"What are you writing now?" Liliana asked, leaning over Sophitia's shoulder curiously.
"My proposal for how the election should be carried out," the princess replied, dipping her quill into the inkwell on her desk.
"I thought your brother was handling that." Liliana stepped aside and crossed her arms behind her back while she stood waiting.
"That's what he wanted," Sophitia explained. "But we're all going to give our input and come to a consensus before we announce the election to the people."
"I suppose that's the smart way to do it."
Sophitia could hear Liliana rocking her feet on the floor behind her. She put her pen down and turned in her seat. "You're bored."
"How could you tell?"
The princess chuckled good-naturedly. "I know, I know. But this stuff is important. We're deciding the future of our kingdom. Not to mention we're still investigating the demon hiding among us."
"That part is much more interesting. And much more pressing, I might add. Shouldn't we be investigating that right now instead?" Liliana asked.
Sophitia tilted her head in a reluctant nod. "A reasonable point, I admit." She turned back to her paper to finish what she'd been writing. "I just need to put a few things in place first. I am competing against my siblings directly now. I cannot afford to lag behind."
"Ah, sibling rivalries," Liliana mused.
"Have you any thoughts regarding the demon?" Sophitia asked as she continued to write. "Do you think it's Lord Remoth, or someone else?"
"Lord Remoth is the obvious choice," Liliana answered. "But you've already said he may simply be working with the demon. And in all those mystery novels you've lent me, the culprit was never the obvious choice."
"Yes, well, I don't think we can rely on fictional novels as a legitimate source," Sophitia told her. "Looking to history may serve us better. For instance, the demon king Vaati was a shapeshifter. He disguised himself as a great swordsman in order to approach the Bound Chest, and he later took the form of my ancestor, King Daltus."
"There are many great swordsmen here in the castle," Liliana pointed out.
"I didn't mean this demon would use the same disguise," Sophitia explained. "He would take the form of someone who could get close to something he wanted, or someone powerful with many subordinates to use as he needed."
"Lord Remoth matches that description perfectly," Liliana said. "So perhaps it is the obvious answer after all."
"Hm. Yes, that is still the most likely explanation." Sophitia put her quill down, looking over what she'd written. "The trouble is still how to prove it, however."
"Although, one wonders why he wouldn't simply take the form of your father," the bodyguard added.
Sophitia blinked. Liliana made a good point. If the demon were to take the form of someone in a position of power, why would he not take the form of the most powerful person in the kingdom? "Hm. That is quite the quandary. Perhaps there is more to this than we anticipated. Or, perhaps the demon's shapeshifting ability is simply more limited than Vaati's." The princess put her papers aside, then grabbed a few things and put them into her carrying bag.
"Are we off to deliver your proposal?" Liliana inquired. As usual, her monotone voice gave little away, but Sophitia could tell she was eager to exit the tower after having been cooped up inside of it for so long.
"No, that is for later," Sophitia told her. "I wish to speak with my sister now."
"I see. Does it concern the demon?"
"That is not my priority today, but I suppose it is likely to come up over the course of the conversation." Sophitia stepped towards the door, and Liliana was quick to open it for her.
After descending the tower, the princess and her retainer made their way through the castle grounds in search of Victorique. Along the way, Sophitia could not help but examine everyone they passed by. All that talk of shapeshifting demons had set her mind to work trying to figure out who it was, even though she already had a very strong suspect.
"Would there be any easy way to detect the demon?" Liliana inquired. "I don't know a lot about magic, but you seem to have the ability to sense it."
"All those who wield magic can sense it to some degree," Sophitia answered. "But there are ways to conceal it from others if one wishes. If Laemora or the Sage of Light were still with us, they might have been able to sense magic this foul regardless of how it was being hidden. But as of yet, my siblings and I have not managed to sense anything amiss."
After asking around the keep for a bit, Sophitia was told she could find her sister in their father's old study, so that was where they headed.
Am I to take that to mean she sees herself as queen already?
Sophitia had already heard many throughout the castle refer to her sister as 'the queen' or 'Queen Victorique.' She'd even heard a few people refer to Lancel as if he were already the king. It would have been nice to hear someone refer to her 'Queen Sophitia,' but she knew better than to express such a vain desire.
Few would follow a queen like that.
The princess felt a little sick climbing the steps to her father's old office. It had been some time since she'd learned of her father's murder, but she knew she hadn't fully processed it yet, especially since it still wasn't clear exactly who had killed him or why.
"Are you sure you wish to speak with your sister now?" Liliana asked her, offering her hand as they climbed the stairs. "You could wait and speak with her at dinner, or when she returns to her quarters."
Sophitia shook her head. "I'll be fine, thank you." She took her retainer's hand regardless.
Pressing forward, the princess found two members of the Royal Guard standing outside of the office. She was about to request entry, but before she could, the doors opened and a Sheikah woman stepped outside. At first, Sophitia thought the woman was Impa Ayako, her sister's bodyguard. However, she noticed the slight differences in her facial tattoos.
"Impa Shiho," Sophitia said, recognizing the Sheikah woman as Ayako's sister. "It has been a while."
"Princess." Shiho reached for the mask that hung from the side of her head, pulling it around to the front to cover her face. "I was pleased to hear of your safe return," she said, her voice now slightly muffled by the mask.
"My thanks," the princess replied. "What brings you back to the capital? Are you here to help us investigate the demon's presence?"
"Indeed I am," the Sheikah woman replied. "You wouldn't happen to have any useful information regarding that matter, would you?" As she spoke, Shiho leaned her mask-covered face closer to the princess's.
Sophitia was rather put off. Being stared at by that big eye in the center of Shiho's mask was uncomfortable. She winced as she took a step back. "I am still investigating the matter as well," the princess replied. "I will be sure to share any useful information I obtain."
"That would be most helpful. You have my gratitude, Princess." Shiho bowed, then excused herself, stepping around Sophitia and Liliana to leave.
Sophitia rubbed her temple, feeling a slight headache coming on. She noticed one of Victorique's guards reaching to close the office door now that Shiho was out of the way, so she raised a hand to stop him. "Wait. I wish to speak with my sister."
"The Crown Princess is very busy," the knight told her.
"Wait," came Victorique's voice from inside. "See her in."
"At once, your highness." The knight pushed the door back open fully, stepping to the side. "You may enter."
"Thank you." Sophitia turned to Liliana. "Wait out here, please."
"Very well, Princess."
Sophitia then entered the room, with the knight shutting the door behind her. Inside, she found her sister sitting at her father's old desk. Impa Ayako stood beside her.
"Sister," Sophitia said in greeting.
"Welcome, sister. Please, have a seat," Victorique offered, gesturing to the chair on the other side of the desk.
"Thank you." The younger princess sat down. "I apologize if I'm interrupting anything." She glanced at Ayako, wondering if the Impa sisters had been discussing anything private.
"Not at all," Victorique replied. "We just finished. Shiho was briefing us on her and the Grand Watcher's investigation."
"I see. Any progress?"
"Not as such. There has been little movement on that front. The possibility exists that the demon has simply left the castle, leaving us with little to go on."
Sophitia nodded her understanding.
"Now, what was it you wished to discuss?" Victorique asked.
Sophitia's eyes shifted to Impa Ayako for a moment. She was not particularly fond of her sister's retainer, but even if she had been, she wished to speak with her sister alone at the moment. "May I speak with you in private?" she requested.
Victorique's face showed little response, but she seemed to understand. "Very well. Aya, please wait outside for a moment," she said, dismissing her bodyguard with a wave.
"Yes, Your Grace." Impa bowed. As she walked around to the other side of the desk, she eyed Sophitia with mild disdain before exiting the room.
Once they were alone, Victorique waited. "Go on, please, sister. Speak freely."
The younger princess took a deep breath. "You said before that you did not understand why any of us would want to wear the crown, correct?"
Victorique straightened her back, probably realizing it was going to be that sort of conversation. "Yes. That is correct."
"Well, if I may ask, now that you are aware that I wish to be queen, why do you think I want to be?" Sophitia asked.
"I suppose for the same reasons all others want to," Victorique replied. "The power to shape this kingdom to one's own vision – it is an alluring prospect to all. The issue is that few see the sword dangling above the head of the one who sits upon the throne."
Sophitia was not surprised that her sister had an answer prepared so quickly. She had to choose her next words carefully. "I do not claim to know the extent to which Father suffered for his duty. I certainly do not know it as well as you, sister. But I trust your judgment. I know it would not be easy, nor would it be pleasant."
Victorique raised an eyebrow. "Then have you come to tell me you wish to withdraw?"
"No." Sophitia emphatically denied the idea, shaking her head. "What I mean to say is, I fully accept the risks, even if I do not comprehend them as well as you. Were I to be queen, I would have to make difficult choices that would have serious consequences for the kingdom on a regular basis. I would have to endure the hatred of half the population at all times. Many would wish to unseat me, and many would attempt to kill me. But despite all that, I still wish to be queen. And I want you to understand why."
The elder princess waited until Sophitia was finished, then waited for a few more seconds. Seeing her sitting in that chair, contemplating her response, she really did remind Sophitia of their father.
"Very well, sister," Victorique replied level-headedly. "It is clear that this is important to you, and that is a fair request. Please, inform me of your reasoning."
The younger princess nodded in gratitude. "For so long, I never thought I'd ever get the chance to really contribute something to this kingdom. I always thought you would be queen, Lancel would be your minister, Percival would be your general, and Seraphina would be your sage. I've done small things here and there, but many of our people do not recognize me unless I'm wearing a crown or escorted by the Royal Guard."
Sophitia could see a look of concern in her sister's eyes, but Victorique did not interrupt, continuing to listen patiently.
"Perhaps that is vanity, but it speaks volumes to how little I've actually accomplished," Sophitia continued. "I am not content to merely live a safe, quiet life of luxury while you and our brothers take up the burden of running our beloved kingdom. I recently had the chance to act as Governor of Hebra for a brief period, and I was able to negotiate peace with the Rito. It was difficult – even dangerous – but it was the most fulfilling thing I've ever done in my life. I want to do more for this kingdom, and becoming queen would allow me to do that to the fullest extent possible."
Victorique waited a moment longer before responding. Sophitia was somewhat worried, even embarrassed. It felt good to get that off of her chest and lay it all out for someone else to hear, but she could easily see how it could be perceived as her merely whining and being selfish.
"I have always felt others underestimated you, little sister," Victorique finally said. "I understand it is difficult to be the fourth child, and I apologize if Lancel, Percival, and I have ever made you feel small."
"N-Not at all, sister. That is not what I meant to imply," Sophitia said quickly, nervously squeezing her hands together in her lap.
"It's alright," Victorique went on. "I have never doubted your drive or your dedication to this kingdom, and you have always been wise beyond your years. As I planned for the day I would eventually succeed Father, I always hoped to have you in my court, helping me run the kingdom."
Sophitia felt herself swell up with pride, and she blushed red with embarrassment. She could scarcely remember the last time her elder sister had spoken this kindly of her.
"But everything I said still stands," Victorique asserted. "I want you to be able to serve the kingdom if you so choose, but you need not be queen in order to do so. Father's throne has always been my burden to bear, and I do not intend to allow any of my siblings to take it upon themselves."
"I know," Sophitia replied. "I did not expect you to simply withdraw from the race in order to support me. But I do have a proposal."
"I thought as much." Victorique steepled her hands. "Please, do share."
"I want to be queen. But if I am not to be the one to take the throne, I want it to be you," the younger princess explained. "Percival is too much like Father in some ways, and not enough like him in others. I do not think he would make a bad king, but I worry about how quick he is to turn to violence as a solution. And Lancel… There's something wrong with him. Ever since he learned of the power the City in the Sky possessed, it's… done something to his mind. He wishes to use our ancestral homeland as a weapon to deter our enemies. It just isn't right. I know he's probably thinking several steps ahead of anything I could possibly understand, but I just can't accept his path to peace."
"I am inclined to agree with your assessment," Victorique replied. "But what is it you are suggesting? Do you wish to pool our resources together? Run for office in tandem, then decide which of us is to be queen once we win the election?"
"I am happy to share resources, but I believe we should remain separate candidates. If we were to work together, I do not think it would be wise to let Lancel and Percival know," the younger princess explained. "I propose we campaign for ourselves, but promote each other as well. Let the people see us as their number one and number two choices. Increase the chance of one of us winning. And, we can promise that, whichever one of us becomes queen, the other shall be made Grand Minister. That way, neither of us will have to bear the burden of ruling alone."
Victorique put a hand to her chin. "I am not completely opposed to the idea, but I would have to push back on one part of it in particular. If we are to work together, we cannot keep it a secret from our brothers. We are family. No good can come from going behind each other's backs, especially in matters as important as this."
Sophitia winced, as if her elder sister had just scolded her. "Well, I understand, but do you truly expect Lancel to not go behind our backs in any way?"
"He almost certainly will, but we should not let his methods determine how we act."
Sophitia squeezed her hands together nervously again. "Well, if we were to inform Lancel and Percival of our intentions, would you agree to my proposed alliance?"
Her elder sister nodded. "Yes. That is acceptable."
Sophitia breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, sister. I am glad we see eye to eye on this matter."
"As am I." Victorique smiled warmly. "I must say, Sophitia, I am proud to see how far you've come. It was only a few years ago when you were still attending the Academy. You have grown into a wise young woman."
The younger princess was surprised to receive another genuine compliment. "That-That's very kind of you to say, sister. Thank you. Can I take that to mean, in the event that I were to actually become queen, you would not take issue with it."
Victorique hesitated. "As I have said, my reluctance to see any of you on the throne has never been caused by a lack of confidence in your abilities. While I do not wish to see you suffer the weight of the crown, I do believe the kingdom would be safe in your hands."
Sophitia nodded once more. "I understand." She took a deep breath.
This went much more smoothly than anticipated.
"Before we inform Lancel and Percival of our decision, perhaps we should discuss the matter of Lancel's weapon," Victorique suggested.
Sophitia blinked, taking a moment to process the change in conversation topic. "His floating fortress? It is quite concerning, I agree. What of it?"
"The citizens in the capital no doubt fear having the weapon turned on them," the elder princess explained. "It will no doubt influence how they vote. If we wish to have a fair election, we must convince Lancel to remove it beforehand."
"Hmm." Sophitia put a hand to her chin, considering how best to go about this. "Knowing Lancel, he will want something in return. What do you propose we offer him in exchange for his cooperation?"
"That is a good question." Victorique took a moment to think it over as well.
"Perhaps we merely need to acquire the control mechanism," Sophitia suggested.
Victorique looked curious. "Control mechanism?"
Sophitia nodded, realizing she should explain. "When we went to Skyloft together, Lancel managed to find a device that was intended to be some sort of master control system for the floating city, or at least of its flight path and the like. It appeared inoperable at the time, but he must have found a way to repair it when he retook the city from the Rito."
"And you would steal it?" Victorique asked.
Sophitia realized she'd been suggesting something underhanded, which Victorique no doubt frowned upon. "Well, it isn't exactly his to begin with," the younger princess argued. "We'd merely be taking it into our possession for safekeeping. Then the four of us could decide what to do with it together after the election is concluded."
"I would not consider it theft if that is the case," Victorique conceded. "But Lancel would certainly take it as a serious slight, and it would give him an excuse to commit an equivalent act in retaliation. I believe the wiser course of action would be to discuss the matter with him directly."
Sophitia knew her sister had a point, but she also knew Lancel would not cave so easily. Unless, of course, he believed he had already made his point, and the people would still fear his weapon even if it was not floating menacingly nearby. "I suppose we can give it a try," Sophitia said. "But I suggest we also add something into our agreement before the election. Something to state that even the veiled hint of a threat to use the weapon on the people would be grounds for his disqualification from the race."
"That would be prudent, I agree," her sister said. "I am glad to see you thinking things through like this. It is the sign of a competent leader."
"Thank you, sister." Sophitia smiled. "Well, if everything else is settled, shall we go meet with Lancel and Percival?"
Sophitia and Victorique were the first to arrive at the meeting they'd scheduled with their brothers. Although the square meeting table was small, the sisters decided to sit next to each other on the same side of the table. It would show their willingness to cooperate with each other.
Percival was the next to arrive. His approach was signaled by the booming footsteps of Sir Onnick, which could easily be heard even through the sound-dampening door that afforded them a level of privacy in their meeting room. When the door opened, Percival walked inside. Sir Onnick's massive frame could be seen briefly through the door before it shut.
"Sisters," Percival said as a curt greeting. He took a seat at the table opposite Sophitia and Victorique. If he noticed that the two of them were sitting more closely than one might expect for this sort of meeting, he did not choose to comment on it.
"Welcome, Percival," Sophitia said.
"Glad you could join us," Victorique added.
"I see Lancel is last, as always," Percival commented, placing a small stack of papers on the table.
"He does have a habit of doing things on his own schedule," Sophitia agreed with some mild irritation. Between the four of them, Lancel was easily the one who spent the most time on leisure activities, and yet he was rarely able to arrive at a meeting at the agreed-upon time.
"I trust you've brought your proposal," Victorique said, gesturing towards Percival's papers.
"Indeed. I assume we've all had similar ideas, so hopefully we can get this over with quickly." Percival was clearly eager to get the election started. They had already delayed for some time, and he appeared to think he would be the obvious winner.
Sophitia would not be against making it a short process, at least if they could do so without sacrificing the election's integrity. She thought of what Liliana had said about the situation regarding the demon and the traitors in their midst. The election probably shouldn't be their top priority,
As soon as we get the election underway, then we can handle the rest.
The three of them discussed smaller matters while they waited for Lancel. Just as Sophitia was about to suggest they get started without him, the door opened once more.
Lancel stepped into the room and clapped his hands together once. "Have no fear, sweet siblings! I have arrived to take part in this most historic think tank." He spread his arms to gesture to everyone as he approached the table. "Glad to see you all could make it. Guess we can get started right away, huh?" Lancel took a seat at one of the empty sides of the table before reaching into his bag, pulling out a stack of papers, and dropping them in front of him.
"Yes. I'd hate to make you wait," Percival said with obvious disdain.
"You're too kind, brother." Lancel shot Percival a smile that was clearly intended to annoy him. He turned to his sisters next. "My, don't you two seem awfully close? Have I missed something?"
"Very perceptive, brother," Sophitia replied. She gave a look to Victorique, silently requesting permission to unveil their agreement. When her sister gave her an approving nod, she proceeded. "I suppose Victorique and I shall begin with an announcement. While we intend to remain separate candidates in the election, we have agreed to cooperate and share resources. We have also agreed that, if and when one of us becomes queen, the other shall be made Grand Minister. I hope the two of you have no objections."
"Sure, go ahead," Lancel replied with no hesitation.
Sophitia blinked, a bit surprised to hear that. "Are you certain, brother?"
Lancel shrugged. "Why not? You'll only end up splitting the vote between the two of you. Overall, it seems like it'll help us more than it'll help you."
Sophitia shared an uncertain look with her sister. Before they'd arrived, she'd briefly considered the possibility of their supporters splitting the vote between the two of them, and thus lowering each of their votes individually. However, she'd ultimately decided the benefits would outweigh the potential drawbacks. Lancel's response had her wondering if she'd gravely miscalculated.
Lancel turned to Percival next. "And you, brother? Any complaints?"
"None," the other prince replied. "You can all do whatever you want. I intend to win regardless." Putting his hand on the papers he'd brought to the table, he moved them closer to himself. "Let's move ahead to our proposals for how the election will function."
"There is one more thing I would like to discuss before we get into the details," Victorique interrupted.
Percival looked annoyed. "And what is that?"
The eldest princess turned to Lancel. "Skyloft."
Lancel smiled proudly. "Yes, what a wonderful city. Have you been, sister?"
"Lancel, surely you cannot expect the election to have a fair outcome when the people live in fear of your deadly flying fortress hovering above them," Sophitia pointed out, making it clear what their complaint was.
"Technically, it's hovering above the moat," Lancel replied. "So, really, it's the fish who have to live in fear."
"Lancel," Percival said in an unamused tone.
"Fine." The elder prince held up his hands disarmingly. "I see what this is about. You wish for me to remove the ace from my sleeve before the next hand is dealt, yes? Very well. I am more than willing to acquiesce to your request. However-"
"You do not get to make demands in return," Percival interrupted. "Sophitia and Victorique are correct. You cannot threaten the people and then ask them who they wish to rule. It would defeat the purpose of the election entirely, and I am not interested in wasting all of our time when there is already so much left to do to rebuild this fucking kingdom."
"Percival." Victorique raised her hand, giving him a look that told him not to take it any further than that. She cleared her throat, directing her attention back to Lancel. "I am willing to hear your request. I shall decide if it is fair or not."
"Aw, sweet sister. As wise as you are generous. I am confident you will see reason upon hearing my most simple of requests." Lancel continued to smirk confidently as he leaned forward, giving his siblings a mock bow from where he sat at the table. "For you see, if I am to forgo my trump card, I think it is only fair that you, Victorique, should do the same."
Sophitia did not know what Lancel meant by that. She looked to her sister questioningly, but Victorique appeared as perplexed as she was.
"What are you referring to, brother?" Victorique asked.
"For the entirety of the election, you must opt not to describe yourself as the Crown Princess, the rightful heir, or anything else that might unfairly sway the vote in your favor," Lancel declared. "Of course, we all know the order of our birth is irrelevant, but there are many in the kingdom who have seen you as Father's heir for our entire lives. If you are to win their votes, you must do so by your own merits, just as we will. You cannot claim any sort of birthright."
Sophitia was surprised. It was a simple request, but one she had not ever expected Lancel to make of Victorique. She'd already had it in her mind that a large part of her elder sister's campaign would involve invoking her right to the throne as given to her by their father and by law. She had many other good qualities as well, but surely that would have helped her tremendously.
Will she agree to such a demand…?
The younger princess and both princes watched Victorique's face intensely. She remained expressionless for several moments, merely staring back at Lancel as she considered how to respond.
"I accept your terms," she finally agreed.
Lancel smiled with self-satisfaction at his latest victory. Knowing how her brother's mind worked, Sophitia figured Lancel must have calculated that giving up the threat of Skyloft was worth Victorique forswearing her ability to claim herself their father's rightful heir.
Could that possibly be right…?
Percival's expression barely changed at all, but Sophitia could tell he was hiding his excitement. This was a victory for everyone except Victorique, so of course he would be glad to hear it as well. As much as Sophitia would have preferred to see Victorique on the throne rather than her brothers, she felt a sort of relief as well.
I really do have a chance now.
"Well, then," Percival began, once again tapping his papers. "With that out of the way, shall we-"
"Wait!" Lancel interrupted loudly, raising his hand for attention.
Percival sighed in irritation. "What now, Lancel?"
"Hm? Oh, nevermind. Do continue, brother." Lancel leaned back in his chair, a cheeky smile on his face.
Percival glared at him, but moved on. "Let's just get this over with…"
"I hate this cape," Liliana complained, pushing the fabric around on her shoulder as she and Sophitia walked along the bridge.
"I know, dear. But try to endure it, just for a little while." Sophitia pinched her dress and lifted it slightly as she walked to keep it from dragging across the ground. She wore one of the finest dresses in her wardrobe, as well as her crown, which she had not worn since the summit. She had to think of the announcement as a first impression, so looking her very best was incredibly important.
The princess had made sure her other guards looked their best as well. As she was led to the city square where the announcement would take place, she was surrounded on all sides by members of the Royal Guard wearing shiny, freshly-polished armor. Select guards in the formation held banners displaying Sophitia's personal seal - three thin red rubies in a fanned-out pattern to match her crown, sitting upon a blue backdrop.
The entire northern section of the city square had been sectioned off well ahead of the Royal Family's arrival. A line of armed guards stood in front of the barricades, ensuring the crowd of citizens would not cross. A stage had been set up, as was usually the case when the Grand Minister had an important announcement to make. The stage was larger this time, however, with several podiums placed upon it.
When Sophitia arrived, she waited on the ground level behind the stage. Victorique and Percival were already present with their retinues as well. Victorique stood with both Impa sisters and a line of her guards behind her. Percival was encircled by his guards, but it was easy to pick out his golden armor and the imposing figure of Sir Onnick towering above the others.
As usual, Lancel was the last one to arrive. He entered the square with Sir Anselm and his other guards formed up in a rectangular formation around him. He took his retinue to stand in between Victorique and Percival.
With the four siblings present, the Grand Minister approached Victorique. Sophitia could not hear them from where she was standing, but she presumed he was asking if they were ready to begin.
"Are you ready?" Liliana asked quietly, standing close by Sophitia's side so she could speak into her ear.
Sophitia took a deep breath to steady herself. She could feel her hands shaking, and did her best to still them. She was not especially averse to public speaking, but this was quite a significant event. She needed to do everything right, or she'd risk beginning the election at a disadvantage.
"I am prepared," Sophitia replied to her retainer, although she was also talking to herself. She flinched slightly when she felt Liliana's hand grip hers.
"You've faced worse," the round-eared girl reminded her. "And you've spent so many hours preparing for this. You'll do fine."
"Yes," Sophitia nodded, as if agreeing with what Liliana said would make it true. However, she did feel some relief. Liliana had always been good at calming the princess down.
"Princess Zelda Sophitia Hyrule." Sophitia's guards parted slightly to allow Grand Minister Malkori to converse with her. "Are we ready to begin?"
"Yes, we are," Sophitia replied, putting great effort into appearing calm.
The Sheikah man nodded. "Very well. I shall proceed with the proclamation. You and your siblings may join me on the stage after I announce you, your highness."
"Thank you, minister. Please proceed."
Sophitia watched as Malkori took the stage. Many in the crowd beyond the barrier shouted once he came into view. Some cheered, expecting him to announce that the Crown had found some way to solve all their problems. A great deal of others, however, were plainly angry and demanding answers.
Sophitia felt wary upon hearing some of the things they shouted. She had not taken enough time to research the citizens' thoughts on the current state of affairs in the capital. She knew they were still suffering from the events of the Blood Moon as well as Percival's battle with Lord Remoth. Parts of the city still lay in ruin, and many of its citizens must have been worried.
Do not fear. We are here to protect you.
"People of Hyrule," the Grand Minister began. Some of the shouting died down, but many still made noise. Nevertheless, he continued, his voice carrying easily from a wealth of experience with public speaking. "We have all suffered following the tragic demise of our great King Tychon. Those in his court have been working tirelessly to bring about a better tomorrow. I have come here today with King Tychon's children bearing an announcement regarding the future ruler of our fair kingdom."
Here it comes.
"Presenting - Princess Zelda Victorique Hyrule, Prince Lancel Leif Hyrule, Prince Percival Seliph Hyrule, and Princess Zelda Sophitia Hyrule."
Liliana placed her hand on her charge's shoulder for a moment. It was enough to silently say 'good luck.'
Sophitia silently nodded her thanks, then fell in line behind her siblings, approaching the stairs leading up to the stage.
Please, Hylia, let them see me as their queen.