A/N: Sorry-this chapter took longer than expected to finish. It's quite a bit longer than any of my previous chapters... Please enjoy!
Chapter 5
She was stilled dazed and hardly responsive as she walked back into the main village.
Link practically had to drag her there, though he was nearly as dumbfounded as her. The two could only stand in silence as they faced the greenery around them.
The Great Deku Tree's words still spun in her head like a tornado.
You are the Princess Zelda.
There is no need for you to stay in hiding anymore; your people need you.
Shed your cover name. You are Leda no more.
Hyrule needs its heir to the throne.
"Zelda…" Link's soft voice cut through her whirling thoughts, and a shiver rattled down her spine. The name sounded so natural on his lips, so welcoming and comfortable. The way he said it, gentle and thoughtful, made her heart beat quicker. He was right when they first met: the name "Leda" didn't fit her.
A handsome grin lifted his features, his sapphire eyes shining as he met her bewildered gaze. "Zelda." He nodded. "Yes, that is definitely your name. It…fits you…your Majesty." To her surprise, he bowed down to his knee, head hung and shaggy bangs covering his face. "Link," she shook her head with an almost humored expression. "Just because I am apparently the…princess doesn't mean you should treat me any differently. We are still equals in my sight."
Link looked up, continuing the intense gaze. She blushed under his stare, and he couldn't help but chuckle as he stood back to his feet. "You may be Zelda now, but you are definitely the same girl I first met." He was given a cold glare from his new-found princess in response, and he only snickered.
Link's expression suddenly became serious, his eyes never losing their intensity. "I've met you before," he whispered as a sudden memory arose to his mind, and Zelda rose an eyebrow. "I would have never told Leda, but since you're the princess I see it is your right to know all that I know about the King's lost daughter. I met her—you—in the gardens of the castle once. I wasn't technically allowed to even be there, it being the private gardens of the Royal Family. But I was young and daring, doing whatever I pleased," he smiled, remembering the fond memory. "I stumbled across a girl, you, hair brighter than spun gold. You were walking among the flowers, humming that lullaby with a book clutched in your hands. 'Zelda's Lullaby', it is called. A song named after the princess it was made for," he gave her a once-over, a soft smile hanging on his lips. "We spoke for hours in that garden—you were quite surprised to see a messy young boy running around your garden, but you were eager to speak to someone your own age. It was the only time I saw you; your guardian soon found us and kicked me out. But I would never forget your violet-blue eyes and golden hair." He subconsciously reached for a strand of hair out of place from her braid on her face and tucked it behind her ear. "When you revealed yourself that night and removed your hood, I was shocked beyond imaging. You looked so much like her, but I simply assumed you looked similar to her. There are many blondes in Hyrule. I almost wasn't surprised to hear that you are in fact the little princess I met in the gardens." A kind smile reached his lips fully, and Zelda returned it. A subtle shiver ran down her spine as his fingers brushed her cheek as he dropped his hand.
"I…" her expression suddenly saddened. "I wish I could remember. I can't recall anything in my life earlier than when Am—Impa, I mean, discovered me on the streets of Castletown." She furrowed her eyebrows in thought. "But I guess that isn't true that she 'found' me. It was probably all a set-up to allow me to believe I was always of poor birth." She sighed, her hand finding the sapphire stone hung around her neck. "I wish I could remember you as a mischievous little child," she grinned.
"Oh," he snickered, "you probably aren't missing much. I'm sure many guards and maids of the castle would happily lose their memories of me given the chance." They both laughed, trying to loosen the confused tension that the newly found information had given them. However, it didn't last long.
"What do I do know?" Her voice was soft as a whisper. "I don't know the first thing about ruling a kingdom. I've lived on the streets of Ragtown my entire life."
Link grasped her nervous fingers twiddling with her necklace, halting their shakiness. "You are one of the wisest people I've ever met. I have faith that you will be able to figure it out."
Her heart quickened with his hand around hers, and she inhaled sharply. "Well, I have a castle to pay my visits to. Let's head back." She wriggled her hand from Link's and set toward the entrance of the little settlement. She slumped at the sight of the looming trees, shuddering at the memory of the whispers in her head only hours previously.
You've left them all to suffer…
"Link," she paused in front of the trees. "What happened in there? I…I don't even remember straying off the path. I heard…voices. They were so loud; I was hardly aware of what was happening around me." She stared at the trees as she slipped the glove back over her hand that she had taken off in front of the Great Deku. Perhaps she was only stalling entering the woods, but she really did want to know what had happened.
"These woods are said to be haunted or enchanted, whichever one you'd like to call it," he explained. "There is something about it that takes your worst fears and uses them against you. Many of us guards, back when I first came through, did not fair well." He shuddered as well. "It does it just to distract you and lead you off the path until you're lost forever."
"Hm," was all she replied. Her worst fears? She had no clue what they were. But if the whispers were speaking about her fears, then what did they mean? Zelda shook her head. So much had happened in a single day, and exhaustion was already creeping into her mind—and they still had quite a long way to go. They could only hope to be able to make it back to Kakariko before sundown.
"Let us go." With that, Zelda stepped into the cold shade of the trees, mind spinning with thoughts of royalty, fear, and the ghost warmth of a hand around hers.
o0o
"Are you cold?" Link looked at the drenched girl shivering beside him, peering his blue eyes through his own soggy forelocks. Zelda nodded slightly, trying to ring the water from her hair with shaking hands. He hopped up and climbed down a small flight of stairs without another word.
Zelda sighed. The moment they had stepped out of the cover of trees, they were pelted with the rainstorm that she had seen in the distance that morning. Without much other choice, they fled to the stable a ways from the woods and decided they would have to stay the night there seeing that the rain wasn't going to leave any time soon. She now sat on the carpeted floor on the second level of the cozy wooden stable, shivering in her drenched clothing with her back leaned against her bed. The room was large and square, fitting seven other beds like the one she was against. They wouldn't have much privacy tonight, assuming more people rented the other beds. So far, it seemed she and Link were the only two.
Link suddenly rushed up the stairs, a woolen blanket in his hands. He crossed the room and swiftly wrapped the blanket around her and pulled it tight to her shivering frame. "There, that should help." He gave a kind smile, and she grinned in return. "You are too kind, Link."
He only shrugged, and turned to sort through his bag. "Huh, looks like my clothing is somewhat dry in my bag. I think I'll change from my sodden clothes; they aren't the most comfortable," he pulled out a loose beige shirt with gray trousers and turned to her. "What about your bags?"
Zelda grabbed her soaked satchel and peered inside, giving a relieved sigh. "They're a bit damp, but thankfully fine as well. At least the goddesses are sort of watching out for us," she shrugged and gathered her own shirt and trousers.
The two took turns changing into their dry (more or less) clothing and settled on separate beds, happy and relieved to be in warm garments and listened to the soft pattering of rain on the wood roof above their heads. Zelda was quietly sorting through her belongings, ensuring everything had survived the violent rainstorm.
Her hands suddenly ran across a small stone settled at the bottom of her bag, and she turned it over in her hands curiously. On one side words were carved into its pale surface. Zelda stared at it, puzzled. How had that gotten in her bag? She read the words aloud quietly.
"The golden land of vast and many
Holds a star in each of four's hands.
The four corners combine to open
A bell's feet of stone and sundial;
Revealing the Three's lost expiation."
Her confusion deepened. What in Hylia's name was this? "What did you say?" Link looked up from his busywork of sharpening a dagger and gave her an equally puzzled look, then leaned across their beds to spot the stone in her palm.
"I just…" she stared at the rock as if it would give her some answer. "I found this in my bag…I'm not sure how it got there. There's something written on it, almost like a riddle of some sort." She reached across her bed and handed it to Link, who read it several times over and rose an eyebrow. "Yes, definitely sounds like a riddle. But I haven't a clue what it is talking about," he handed it back to Zelda.
She hummed in thought, trying to make sense of the words. "I wish I knew who gave it to me…and why." She shrugged, she quickly glanced around the room, seeing no one else had entered it yet. They were alone. "The only thing I can make sense of is that perhaps the 'Three' it is speaking about is the Triforce. It's a wild guess, but that's all I can think of. Plus, it's capitalized, which likely means it is talking about something divine or immortal."
Link nodded, mentally chewing on her words. "Yes, that makes sense. And 'golden land' must mean Hyrule. I've often heard it called exactly that during my travels, things like 'Hylia's golden' or 'blessed land'."
"Huh," Zelda hummed again. Was this even meant for her? Maybe someone had accidentally mistaken her bag for some else's. But she had hardly let it leave her shoulder this entire trip, which would mean someone slipped it in when she wasn't paying attention. Odd indeed…
"Do you think it was meant for me, or even the both of us?" She asked, and Link shrugged. "We're two of very few people that know much about the Triforce in this kingdom. It seems like too big of a coincidence."
Zelda nodded, rubbing the back of her hand gently. "Today has been so very queer," she sighed, sleepiness tugging at her eyes. "I think I'll go to sleep now and sleep on all the information I've received today. I am too tired to think anymore," she stated through a yawn and gathered her things back into her bags. She peered around the square room, thinking it odd no one else was in the room. They must all be in the villages, taking shelter from rain. With a slight shrug, she slipped under the heavy blanket and allowed her drowsiness to take her under.
As she slipped into a deep sleep, she faintly heard Link's gentle voice.
"Goodnight, my princess."
o0o
"Are you sure you don't mind skipping Zora's Domain for now?"
The golden hair traveler sighed, stroking her horse gently. An uncertain look worried her face. "We can always go another time. I have very important things to attend to in Castletown."
Link chuckled. "That is an understatement."
Zelda nodded and sighed. She knew very little about being proper and dainty like an aristocrat, let alone govern a country. The anxiety of being a ruler was already settling in her stomach as if she had eaten a pile of rocks. She knew the information they had received from the Great Deku was only the beginning of bewildering things to happen, and she couldn't decide whether she was dreading or interested in what would happen next.
"Link," she said softly. He looked over at her, noticing her melancholy tone. "Yes?"
"I am…beyond nervous and afraid," she whispered. "I haven't a clue what to expect. I was raised as a poor, homeless woman, not a princess."
His blue eyes stared sympathetically at her worried face, and he reached across the space separating them to squeeze her fisted hand reassuringly. "Zelda," he stopped, almost as if thinking about her name, then deciding that it fit her very well once again. "I have seen how quickly you learn, and how much you care about those around you. Those are some of the most important qualities in a ruler, and you were born with them. You'll lead Hyrule into an age of prosperity."
His words rung in her head, and despite their encouragement, the whispers from the forest arose in her memory.
You've condemned them all to suffering.
"Thank you, Link," she replied, pushing the negative whispers from her mind. "I must tell you: I feel an immense amount of comfort in knowing that you'll be nearby while I start my new life. It really is very convenient that you are the royal family's knight." A thought struck her. The royal family was no longer some distant bloodline of her rulers, but now she knew it to be in her very own blood. What a strange thought indeed.
"Yes," he nodded. "It will be my pleasure to stand by your side and protect you, I swear it." His head bowed slightly, and her blood quickened. It is his duty, she reminded herself. He must swear to protect you because you carry royal blood. But, she felt a slight hint of something more than simply duty in his bow. Her blood pumped even quicker.
o0o
Their travels resulted in a quick and thankfully uneventful few days, and within no time at all they could see the gray walls of Castletown looming over the hills of Hyrule Field, the castle standing proudly within their confines. At the sight of such a majestic scene, Zelda couldn't help but grin. That was her castle, a symbol of the unity of Hyrule. But the grin slowly faded, as anxiety began to settle in her stomach once again. Link glanced at her stiffened figure, and rose an eyebrow.
A breath quaked from her mouth. There was so much racing in her mind even now, all the way from her discovery of who she really was to the odd little rock she found in her satchel. What significance did the rock have? Clearly someone meant it for her, but why? Zelda worried she would faint from the pressure on her shoulders as the walls of Castletown slowly grew closer.
By the late-noon, the pair rode into the entrance of the town, the hooves of their horses clinking softly on the stone. They hopped off their loyal steeds, then led them to the stables where they would be tended to after their long trip. Zelda stroked her horse fondly, silently thanking it for all the walking it did just for her, then finally kissed its nose softly goodbye.
"Where are we headed?"
Zelda turned to Link, then hummed thoughtfully. "Well, of course we should go to the castle. But first, I need to find my guardian." She had so many things to ask the stern lady, and Zelda nearly sprinted toward Ragtown with Link in tow. The two turned the corner out of the stable, and Zelda almost crashed into the tall woman standing around the wall. "Please forgive me, ma'am, I didn't—"
The golden-haired girl stopped abruptly, gaping at the lady standing solidly before her. She loomed taller than even Link, with hair the color of snow pulled tightly behind her head and eyes glowing with the color of blood. She was wearing navy-blue clothing made for stealthy combat with armored shoulders, and a red emblem of an eye with a single tear on the front of her garments. She wore a stern face that, even though she was dressed strikingly different from what the young girl had ever seen, Zelda would recognize anywhere.
"Ampi!"
The stern lady only grunted in response, her arms crossed in front of her chest. Zelda couldn't stop gaping at her, having seen the woman dressed in rags and messy hair her whole life. She practically looked like a whole new person—much younger and cleaner. "You may refer to me by my true name, my dear." She said with an authoritative tone that Zelda didn't realize she missed from her time away from Castletown. "Call me Impa."
Zelda just blinked at her. Though she heard already from the Great Deku that this was in fact her name, it sounded strange coming from Zelda's guardian herself. "…Impa…" She frowned slightly. "What else have you kept from me? Are you even really who I thought you were?" She blurted outloud.
Impa maintained her solid face. "We may converse more later. For now, we need you get you to the castle." Her blood-red eyes shot up from Zelda to Link standing clueless behind the princess. "Who is this?" For a split moment, Zelda caught a shimmer of the mother-like protectiveness in Impa's stare and she nearly grinned.
"Am—Impa," she corrected herself. "This is Link." Zelda didn't elaborate further, noticing the crowded street around them. She would have to tell her guardian that he bore the Triforce of Courage later. "Let's go."
Impa gave Link the faintest glare, sized him up, then grunted and turned to lead them toward the castle. Even though she knew that she now belonged in this stone palace, Zelda couldn't help but feel unwelcomed when they stepped into the grand double doors and into the vaulted front room. Everything from the banners to the pottery looked terribly expensive, and she felt completely out of place.
"This way." Impa led them up a staircase at the back of the open room, ignoring the curious stares of servants and noblemen loitering in the room. Zelda stared at her feet, feeling uncomfortable under their gazes. She nearly expected one of them to approach and explain their disapproval of her at her trousers and dirty appearance from traveling. The Princess instead tried directing her thoughts to her surprise over Impa; she seemed to be able to navigate the castle with ease. She must have truly been her guardian when Zelda lived in the castle—though she could not remember. There was so much Zelda wanted to ask the mysterious lady that has raised her.
After a long climb up the stone staircase, the trio stepped up into an even grander room with long windows alternating with banners lining each wall and a plush carpet leading down the center. Several armored guards stood stiffly along the expanse of the walls. Zelda's heart nearly stopped when her eyes reached the end of the room to the massive throne and to the burly man sitting upon it.
Impa strode with confident steps up to the King, Link and Zelda trailing behind. "Your Majesty." She bowed down onto one knee and lowered her head respectfully, as did Link. "At long last, I present to you the lost Princess Zelda." On cue, Zelda too kneeled and lowered her head, trying desperately not to allow her nervous shaking to show. Her heart pounded wildly in her ribs, and her breath was coming much too quickly for her liking. The intimidating King said nothing, and through her eyelashes Zelda could see him rise from the throne, his gold-plated boots stepping down each step slowly and confidently until they stopped directly in front of the quaking girl.
"Rise."
Zelda was shocked to see that her legs obeyed; she half expected to collapse as soon as she stood. But miraculously, she stood solidly with her head still bowed to the ground as the King of Hyrule himself stood before her.
To her surprise, she felt a callused but gentle fingers press her chin slightly, bringing her head upward to look at the King. Zelda became even more surprised to see his previously intimidating demeanor vanished, replaced with a soft expression and eyes shining with unshed tears.
"My Zelda," he said so softly she almost couldn't hear him. His voice was deep, but gentle. "You look just like your mother."
Zelda stared at the King's shining green eyes, and a sudden wall of memories hit her with such force she nearly gasped. Her head filled with memories of this man, her father, teaching her how to play the harp, patiently waiting for her to play to correct notes. She recalled him instructing her with archery, attempting to scold her when she caused ruckus in the castle but resulting in chuckling heartily at her adventurous tendencies. She remembered him humming her lullaby to her on occasional nights when she had nightmares, telling her maid off from doing the job since he wanted to do his job as father whenever he had time to. The distant sound of his deep-bellied laughter and joking voice rung in her head. How could she ever forget?
Her own violet eyes began to shimmer as she took in the aged man before her, his hair and beard now much more silver and faint worry lines upon his forehead.
"Father," Zelda choked, and fell forward to grasp him it a tight embrace, despite how inappropriate it was to hug the King. Had her past self ever seen such a display, she might had fainted from embarrassment. But now all she could do was clutch him tightly as if she was a small child again. In that moment, he was no longer the ruler of Hyrule and she the lost princess, but rather a broken daughter clinging to her weary father.
The guards and witnesses within the throne room all shifted nervously, unsure whether to intervein or not. All they knew was that a stranger girl was embracing the King; surely, she meant no harm? They could only hope so as they gazed at the odd spectacle. They had never seen such emotion on their king before. At long last, the father and daughter let go of each other, each sniffling and trying to maintain the frantic tears breaking away from their eyes. "You are all dismissed," the King said, waving off the room. "Lady Impa and Sir Link; you two may remain."
The room hesitantly emptied until the four stood alone. No one said a word for a long moment, unsure of where to start. Impa finally spoke up.
"Princess, you may ask your questions now."
Zelda cringed slightly at the title, but began sorting through the questions she had in her head. There were so many—there wasn't enough time in the entire land to answer them all. She chose carefully, sorting the most important ones and planning to ask them first.
"What threat is upon Hyrule?"
At this, Impa and the King glanced uncertainly at each other. "We are unsure," her father began, his voice now composed. "All we know for certain is that there is a powerful person or being dwelling in the land and has been slowly regaining its power from after our attack upon it all those years ago. We fear that since the Triforce has appeared on you, that means this powerful entity has attempted to take it. It could be strong enough to break from its imprisonment in the Realm of Echoes any day now."
Zelda rose an eyebrow. "Realm of Echoes?"
"It is an alternate realm from our own," Impa explained. "It is very dangerous; if one is to venture inside within their spirit body and becomes separated from their physical connection to this world, their spirit becomes lost and splits into echoes of itself for all eternity—hence the name."
What? Zelda furrowed her eyebrows. The explanation made very little sense, and only arose more questions. Impa continued, seeing the princess's confused expression.
"We imprisoned this mysterious entity into the realm after it attacked you," she explained. The King flinched slightly, unwilling to revisit the memory. "Since a lost spirit only echoes through the realm, it isn't supposed to have any physical threat onto our realm so we thought it the perfect place to imprison it. But this entity has proven to be much more powerful than suspected, and could breach a connection to our world very soon."
Zelda's heartbeat quickened. "What does that have to do with me? Why do I just now have to come out of hiding?"
"You are Hylia reborn," Impa responded. "Your divine powers are our best chance of ridding this spirit for good. Plus," she added, "Hyrule will need something positive to grasp onto if times get hard. Presenting the King's lost child to the kingdom with surely give them something to focus on."
A nervous breath hitched in Zelda's throat. No pressure, right? She retorted mentally. "This…" she shook her head and stared at her muddied boots. "This is a lot to process," she whispered. "I thought I was a simple poor girl living on the streets. Within a matter of days, I find out that I am Hylia's reincarnation, I bear a divine power, and I am the Princess of Hyrule." Fatigue and exhaustion were creeping into her mind, and she imagined collapsing into bed. It sounded divine.
"I understand this is very overwhelming," the King spoke up. "If you would like to retire for the day, your room will quickly be prepared." He called out for a servant, then told him to quickly notify of the castle's maids to arrange the Princess's suite. The servant's eyes widened in confusion, glanced to the blonde girl standing before the King, then rushed off.
"Thank you, your Majesty," Zelda bowed gratefully. The King reached out and grasped her shoulders gently, pulling her from the bow. She met his gentle gaze, his eyes weary as he let out a soft sigh. "I am happier than I can ever say to see you, my Zelda. I thought I had lost you and Impa forever." He patted her shoulder lightly. "We will announce your return in a few days' time," he explained. "The kingdom deserves to know their heir is found," he released Zelda and turned to the silent blond standing at attention behind her. "Sir Link. Please escort the Princess to her room. I assume you know where it is."
Link nodded once, bowing his head. "Yes, Your Majesty." He quickly began walking away, and Zelda ran after him, smiling one last time to her father before she left. She couldn't believe she ever forgot her own parent. With one look of his worn eyes, she could recall the wonderful father he was—no surprise seeing what a great king he was as well. She could only wonder what else she had forgotten since her time in the castle when she was only a child.
The two walked through the winding hallways in silence, Link leading the way with a strong stride that Zelda could only assume appeared when he was in duty. Since she was the daughter of the king, that meant his duty extended to her, right? Zelda smiled softly to herself. She couldn't have asked for a better knight.
"Right here." He stopped in front of a tall, arched door and opened it, allowing her to step inside. She gasped at the sight. The room was practically as large as the entire ancient building she had lived in her entire life, with a plush carpet and long windows lining the back wall. Against the other wall, a full bed draped in red awaited her, and she wanted desperately to run straight to it. A carved wooden desk and shelves laid against one all, and next to them an open archway. Zelda had never seen such a luxurious room in all her life.
"This is incredible," she said softly, and turned back to Link. He remained with an expressionless face. "Do enjoy your room," he said, and Zelda wrinkled her nose at the formality. Link began turning away, but flashed her a trademark grin over his shoulder before shutting the doors. He may be on duty, but he couldn't resist Zelda's infectious excitement.
She grinned at the door, then turned to take in the room. How would she ever fill all this space? She wandered to the archway near the shelves, and found it to lead into a small bathing room with porcelain tiles lining a personal-sized pool. A spout of water was pouring from the wall and into the pool, and Zelda rose an eyebrow. How did the water do that? She stepped carefully on the tiles and over the array of soaps and scrubs to stare at the spout. She was about to touch it when a nock came from her door, and she jumped and spun around.
A plump lady opened the door cautiously, searching around the room with her eyes until they fell upon the wide-eyed Zelda standing in the archway. The lady gave a quick "oh!" and grinned, her round and rosy cheeks crinkling around her honey-brown eyes.
"Hello, hun! I'm your lady-in-waiting." She bowed slightly. "It's such a pleasure to meet you, your Highness." She was stilling grinning as she stood back up.
"H-Hello," Zelda returned a shy smile. "Pardon my asking, but can you explain what a 'lady-in-waiting' is…? I'm afraid I'm rather uninformed on details of royalty," she admitted sheepishly.
"Of course!" She gave a hearty chuckle. "I am assigned to help you out. I'm sort of like a maid, just a little more personal. Anything you need, I will happily do!"
A warmer smile graced Zelda's face. She liked this woman already.
"I see," she nodded. "What is your name?"
"You may call me Lady Linde, your Majesty." She curtsied. "Now I must apologize if I seem a bit giddy—I certainly didn't wake up this morning expecting to tend to the Princess!" She clapped her hands together, but quickly stopped and cleared her throat, trying to calm her excitement. "Anyway—is there anything you need for me to do, hun?" Linde gave the tired princess a once-over. "Oh, dear. You are quite messy from your travels, I see! Well, shall we get you cleaned up? I see that's where you were headed before I barged in." She pointed to the pool behind Zelda.
"Oh, yes, if that is alright," Zelda shrugged, glancing at the bath with the seemingly magical spout. How on earth did the water make its way up to her room like that? Was it some sort of enchantment? Zelda could only guess.
"'Alright'? Of course!" Linde chuckled. She began ushering Zelda into the bathing room and began pouring the fragrant soaps into the steaming water, humming slightly as she went. "There," she nodded, then beckoned the princess. "Let's take your hair out."
Zelda bit her lip. She had always taken care of herself, never needing someone else to do so. Then again, this was Lady Linde's job... With a slight shrug, Zelda walked to the rosy-cheeked lady and allowed her to gently undo her ratted braid. There was so much the young woman would have to get used to now that she was a princess.
"Oh, you have the prettiest hair!" Linde cooed to herself. "Alright, there we are. Now if you'll take off your garments I will deliver them to the laundry maids to get them washed. I shall leave you some privacy, of course. I understand this is all a lot to take in—I don't want to make you uncomfortable." The lady-in-waiting hustled out of the room, and Zelda sighed in relief. She called a quick "thank you" to Linde, then slipped out of her filthy trousers and tunic, tossing them out of the bathing room. She untied the necklace around her neck, stopping to stare at the brilliant blue sapphire. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she thought of Link, his own bright sapphire eyes shining in her memory. After placing the necklace on the vanity against the wall, she slipped into the warm water. Another sigh slipped from her lips as she eased into the bath, taking in the soft scent of lavender. Perhaps she could get used to this princess business.
After a very long bath, Zelda wrapped herself in a plush towel and peered from the archway, looking for the kind lady-in-waiting. She spotted her hanging an assortment of skirts and dresses in an enormous wardrobe.
"Lady Linde?"
Linde spun around and spotted the princess, offering a smile. "All cleaned up? Well, we ought to get you something to wear. I won't make you put on anything too formal. You've earned yourself something comfy, I'd say."
Zelda smiled and nodded. She didn't enjoy the thought of wearing formal skirts and corsets—assuming that's what princesses were expected to wear. Wearing a simple dress alone would take some getting used to.
Linde pulled a loose white gown from the wardrobe and held it up to Zelda. "I think this will do. It's a nightgown, but I'm sure all you're looking forward to right now is some sleep, so it will work well."
The gown was silky and clearly expensive, and Zelda couldn't help but swish the skirt around her legs once she put it on. There was silver embroidery along the hem and sleeves, and a loose neckline. If this was "simple" clothing, Zelda could only imagine what extravagant dresses she might have to wear.
"You look absolutely lovely. That bath did you good," Linde approved. "I shall leave you now to rest. The maids will awake you in the morning, but feel free to read the books on those shelves or sightsee on your balcony if you want," the cheery lady approached the door, but turned to bow one last time. "It was absolutely lovely meeting you, Princess."
"You as well, Lady Linde," Zelda smiled sleepily. The lady-in-waiting gave one last grin, then left through the door and left the Princess in silence. At once, Zelda stumbled to the grand bed and collapsed upon it, relishing the cushioned mattress and downy comforter. How queer, she thought in her last conscious moments, not even a week ago I was sleeping on the floor of an abandoned building. Now look at me: sleeping in Hyrule Castle. How very strange…
She ignored the odd, faint pinch of guilt on her heart, and allowed exhaustion to take her mind, sleeping a dreamless and peaceful sleep.
o0o
The new-found Princess of Hyrule awoke to a nervous voice calling to her uncertainly.
"Princess?"
She stirred in her bed, not wanting to allow the warm blankets to release her yet. She had the best rest that night than she could ever remember.
"…Princess," a shy voice called.
She opened her violet eyes to see a young lady no older than twenty standing over her, wringing her hands uncertainly. The woman's face startled a bit once Zelda awoke, but was quickly relieved.
"It is time for you to awaken, your Majesty."
Zelda moaned, rubbing her eyes. "Very well." She yawned, then looked at the maid with hazy eyes. "What is your name?" She asked the her.
"O-oh! It's Nerai, your Majesty." She gave a shaky bow of her brunette locks.
"Nerai," Zelda said in a sleepy tone. "You can drop the formal addresses. Just call me Le—Zelda." She quickly corrected herself. "Zelda." She nodded and smiled at the uncertain maid.
"If that is what you wish…Zelda."
The Princess smiled warmly at the maid, trying to make her relax. "Now, Nerai, is there anything I need to know?"
Nerai's eyes widened. "Oh yes! I'm sorry. The King has requested your presence with the council in thirty minutes. His Majesty said he would send the Royal Knight to escort you."
At this, Zelda grinned. She couldn't wait to tell Link about her room, and the kind lady-in-waiting she had met last night. She tossed the covers of her precious bed over and climbed out to begin making her bed from its messy state. Nerai's frantic voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Oh! Prin—Zelda! You needn't make your bed. That is my job." She rushed forward and took the pillow from Zelda and began organizing the sheets, and Zelda only shrugged. "I have selected your dress for the day," the maid said and pointed to the pile of fabric draped over the foot-table of Zelda's bed. "Lady Linde said to choose something without a corset…so I did the best I could." Nerai looked uncertain, but hustled to the dress as soon as she finished with tidying the Princess's bed. She pulled up a petticoat and several pieces of undergarments, raising an eyebrow when she saw Zelda's clueless expression.
"Uh, I've never worn complex gowns before," Zelda explained and bit her lip.
"That is what I am here for. I shall help you." For the first time since she had woken Zelda, the maid gave a bright smile and giggled slightly. "To be completely honest, I've never seen the purpose in such extravagant clothing either. But it is custom."
Zelda giggled along with her. Nerai helped her climb into the several undergarments, then assisted the helpless princess in wiggling into the cream-colored gown. Once they were done, Zelda felt completely over-dressed and ridiculous. But once again, it would be something she had to get used to as royalty. The gown was beautiful, and Zelda released a quiet gasp as Nerai led her to a large mirror near her bed. The skirt was long and plush but not too full, with details in rose-gold color stitched around the hem. The waist was form-fitting, but still allowed her to breath, and to her relief, the neckline was modest and only revealed a bit of her collarbone. The sleeves reached to her elbows, but the fabric was breathable so she wouldn't overheat in the summer air.
"It's very lovely," Zelda voiced and Nerai clasped her hands together in delight. "I am very glad you like it," the maid beamed and began weaving Zelda's hair into a French braid.
A knock sounded at the door, making both the Princess and her maid jump. "That must be Sir Link," the maid hustled to the door and beckoned Zelda. The young lady lifted the end of her skirt and tried her best not to trip on the hem, chuckling lightly at the swoosh the skirts made as she walked in her flats. Nerai opened the door and bowed her head. "S-sir Link, the Princess is ready."
Zelda walked to the door fully now, raising an eyebrow when she noticed Nerai's flushed face as she inclined her head to the knight before her. Zelda shrugged it off, spotting Link in a dark-blue tunic with his hands clasped behind his back. His face was stoic like last night, though it faltered as he saw the lovely princess in the doorway. His eyes widened as he looked Zelda up and down, and he bowed his head.
"You look stunning, Princess."
Zelda's face was dusted with a faint red, and Link tried his hardest not to tease her, determine to remain professional. "Thank you, Sir Link," she teased, trying to remain composed. Something about the dress made the royal-like manners come more naturally for her.
"The King awaits," Link said, then gestured his hand forward and escorted the Princess through the castle once again.
They arrived at two large doors with armored guards standing on either side. Despite their best efforts, they couldn't help but stare curiously at the beautiful young lady trying her best not to trip over her skirts behind Link. Link cleared his throat, shooting the guards a warning glare before muttering something to the herald standing near the door. The man nodded, his eyes widening as he glanced at Zelda.
"Right this way," he gestured. With that, he shoved the grand doors open and bellowed in a loud clear voice.
"Presenting her Majesty: Princess Zelda Nohansen of Hyrule."
The chattering echoing in the large, round room came to an abrupt silence. Zelda stepped nervously into the room, taking in the wide eyes and shocked faces of several people seated around a stone table. She stood in the loud silence, waiting for someone to say something. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. All at once, the people arose from their chairs and bowed down into deep inclines regarding the Princess. She simply stared at them, unused to the formal behavior directed to her.
"Arise," she heard a familiar voice say. The King arose from his seat as the rest lifted from their bows and retook their seats. "Please welcome my daughter, everyone."
They continued to stare, now breaking out in whispers among each other. The King beckoned to Zelda, and she walked to him and took a seat by his side at his command, positioning her dress so she could sit easily on it.
"As you have known," the King began, silencing the councilmen. "My child was tragically lost many years ago. But within the past few weeks, it came to my attention that the child had been found in hiding with her guardian, Impa." The King gestured to the stern lady standing to the side, and Zelda smiled discretely at her. "I am delighted to announce that my Zelda is with us today, alive and well."
He smiled with a fatherly fondness at her, and the councilmen all chattered excitedly. Zelda twiddled nervously with the stitching of her dress.
"Now," he silenced the men once again. "We must discuss matters of her exposure to the public, as well as a kingdom-wide celebration to be held in her honor."
Zelda's eyes widened at this. A celebration for me? She pondered.
"When do you plan to reveal her, your Majesty?" A man voiced.
"As soon as we have the celebration details put into place. It will be a simple affair, mostly for the people to bring union unto Hyrule. I think it wise to invite neighboring kingdoms as well."
The councilman nodded. Zelda's heart began to beat even more. Is there always this much pressure to being royalty?
"I shall organize the invitations, Sire. As well as the public announcement," a thin man committed, and the King nodded. "It will be a lovely opportunity to find potential consorts for the Princess from the princes of the surrounding kingdoms."
Zelda's eyes widened. She had only been a princess for a few days, and they were already looking for someone for her to marry? Sure, she would have to think about it eventually if she were to produce an heir. But so soon? A thought struck her, and she frowned. I won't be able to marry for love, she realized. Something about the thought made her heart sink, and she unconsciously twiddled with the sapphire stone hanging around her neck.
The King chuckled. "Yes, Intendant. But we needn't rush that matter so quickly." The Princess relaxed slightly. But the depressing thought still nagged at her mind, even as she tried to push it away. It would be her duty as princess to marry a strong ruler for her people, even if she did not love the man. As princess, Hyrule would now come first before her own needs, and in that moment, she vowed to keep that promise.
Court continued onward, discussing matters of surrounding kingdoms, and plans for celebrations. Zelda tried to pay attention as much as she could, but to her distress much of their conversations went over her head. After what seemed like hours, the King finally concluded the meeting and dismissed himself and Zelda from the stony room.
"Zelda," he stopped her once they had left the room, his guards standing silently behind him. "I hope you are coping fine. I know this is all probably a lot to handle."
"I am very grateful to be treated with such high esteem," she assured with a smile. "It is wonderful to be back. Though my memory has been lost and I remember few details," she gazed around the tall castle walls and bit her lip, "the castle feels very familiar to me."
His eyes suddenly became saddened. "My dear…do you remember me?"
She returned her look to him and bowed her head. "Yes, father. I must admit: I did not initially, but as soon as I saw you I remembered you and all the efforts you spent on raising me." She smiled fondly at the memories of her father and his twinkling eyes.
Zelda peered up to see the same eyes, now much more wrinkled and weary, but that faint twinkle still shining under the age. He quickly embraced her, then looked at her dress. "Dresses suit you." He smiled and chuckled slightly at Zelda's disagreeing frown. "Now you may do as you please today. Go explore the castle; make some friends. I am sure there are some people that would love to see you again after all these years. The castle is safe, so you may roam freely." With that, he patted her shoulder and left down the hallway with his guards marching behind, leaving her alone in the looming corridor.
Where to?
She allowed herself to wander mindlessly around the grand structure, not paying much attention to where her feet were leading her. Guards and maids bustled about, each giving her a curious glance as they went on their business. The castle seemed like a labyrinth, full of winding hallways and numerous rooms for varying purposes. She subconsciously kept an eye out for Link, though she recalled him saying he was on a break from his duties for a few weeks. Would he still be even now that the King had suddenly returned from his secret business? Either way, she kept her eyes peeled for a blond head of messy hair just in case.
Before she knew it, her legs carried her to an exit and she entered into a large area that looked like a garden. The summer flowers and swaying trees were beautiful in the afternoon sun, and the faint smell of pollen hung in the air. With a content smile, she walked the stone pathways and observed the flowers, naming them off in her head. She didn't know where she had learned the names of the plants, yet they came quickly without a second thought. Something about each flower, the warm summer sun, and stone paths…it seemed very familiar.
A sway of color in the corner of her eye caught her attention, and she turned to see a pale pink carnation growing in the middle of a cluster of grass. She stepped off the pathway hesitantly, walking to the lonely flower with a confused expression on her face. With hesitation, she leaned to brush the wavy petals gently with her fingers as she stared at the flower. A sudden wave of recollection of a memory hit her with such force she gasped.
Zelda loved the garden. It was the one place she could escape the stuffy castle and finally get a much-needed breath of fresh air and pick the flowers that the gardeners planted just for her. She walked among the grassy lawn, collecting every variety of flower she could spot, already holding a vast assortment of floral in her small arms. A bright pink carnation caught her eye, and she skipped to it while humming her favorite lullaby. She double checked her armful of flowers to see if she had a carnation, and it seemed it was the only variety of flower she was still missing from the bundle. Zelda was just about to lean over to pick the petite flower when she heard a loud thud behind her, and a pain bloomed on the back of her head. She tried to spin around to see who it was, but only caught sight of the back of her guardian's armor as the lady was running at the attacker, protecting the injured princess.
The flowers fluttered from the small princess's grasp, and she cried out in pain and shock as she saw the speckles of blood across the grass, causing a gruesome meadow of flowers made of deep red. A muffle voice called in her head, gentle yet piercing.
"Zelda…the stone…"
Blackness grabbed her vision, and her awareness fled her quicker than the wind.
"Zelda!"
She was on her hand and knees, shaking uncountably while one hand clutched the back of her head. The cream color of her dress was now tainted a muddy brown on her knees. Her breath came labored and strained, and the pain on the back of her head threatened to steal the last of her strength.
A hand grasped her shoulder, and she shouted.
It has found me. It killed Impa, now it's my turn. The guards are all dead; no one is left to protect me. I'm so sorry, father—
"Hey! It's okay, it's me!" Strong hands clutched her swinging wrists as she furiously squirmed, attempting to flee from the grasp. "Zelda!"
Her eyes focused, coming back to reality, and she saw wide sapphire eyes boring into her own and she instantly stopped. Her breath was still short and she continued to quiver under Link's hold. The violet of her eyes were still dazed and wide, pieces of her blonde hair falling from the intricate braid on her head. "Link?" She squeaked.
"Zelda," he breathed, finally relaxing his clutch around her wrists. "You scared me," he pulled her into a hug, her arms pressed against his chest. She shivered as she felt his breath against her ear, his heartbeat thudding steadily against her cheek as she leaned into him. Despite her disheveled state, she still managed to blush. Link's embrace felt so comfortable, so perfect. She could smell him, that wild scent that was so distinct of pine and wind. Slowly, her heart slowed and her quaking calmed, and Link pulled back and let her go, and she instantly missed his warmth and the sound of his heartbeat. Quit it, she scolded herself. You aren't thinking straight. She shook the thought from her head and look at Link, now standing an appropriate distance from her.
"Sorry, Princess," he bowed, frowning and glancing around the garden. "That was completely inappropriate of me."
"Link, it's fine—"
"Princess?"
The Princess and Link both turned to see Impa materialize from the shadows suddenly. Her ruby eyes glared at Link, but he maintained a stoic face and strong posture as if nothing happened.
"Her Majesty was in distress," Link stated with an uninterested tone. "Do you know the cause?"
Impa only grunted, still staring uncertainly at the knight. Her attention turned to the shaken Princess, now standing unsteadily on her feet. "Princess, are you all right?"
Zelda glanced between the anticipating faces, and bit her lip. "I…I remembered something."
Impa rose an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue. "The attack," Zelda whispered, and Link tensed. "I was in the garden…You were there, Impa, protecting me," she rubbed the back of her head. "But I got hit." She heard remembered the voice calling in the memory, and furrowed her eyebrows.
The stone…
"Impa?"
The stern lady grunted.
"What is 'the stone'? There was a voice…it said something about some stone. I haven't a clue what it was talking about."
"I'm sorry, Princess. But that is a terribly vague description."
Zelda hummed in frustration and thought. What was the voice talking about? And who was it? The three's attention was brought to the glowing on Zelda's hand as the Triforce began to resonate, and Link rubbed his gloved hand uncomfortably as well.
"The stone…The Triforce is resonating to the mention of this 'stone'," Zelda observed.
"Well?" Impa inquired.
"I…I don't know," Zelda admitted, eyeing Link and he shrugged behind Impa. The guardian noticed the exchange between the two, then turned to glare at the knight once again. "We must return inside the castle, Princess." With that, she turned to lead Zelda into the castle and leaving Link behind. Zelda turned her head to him one last time, pointing frantically to the garden and holding up ten fingers while Impa was faced away. She could only hope he understood what she meant. He nodded at her wild gesturing, then slipped away in the opposite direction.
Impa led Zelda back to her room, a look of disapproval clear on her face as she closed the door behind the Princess as she stumbled over her now-stained gown.
"Zelda, it is not safe for you to go into the garden any longer. Not if it makes you recall such violent memories—and especially if you are out to meet with some man," she warned in a menacingly calm voice that Zelda recognized all too well.
"Impa," the Princess frowned and crossed her arms. "You don't understand."
"Oh, I understand perfectly well. But, you're a princess now. You cannot get so closely acquainted with a man. You have surely realized by now that your courtship will be with a prince or nobleman. It is best you avoid relationships with anyone else lest you are hurt."
Zelda's eyes widened, and an embarrassed and angry blush tinted her cheeks. "I am not…seeing him in that way. You of all people should know that it would take a long time to ever win me over like that." Well, that isn't the complete truth. Zelda knew that she was much more than just interested with Link…but she simply blamed it on the Triforce upon both their hands for causing their connection. After only a week, however, she felt as if she had known Link for her entire life.
Impa didn't seem to buy her explanation, and continued staring the Princess down. Zelda flinched slightly under her glare; she was much more intimidating now with armor and the red paint beneath her eye than when she wore rags in the streets. The grim lady sighed. "Zelda…" She relaxed her crossed arms slightly. "I know you're young and it's inevitable that something like this would happen, but—"
"He bears the Triforce of Courage."
Impa certainly didn't expect that, as seen by her mouth hanging slightly ajar with unsaid words. She quickly snapped her jaw closed, stern face furrowing even further. "Why him of all people?" she muttered under her breath. Zelda frowned, confused over Impa's apparent dislike for the knight. "Well, I guess that's a rather good excuse for his presence in the garden." The guardian's lips remained in a uniform line.
"He was simply seeing I was okay. He is the royal family's knight—"
"Yes, yes. I know that. I have known his position of knight for some time now." She waved Zelda off. "Now, Zelda. You said you heard a voice in your flashback." Impa waited patiently, glowing eyes of blood burning into the Princess.
"Yes," the blonde girl nodded, her braid bouncing against her back. "I didn't recognize it. Whomever it was, they sounded female. She didn't have a foreboding voice…in fact, it was very peaceful. I wish I knew whom it was." Zelda lifted a finger to her chin in thought, trying to recall the voice. What was this "stone"?
"Perhaps it was the Goddess."
"What?" Zelda lifted an eyebrow at her guardian.
"You are very connected to the heavens, seeing that you bear their Triforce and are the descendant of Hylia. It would only make sense. The 'stone', however…I am uncertain what she meant."
"I as well," the Princess huffed, slouching slightly in defeat.
"Did you come across anything peculiar on your travels that might clue to what the voice was speaking about?"
"Hm, not that I can think of—Oh!" Zelda smacked her palm to her forehead. Why hadn't she thought of it earlier? She suddenly hopped on her toes and rushed to her satchel hanging near her bed untouched since she had arrived yesterday. Excitedly, she dug through the dirty clothing and supplies until her fingers came across something cool and round, and she rushed back to her guardian.
"This appeared in my satchel shortly after we left the Lost Woods," she held the engraved stone up for Impa to inspect. The stern woman leaned over, and took the rock gently from the Princess and read over the words several times with her usual stoic expression. She gave a slight grunt, then handed it back. "And you say it just 'appeared'?"
"Yes."
"You don't know who put it in your bag?"
"Nope."
Impa grunted again, deep in thought. "Well, it seems this might be the 'stone' the voice was speaking of. But I am unsure what this riddle means."
The young woman sighed, frustrated at their little progress. She had been mulling the riddle over in her head ever since she first saw it, and was just as clueless what it meant other than the few ideas she and Link managed to come up with. Despite her frustration, however, she was excited to discover what it signified and what lied at the solution to the stone.
"I think that the land it refers to is Hyrule," Zelda explained to her guardian. "And the Three may be three Goddesses. Other than that, I am equally as stumped."
"That is definitely a start," Impa nodded, glancing at the stone in the Princess's hand. "As for the four corners of the land…that may be referring to the four races' providences."
The Princess rose a single blonde eyebrow. "'Races'?"
"The races among Hylia's land. Hylians, Zoras, Gorons, and Gerudo."
A spark of excitement lit in Zelda's eyes, and she read a line from the riddle aloud with sudden realization. "'…Holds a star in each of four's hands.' Do you think these 'stars' are in each races' respective possession?"
Impa grunted thoughtfully. "It may be. But I do not know what the stars could be."
The Princess was trying to suppress an elated grin. The puzzle pieces were being deciphered, albeit at a slow piece, but were being solved nonetheless. The revelation was exhilarating. "A star could mean something valuable. For example, how people refer to their achieved or loved ones being 'stars'. Maybe there is something important in each races' possession that we need to gather?"
Her guardian nodded, giving a slight impressed look. The motherly shine in her eyes became more defined as she proudly looked at the princess she had raised herself. "That is a very good idea." She brought a finger to her chin, thinking. "Perhaps you could do some research in the castle's library. I am sure you could find some clues there. And Zelda? Please stay away from the gardens."
"Thank you so much, aunt." Zelda smiled warmly, clutching the stone in her hands. She felt slightly guilty as she recalled her plans to meet Link in the gardens at ten that night, but it was for good reason. She would have to apologize to her guardian later. "Oh! I mean Impa." She smiled bashfully. "I am still getting used to all these new names…"
Impa's lips lifted ever so slightly, hinting toward a discreet smile. "You will fit into habit in due time, my dear."
As Zelda rushed off to find the library, she pondered Impa's words. Her guardian seemed to speak of much more than just adapting to new names—perhaps on a more grander scale: a new life of royalty and adventure.
A/N: Thanks for dropping in and reading! I hope every one is enjoying the story so far. If you have any suggestions or anything be sure and let me know. Until next time.
-Ximnah