Zelda stared with distant, sky blue eyes at the white dress hanging on the mannequin. The dress was sleeveless, but accented with long white gloves. Gold ribbon crossed the whole torso, enhanced with extra support, and soft golden lace decorated the skirt. She idly grazed her fingers down the length of the dress to admire the soft fabric. It was the most dazzling dress ever tailored for her. She swore tomorrow was her wedding day, not her sixteenth birthday.

All of the castle's servants were busy at work for weeks to prepare for the festivities. The cooks retired immediately after dinner, so they could rise early to bake fresh food for the long day and all the guests that would visit the castle's halls. The castle walls and court yards were decorated with white and gold streamers, banners, and posters to wish the princess a happy birthday. The party games for the nobles, for her friends, were planned out according to the best time of day to play them. Zelda should have felt honored that such an extravaganza was being thrown for her big day.

For most people, turning sixteen meant more freedom, staying up late, making their own choices, and learning to drive if you had the privilege. For Zelda, it meant she was an officially established princess of Hyrule. No more pretend, or practice, or training. The decisions she made would have a real impact on her people. There was also the matter of finding a suitor, a man she could one day marry, who was worthy of being king of Hyrule. Perhaps the only benefit she saw to being sixteen would be the freedom to drive where she pleased, whenever she wanted.

Zelda's soft smile that appeared with that thought faded fast. Who would go with her? She would never ask the other girls who only pretended to like her because she was a princess. They were cruel, spoiled, and used their money and position selfishly, instead of helping those less fortunate. Zelda only associated with them during occasions where she was forced to, like her birthday party. All of the girls were not bound by old fashioned rules like a princess, and were free to marry or have relations with any man they wanted, usually without their parent's knowledge.

"Zelda?" came the soothing, curios call of her mother as she peaked in the door. "Why aren't you in bed, dear?"

Zelda always felt the stress of the world leave her shoulders when she heard her mom's voice, like ancient healing magic. She turned from admiring the dress and played with the hem of her night gown. Rolling the fabric between her fingers had been a nervous habit since she was a child. "I don't want to grow up, Mom."

Her mom laughed in a kind, heartwarming way. "I have begged the goddesses since you were born to keep you small and innocent, but not even they can stop the flow of time."

Zelda smiled at her mom, who gently placed a hand on her daughter's face.

"I know how nervous you are. I was too."

"You were?" Zelda asked with surprise. "Why?"

Her mom reached and removed a brush from the vanity beside the dress on display. She gently combed the brush through Zelda's long golden hair while she spoke. "Oh, everyone made such a fuss about my hair, my dress, and my shoes even, so that I looked perfect. I was only worried about the right words to say, so I would sound confident but not arrogant, proud but not prideful. And to find the right man."

"How did you know dad was the one?"

Her mom parted Zelda's hair into three equal sections and began to twist them over one another to make a braid. "He was not the most handsome, or the strongest, or wisest, or even the most poetic, but I immediately knew he had a big heart. He was kind and caring. My parents didn't want me to marry him, though." With the braid complete, she tenderly took Zelda's hand to guide her toward bed.

"But why?" Zelda asked, confused, while she slid under her blanket. "Dad is the greatest."

"I think so too, but he wasn't noble. He never gave up, and finally your grandparents permitted us to marry."

Zelda smiled, and snuggled under the covers. "Wow."

"No matter what happens tomorrow, your wisdom will guide you. Remember that your father and I support you all the way," she said warmly.

"Thanks, Mom," Zelda said, and closed her eyes peacefully.

"Good night, princess," her mom said, and kissed her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you too."