaseless activity by everyone in the castle and Castle Town. As the day approached, people from distant locations began arriving, and many camped out in the fields.
Link made the rounds of the Royal Guards on duty one morning and stopped to speak with one of the guards near the entrance.
"All going well, Sanders?" said Link.
"Yes, Sir," said Sanders. "No trouble, but I can see we will have quite a large crowd on our hands."
"Yes, I think this coronation means a lot to everyone," said Link.
"It does, Sir," said Sanders. "A good many of the people I spoke to feel Her Highness will have a reign blessed by the Goddess because of what happened. Everyone thought she had perished, and then miraculously we find she survived and led her kingdom to victory. They feel it is a good omen."
"I pray they are right," said Link. "Let me know if you have any questions or need help."
"I will, Sir," said Sanders.
The night before the coronation there was a dinner to welcome the representatives of the Hyrule races who had arrived by then. Mipha was representing the Zora and Link the Hylians, of course. But Darno, Daruk's son, was representing the Gorons, Medli the Rito, Impa the Sheikah, and Ryla, Urbosa's niece and the new Gerudo Chief, the Gerudo. Zelda began the meal by welcoming them all.
"I just want to say a few words before we begin our meal," said Zelda. "I want to express how very grateful I am for the support you and your people have shown and continue to show. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart, and I will never forget it. With your help, I promise you that we will restore our kingdom to greatness for the benefit of your people. And now, let us enjoy our dinner."
After dinner, people mingled, getting acquainted. Some of them had never met their counterparts, of course, and it was a chance to build some personal relationships.
Ryla came over to Mipha and Link to introduce herself.
"I am pleased to meet both of you," said Ryla. "My commander, Dendra, told me of your visit to our town and your heroic efforts with Naboris. You have my and my people's eternal gratitude."
"I am pleased to meet you, Chief Ryla," said Link. "And if we can help you in any way, please let us know. I am sorry for the loss of your aunt. She was a great and wonderful person."
"Yes, thank you," said Ryla. "I pray to her for guidance. All of us lost dear people we loved and admired, but we must carry on."
The gathering went on into the night, and then everyone retired to their rooms. Tomorrow was the big day.
Mipha and Link awoke early, and Mipha got in some swim time in at the Castle Moat while Link accompanied her. Then they returned to their room, got dressed and ready.
"It's quite an honor to be the one chosen to place the crown upon Zelda's head," said Mipha. "I hope you're not nervous."
"Well, bringing it up and reminding me doesn't help," said Link. "But I'll be careful. And I can understand her choosing me. We've been through a lot together."
"I agree," said Mipha. "You are the most appropriate person to do it."
"You know the Starlight Memories Gerudo jewelry shop had to reproduce the Hyrule Royal Crown since the one worn by King Rhoam hasn't been found amidst all the castle destruction," said Link.
"That is a shame," said Mipha. "Even if they found it, I wonder what condition it would be in."
Link finished getting dressed, and he wore his Hylian Champion outfit. Mipha wore her usual royal tiara. They and the other representatives would be standing near Zelda when she was crowned queen, and they would accompany her as she made her way to the Sacred Grounds from Hyrule Castle.
The Royal Guard had already cordoned off the path and the area near the center of the Sacred Grounds where the ceremony would take place, and the crowd had already lined up around the roped off area awaiting the big moment. Pennants flew in the breeze from the castle turrets that had been restored, and the air was filled with the murmur of the crowd as anticipation grew.
Zelda and the six representatives met as agreed by the castle entrance.
"Is everyone ready?" said Zelda.
"I think we are all more than ready, Your Highness," said Link. "Our prayers go with you."
The others murmured their agreement.
"I am ready as well," said Zelda. "Let's go."
With that, the castle gates opened and the group began to make their way to the Sacred Grounds as the crowd erupted in cheering and applause. Two Royal Guards led the way, then Zelda, followed by the six others, and two more Royal Guards at the rear. Zelda acknowledged their cheers by waving to the crowd and smiling. Link swore he would never forget this day, the outpouring of love and support the people of Hyrule were giving Zelda. He hoped this would help her truly put the past behind her.
When they reached the Sacred Grounds, Zelda stood in the middle surrounded by the six representatives. As the one carrying the crown on a velvet pillow, Link stood facing her. Zelda raised her hands and asked the crowd for silence so she could be heard.
People of Hyrule, I stand before you in gratitude and love, ready to assume my responsibility as your ruler. My gratitude to you is beyond measure for all you have done, and all I know you will continue to do. And my love for you is sincere. My duty to you will always come first in my heart. I pray we may work together to make Hyrule the great kingdom you deserve for yourselves and your children. And I ask you to pray for me that I may live up to your hopes and dreams and be the ruler you deserve. May the grace of Hylia shine down on all of us. Now I will recite the oath my dear father did before me.
Zelda paused for a moment and then began reciting the oath as the crowd remained silent.
I, Zelda, Princess of Hyrule, do swear before Hylia and all present to faithfully govern the Kingdom of Hyrule according to its laws and customs and to defend and protect its people against all enemies. I accept this responsibility with all humility and pray that the Goddess will grant me the strength, courage, and wisdom to fulfill my obligations to her and her people as Queen of Hyrule.
Link approached carrying the crown, and Zelda knelt as symbolic of her role to serve her people and bowed. Then Link carefully placed the crown upon her head.
"Thank you, Link," whispered Zelda. "I'm happy you are the one to do this. It seems fitting."
Then Zelda rose and stood, now the Queen of Hyrule, and we, in turn, all knelt on one knee as did all in attendance.
After a moment of silence, everyone rose, and the crowd burst into cheering and applause. There were shouts of "Long live Queen Zelda." The bells in the castle rung out so those unable to attend could learn of the news.
The reign of the young Queen Zelda had begun.
We all prayed it would be a long and happy one.