Chapter 33 - Princess Coronation
Summary: Astra is formally recognized as Princess Zelda of Hyrule, beginning a new chapter in her life.
It was early morning at Hyrule Castle, and Astra was finishing a private breakfast with Queen Zelda. Astra's coronation as Princess of Hyrule was in four days, and that was the topic of discussion.
"Are you excited?" said Zelda. "I know I am, and so is the entire kingdom, from what they tell me."
"I'm excited too, but more nervous than going into battle," said Astra. "I will do my best to fulfill my duties as the Princess. It's just that this is suddenly a new role for me. I never saw myself as the reigning Princess growing up. That duty always fell to my older sister."
"I know you will do fine," said Zelda. "And I will help you. I had a lot of experience as a Princess."
"Yes, you certainly did," laughed Astra.
They both took a sip of tea, then Zelda spoke up again.
"There is one other matter I need to discuss with you, sweetheart," said Zelda, growing serious, as she put her cup down and reached across the table to take Astra's hands in hers. "And I've been putting it off because I deeply regret it. I hope your feelings won't be hurt, but I've given the matter some thought, and I think it is for the best, at least for now."
"I trust your judgment, Mother," said Astra.
"I think it would be unwise to declare that you are my daughter," said Zelda, then quickly went on. "I know that must sound hurtful, and it breaks my heart to say it, as I love you, sweetheart, and never want to see you hurt. But, please hear me out. A good many people already know that you are Link's daughter. To announce to the kingdom that you are my daughter too, well, it makes things complicated. The gossip mongers will say that I bore you out of wedlock and kept you away to avoid a scandal rather than to shield you from the Yiga Clan. It will generate hurtful rumors that will detract from the joy and triumph of your coronation. Do you see what I mean?"
"Yes, I understand perfectly, Mother," said Astra.
"My suggestion is to say as little as possible about your maternal ancestry, and if asked, say that perhaps my grandmother had a sister, and Link married one of their descendants. We don't have to be too specific, as we can explain that family records at the Castle were lost in the Calamity, which is true. But we know you are a blood descendant of the royal family from the sacred power you wield. We will say you stayed far away all these years and only returned when you came of age, which is also true. Only Purah, Paya, and her family, all loyal Sheikah who can be trusted to keep a secret, will know the truth for now."
"That's fine, Mother, and please don't worry about my feelings," said Astra as she smiled and squeezed Zelda's hands. "Your proposal certainly makes for an easier story than some complex time travel tale that people would be skeptical of, anyway. So as long as you know and accept the truth, I'm happy."
"Of course, I accept the truth, sweetheart, and I'm glad you agree," said Zelda. "I … I truly dreaded having this conversation with you. I know how much you must miss the family you grew up with and, well, and I couldn't bear making you feel rejected by me, the only family you have left here."
Zelda let go of Astra's hands to brush away some tears.
"You aren't hurting me, Mother, and it makes perfect sense," said Astra. "In our hearts, we know we have each other. Anyway, I guess I had better return to work on my speech. Oh, Myra is handling the VIP guest list, right?"
"Yes, that's right."
"I would like to invite the Hanlon family from Hateno Village to the ceremony and buffet lunch afterward. The husband showed me kindness when I first arrived here alone, and later I had dinner at their home. They are a family of four: the husband, the wife, and two young children. They live near the top of a hill north of the village proper. I can let Myra know."
"That's fine, dear, and I'll tell Myra as I am meeting with her right after our breakfast," said Zelda. "The name's Hanlon? We'll have a guard deliver their invitation by the end of the day today."
They both rose from the table and hugged, holding each other longer than usual.
"Love you, sweetheart," said Zelda.
"Love you too, Great Aunt," Astra said as she kissed her. "I mean, Mother."
Then they both laughed as Astra returned to her room while Zelda prepared for her next meeting.
It was later that afternoon that three women finished shopping at the East Wind general store in Hateno Village. They were not entirely happy with the experience, though.
"I am sorry, Ladies, that we're out of Hearty Truffles and Hylian Rice," said the proprietor, Ivee. "But my suppliers tell me that Hyrule Castle is buying up most of their inventory for the celebration this coming weekend. So I'm lucky to even have some eggs."
"Well, I guess it can't be helped," said Violet, shaking her head. "We'll just have more home-grown vegetables for dinner tonight, something my youngest won't be thrilled about."
"Thank you for your understanding, and things should get back to normal in a week or so," said Ivee.
The three women said goodbye and left the store. Then they stopped to chat before going their separate ways home with their shopping.
"I guess a temporary grocery shortage is a small price to pay for all the good news," said Lana.
"I know! And will miracles never cease?" said Helen. "We haven't had so much good news in ages! Those dreaded Yiga scoundrels are gone, and a Hyrule Princess is to be crowned this weekend."
"It is almost too good to be true!" said Violet. "But I wonder where they had the Princess hide all this time? Not that I blame them, of course. The Royal Guard couldn't even protect the Queen's husband. What chance would a young girl have against those ruthless Yiga?"
"You can't entirely blame the Royal Guards," said Lana. "The Yiga were powerful enemies and practiced dark magic."
"I wonder what branch of the family the Princess comes from," said Helen. "She's clearly not the Queen's daughter. I heard there is a rumor that Queen Zelda's grandmother had a sister. If so, the Princess could be descended from that line of the family. I suppose the Royal Family birth records were all destroyed when the Castle was ransacked 125 years ago. It makes you wonder how they even know this girl is really of royal descent?"
"Why, Helen, it's funny you ask that because I asked my son Collin that same question when he was here on leave this past weekend," said Lana rather proudly. "Being in a position of some importance as a Guard at the castle, he has inside knowledge of such things."
Lana took a moment to clear her throat and make sure she had everyone's full attention. She enjoyed bragging about her son serving in the Hyrule Army, not working on a farm or in a store like almost everyone else in the village.
"Well?" said Helen impatiently. "Are you going to tell us?"
"Word is the girl has some magic power that only a true Princess of Hyrule inherits," said Lana, lowering her voice for effect. "Her Majesty used the same power when she defeated Ganon 25 years ago."
"Ah, that makes sense," said Violet, nodding her head. "And to be sure, it's better proof than any birth record."
"Are any of you planning to attend the celebration?" Helen asked.
"Our family is going," said Lana proudly. "I know it will be terribly crowded there. But Collin said he can reserve a place for us not too far from the front."
"What about you, Violet?" asked Helen.
"I don't know yet," said Violet, shaking her head. "We'd like to go for the children's sake, so they can witness such a historical event. Royal Coronations don't happen very often. But as you said, it will be so very crowded, and I'm not sure how well the children can handle it. My husband and I still need to discuss it. Anyway, ladies, I had best be going now. My two little ones will get off school soon. Bye for now."
They exchanged goodbyes, and each headed home.
The rest of the afternoon at the Hanlon household was spent on homework, doing some chores, and preparing dinner while the father finished working in the fields.
It was early evening when the family finally sat down for dinner. And their dinner conversation was also about the new Princess and the celebration.
"I know it will be crowded, dear, but this is a chance for all of us to see something historic," said Violet to her husband. "The last coronation was Her Majesty's 25 years ago. I was just a young girl then, and my parents took me to see it. I'll never forget it. The Castle was still badly damaged back then, but there were long banners with the royal symbol flying in the breeze. People from all over Hyrule were there, and everyone in the crowd was excited. When Her Majesty finally put on the crown, I think you could hear the cheer that went up all the way to Kakariko Village! I had to cover my ears!"
"I would like us to go too, but can the children cope with all the waiting and the crowd?" said Hanlon. "To get a decent view of the ceremony, we would need to get there quite early."
"We can pack extra food and treat it like a camping trip," said Violet.
"And we can both manage," said the older child, Emily. "We're not babies anymore. Right, Rand?"
Her younger brother Rand was still chewing and nodded yes.
"Well, let us sleep on it one more night, and we can decide tomorrow," said Hanlon. "Now, don't let your food get cold, children."
"How do they know the Princess is really a Princess?" Emily asked after swallowing another bite.
"She has a magic power that only a true Hyrule Princess inherits," said Violet. "I learned that from my friend Lana when I ran into her at the store. And she learned it from her son Collin. As you know, Collin's in the army, stationed at Hyrule Castle, so she claims he knows all about such things."
"Well, it was smart of Her Majesty to conceal this relative," said Hanlon. "I wouldn't count on the Royal Guard to protect her. But to be sure, it's a blessing and bodes well for the future. Now, stop playing with your food, Rand, and please eat your vegetables. They're good for you!"
"Yes, Father," said Rand as he slid some vegetables around on his plate with his fork, then reluctantly took another bite.
Meanwhile, a solitary Royal Guard officer reined in his horse at the Hateno Village entrance and stopped to speak to the person serving as night watchman that evening.
"Evening, Sir," said the Guard. "Can you direct me to the Hanlon residence if you know? I believe it is up the hill to my left."
"That's exactly right, Sir," said the watchman as he pointed in the direction. "It's the only house near the top. They'll likely be having dinner now."
"Thank you," said the Guard.
And then, with a click of his tongue and a tug at the reins, the Guard urged his horse forward and up the hill toward the isolated farmhouse.
Inside the house, the family heard the hoofbeats as the Guard rode up to the house, and Hanlon rose at once to look out the window.
"It's a Hyrule Army officer," said Hanlon, turning back to his family. "I hope neither of you children caused any trouble at school, did you?"
"No, Father," said Emily and Rand in unison.
"Oh, don't be silly, dear!" laughed Violet. "Even if they had caused trouble, would that bring out the Hyrule Army?"
The Guard dismounted, walked to the front door, and knocked. Hanlon promptly opened the door.
"Forgive my interruption, as I can see you're having dinner," said the soldier as he peered through the door. "I'm Lieutenant Grant, and I needed to catch you when you were home from work, but not too late in the day. This is the Hanlon residence, I presume?"
"Yes, I'm Hanlon, but is anything wrong?"
Violet joined her husband at the door while the two children watched and listened from the table.
"Hello, Ma'am. No, nothing at all is wrong," said Grant as he handed Hanlon an envelope addressed to the Hanlon Family and embossed with the Hyrule royal seal. "My orders are to deliver this invitation to you and your family."
"Invitation?" said Hanlon as he stared at the envelope.
"Yes, Sir," said Grant. "Her Majesty is inviting you and your family to the Princess Coronation ceremony at the Sacred Grounds this weekend and the buffet lunch afterward in the Hyrule Castle Dining Hall. The details are included with the invitation."
"I'm sorry, this must be some mistake," said Hanlon, shaking his head and holding out the envelope to return it. "Or is this someone's idea of a joke? We're just a simple farming family. We've never met Her Majesty, and our only dealing with the royal family has been in our prayers."
"Yes, Sir, I understand. When I received my orders, I was told I might need to explain matters. My understanding is that you had the Princess for dinner at your home. You no doubt didn't realize it was her as she has been going by the name of Astra all these years to conceal her true identity. Her existence has been a closely guarded secret, and even we in the Royal Guard knew nothing about it. But now the Princess wishes to return your kindness. I hope you will accept the invitation. It includes reserved places close to the ceremony and then luncheon afterward, where you and your family can meet Her Majesty and the Princess."
"Holy Hylia, dear!" exclaimed Violet as she gripped her husband's arm. "That young lady that was here a couple of weeks ago was called Astra. She is actually a Princess of Hyrule?"
"Yes, that's right, Ma'am," nodded Grant. "We're all in shock, too. But now, I should let you get back to your dinner before it gets cold, and I must be on my way. Good evening to you."
The Guard saluted, then returned to his horse while Hanlon closed the door, and he and Violet stared at the envelope. Then they returned to the table. Emily was clearly excited.
"Wow! We had a real Princess at our house?" said Emily. "That is so amazing! And now we're having lunch at the Castle?"
"I think your father and I are still in shock, too," said Violet. "But yes, that's right. What is it, Rand? What's bothering you?"
Rand kept waving his hand in the air as if he wanted to be called on in school.
"Will the Princess give us more Royal Fruitcake?" asked Rand, making everyone else laugh.
"I think there might be some there," laughed Violet.
"Or maybe all they will serve is vegetables," said Emily as she and Rand stuck out their tongues at each other, and everyone laughed again.
"I had better try on my best dress," said Violet. "And I hope your good suit still fits you, dear."
"I think it will," laughed Hanlon. "And I guess there's no need to sleep on our decision. We're going!"
"Yay!" shouted both children.
On the evening before the ceremony, Astra stared out her bedroom window. Unlike most nights at this hour, Castle Town was still busy with merchants making last-minute preparations and guards setting up barriers to separate the path she would walk tomorrow from the crowd.
"Well, Fi, mission accomplished," said Astra. "This is why I was here."
"Yes, the first part of your mission has gone well, Mistress Zelda," said Fi. "I am sure Her Grace is pleased."
"The first part?"
"Yes, Mistress," said Fi. "My understanding is your role is also to produce a royal heir. I have had no experience in how to accomplish such tasks, but will be of whatever assistance I can."
"Thank you, Fi," laughed Astra. "But I think that's something I need to manage on my own. I had better go to sleep now. I have a big day tomorrow."
"Yes, Mistress. Would it help you fall asleep if I hummed a lullaby? I know the lullaby your sister used to hum to you."
"That will definitely help," said Astra. "Goodnight, Fi."
"Goodnight, Mistress. Sweet dreams."
Astra fell asleep to the sound of Zelda's lullaby and memories of her sister.
The weather on the day of the ceremony was bright and sunny. Guards were positioned along the route to the Sacred Grounds, and Hyrule Field was heavily crowded. Astra had a light breakfast, and then her mother helped her put on her dress.
"You look beautiful," said Zelda as she stepped back to admire Astra.
"Thank you, and thanks for the help. I hardly ever wore a dress," laughed Astra. "But I guess I had better get used to it."
By the time Astra was ready, it was after 9:30 in the morning and almost time for the start of their procession at ten o'clock. Zelda and Astra stood inside the Castle near the entrance, along with the village leaders Riju, Yun, Sidon, and Kass. They would all walk together to the Sacred Grounds in a few moments.
"So, you had a little secret, Princess?" laughed Riju. "No wonder you said you might have other duties when I asked you to join us!"
"Don't blame her, Riju. It was my doing," laughed Zelda. "We didn't want to make her more of a Yiga Clan target than she already was."
"Target?" laughed Riju. "If you saw the way she fought, I think she could have taken on the entire Yiga Clan on her own!"
"I'm sure Link would have been very proud of you, Astra, and thrilled to be here to see this special day," said Sidon.
"Thank you, Prince Sidon," said Astra.
"Congratulations!" said Yun. "You look every bit a Princess now. I'm amazed at how much you changed from a warrior to a beautiful Princess. It's like one of those rocks you crack open, and the inside sparkles."
"Thank you, Yun," laughed Astra. "I think that's the first time I've been compared to a rock. But it's kind of you to say."
"Congratulations, Princess!" said Kass. "I feel like I should return to my roots as a bard and compose a new ballad in your honor."
"Thank you, Kass," said Astra. "You're very kind."
Paya, Talan, and their daughter Layna were also there, along with Purah.
"Congratulations, Highness," said Purah.
"Thank you, Dr. Purah," said Astra. "It was you who guided me at first, and I will never forget all your help."
"Thank you," said Purah, and then she lowered her voice. "I know this might not be the best time to bring this up, but now that the Yiga Clan threat is over, perhaps you can share some more information about that clever device you carry called a Tab?"
"All in good time, Dr. Purah," laughed Astra. "But yes, I will."
"Congratulations, Highness," said Paya. "We are all thrilled to see this special moment."
"Thank you and thank you as well, for all your help. I am happy you can live openly as a family now," said Astra.
"It's good to have my father home again with us," agreed Layna as she held his arm. "I was getting tired of visiting his grave."
Everyone laughed, then a guard announced that it was time. They all lined up except Purah, Paya, and her family, who would make their way separately to the Sacred Grounds, not wanting to draw attention to themselves. Then the group made their way out the door to begin their walk to the ceremony.
The village leaders were at the head of the line, followed by Astra dressed in formal attire, as befitted the occasion, and Queen Zelda by her side. An attendant followed the Queen and Princess, carrying the royal tiara on a velvet cushion. The gold band of the crown gleamed in the sunlight, and the three rubies set in a triangular shape in the center shone a deep red.
As soon as the procession exited the Castle, the people lining the path erupted in cheers that spread throughout the crowd, even to those too far away to see. Everyone waved to the crowd as they passed, and it was almost half an hour by the time they reached the Sacred Grounds and got settled. The grounds were surrounded by people, save for the entrance path and a section reserved for the VIP guests.
Zelda glanced around, admiring how well the Sacred Grounds had been restored. Some of the stonework used to repair the damage was obviously newer and stood out as such. But it would eventually fade over time and match the old masonry someday.
Zelda closed her eyes for a moment and thought back. It was hard to believe that over 125 years ago, she had stood in this very spot as a sixteen-year-old girl and formally appointed a young knight named Link while the Champions looked on. Zelda had to admit it had not been the most inspiring ceremony. And though she could not make out his words, she had overheard Revali griping, which only sapped her confidence further. But hopefully, today's ceremony will be better.
When everything was settled, Zelda moved to the center and raised her hands for quiet. The crowd slowly quieted, some shouting hush to those further back. Then Zelda spoke when she felt she could be heard.
"I will be brief because this is not my day but our Princess's. And I'm sure you agree it is better to enjoy the festivities than to listen to speeches. But today is a day of great rejoicing, not only for our new Princess but to celebrate the destruction of the evil Yiga who caused so much harm."
At that, the crowd cheered and applauded until Zelda raised her hands for quiet again.
"However, amid this happy celebration, let us first take a moment to remember and say a silent prayer for all those who gave their lives in the battle so we could be safe, as well as all those who lost their lives at the hands of the evil Yiga over the years. May they rest in peace."
Everyone bowed their heads in silent prayer for a moment, and then Zelda spoke up.
"Now, without further ado, I will administer the oath," said Zelda.
At her signal, Astra stepped forward and knelt on one knee, facing Zelda.
"Do you, Zelda, swear before Hylia and the people of Hyrule to fulfill the duties of a Princess of Hyrule, to serve and protect the lives of all in our kingdom, and to live your own life as befits a descendant of the Goddess?"
"I do swear before Hylia and the people of Hyrule," said Astra.
Zelda signaled, and the attendant brought over the crown, which Zelda picked up.
"Then I hereby crown you Princess Zelda of Hyrule," said Zelda as she placed the crown on Astra's head. "And may the blessings of Goddess Hylia shine down upon you."
At that, the crowd erupted in cheers as Zelda took Astra's hand and raised her to her feet. Astra waved to the crowd until she finally also signaled for silence.
"Thank you for your kind support, which I cherish and know I will need," said Astra. "I promise I will do my best to improve your lives and your children's lives and hopefully earn your respect and trust in the years ahead. For I love Hyrule and you, its people, and I will never stop loving you. May the blessings of Hylia shine down upon us all!"
The crowd cheered, and then it was time for Zelda, Astra, and the village leaders to return to the Castle for lunch and to welcome the VIP guests. The trip back to the Castle took every bit as long as the journey to the Sacred Grounds as the crowd that lined the path cheered and waved, and Astra waved back.
Castle Town had stocked up on food and drink for the occasion, and some vendors even had souvenirs. In addition, there would be music and dancing. It would be a fun day of merry-making that would last well into the evening.
When the party finally reached the Castle, everyone congratulated Astra again. Then Queen Zelda and Astra stood to receive the guests invited to the luncheon who were lining up at the entrance. An attendant introduced each party as they entered. Most were officers in the army or ranking members of the castle staff, but eventually, the Hanlon family reached the front of the line.
"Now remember your manners. And it's Your Majesty and Your Highness," Hanlon whispered to the children as they were announced.
"Welcome to Hyrule Castle," said Queen Zelda. "I heard about your kindness toward the Princess when she first traveled back here from a faraway place she had been."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," they all said together as they bowed.
"Yes, welcome to my home!" said Astra as she shook hands with Violet and Hanlon, then bent down to shake hands with Rand and Emily. "I told you I would have you over when the time was right."
"We are so honored, Your Highness," said Violet. "We don't know what to say except thank you so very much. The children were thrilled to see the ceremony, as were my husband and me. It's a day none of us will ever forget."
"I'm glad," said Astra. "I hope you enjoy the meal in the dining hall. Please feel free to help yourself, as it is a buffet."
"Is there any Royal Fruitcake, Your Highness?" asked Rand.
"All your parents will let you eat, Rand!" laughed Astra. "And I will arrange for you to take one home with you if that's okay."
"Thank you again, Your Highness," said Hanlon. "I had better go easy on the cake, though, if I want to fit in this suit."
"You will forever be in our prayers for your success and happiness, Your Highness," said Violet. "I'm afraid that is all we can do."
"Thank you," said Astra as she smiled at them. "That is all I need."
