Why we failed One-Hundred Years Ago

Part 5

The Princess's Plight

It felt like the entire kingdom was buzzing with excitement, like a beehive of joy and anticipation. People from all walks of life, from the lowliest peasant farmer to the proudest of regal nobility, happy pilgrims were flocking to the city in droves, their hearts brimming with joy for the jubilee. At the crescendo of it all was yet to come: the Queen's feast. A grand ceremony that would bring together the young and old, the rich and the poor, in a grand celebration of unity and shared laughter. A chance for us all to reflect on the blessings of this era of tranquility and revel in the prosperity we've been gifted. Everyone, regardless of birth, would be welcomed under the Royal Family's pavilions for the final feast, a monumental event where I, the Princess, would step into history like so many who came before me, assuming my rightful place as heir apparent to the goddess.

Though, the idea of which was daunting to say the least. I mean just hours ago I was trembling at the idea, frightened in fact. But suddenly those feelings dissipated for now. Something in me changed. Like a lever had been pulled deep inside. It must have been that thrilling excursion with Sir-Helmsworth, perhaps? Or, just the jitters catching up making this whole day seem surreal. Like a dream that at any moment I would wake from and find myself in the safe confounds of my bed sheets. But, it wasn't a dream. It was real. This was happening and whatever that silenced my worries for now, I was glad for it. And for once in my life, I was excited for what the days to come would bring. I was actually smiling.

As I floated through the castle halls walking on clouds, I felt an unusual lightness, a sensation of weightlessness that matched my euphoria. Call it the buzz of adventure or the excitement of a first boy's touch. For once, everything was falling into place, and it was even better than I had dared to hope. All I had to left was just navigate these next two days without a hitch. That couldn't be too hard, could it? First, the ascension ceremony, then anoint the pledges. I could almost hear my heart whispering to me: "You've got this, Zelda. Just a little more. Prove em all and show your mother you can do this. Make her proud." It was a wild dance of hope and trepidation for sure, but for once, I allowed myself to lean into the joy of it all. I should be terrified at the prospect, but somehow, that boy's courage rubbed off on me.

Could you believe it? There I was, actually humming to myself. I practically skipped up the castle steps to my quarters. The world around me reduced to a wonderful blur of colors as ornate tapestries hanging from the walls, paintings and other antique décor whizzed by in my haste. Bursting into my chambers, I was greeted by the familiar smiles of my best friends: Impa, Purah, and Urbosa, all waiting for me. Each seemed poised to tumble over the others just to be the first to exchange a word with me for how the morning went. They seemed more eager to know than I was to tell.

Meanwhile, my devoted handmaiden, Adeline, was in a flurry of activity, coordinating with the other court ladies to prepare my dress for today's celebration. The first horn, beckoning the initial gathering, would blow any moment now. Located only a stone's throw away, the girls wasted no time gathering all the attire in which I was about to be dressed for the royal gown, symbolizing a step further into my destiny.

"So, how did it go!?" perked Purah. "Well! Out with it!" But before I could get a word in edgewise, Urbosa was already beating me to it. "Can't you see the poor girl is out of breath?"

"Yeah," chimed Impa. "At least give her a moment to breathe and collect her thoughts. Can't you see she ran up those steps? They are quite the climb." Purah huffed and leaned back impatiently, tapping her foot, while her sister signaled for one of the other maids nearby to bring forth a round of refreshments that had been arranged on a pewter platter. Truth be told, I may have broken a sweat in my haste back to my chambers, so the drinks were a welcomed sight. The serving girl, Alara, spun the platter before us, offering up the satisfying sips. She was a dark-haired, slender-faced, shy mouse of a girl who had a sweet song to her voice. After sharing a few glances and giddy smiles, we each reached for our elegant glass goblets in eager delight.

Our drink of choice today was a delightful one, a particular favorite of mine and, admittedly, a pleasure for them as well: A Zesty Hydromel. Few other sweet summer treats were as special as this particular drink. This wasn't your average lemon water. No, this was a masterfully crafted concoction, originating from the magically cool waters found deep within the wells of the Domain. Those hidden pools were a wonder like no other in the world. No matter how long the water sat out in the sun, it always maintained a perfect chill, even at the peak of summer.

True artisans of this beverage would squeeze the juice from the ripest Hydromelons, harvested from the finest Sandsong oases, into this divine water. Their sour succulent flavor would then mingle with a drizzle of liquid golden honey for the perfect balance of sweetness. And not just any honey, mind you, but only from the scarcest of hives found in the zephyr blown hills of the stony mountains. The bees in those lands were blessed above all others. Their nectar was infused with rejuvenation and the very essence of vitality brought forth by the blooming blossoms and the sweetness of sun-kissed petals of Sundelions, a rare flower that could only grow at the peaks of high off places. The finishing touch would be a garnish of golden ambrosia made from the juiciest berries that would sparkle in the glimmering light invitingly.

Drinking it was an experience unto itself. It wasn't simply a means to quench one's thirst. Rather, it was an elixir that danced on your tongue, offering a refreshing coolness that engulfed you. It was akin to being wrapped in a gentle breeze carrying the fragrance of Hyrule's flourishing meadows. Just the beverage fit for such a momentous day, a princess with her friends, and a moment of peace amidst the whirl of preparations.

The girl also brought other treats, and after we each partook of the sweet morsels brought from the kitchens, I spoke. "Well, it was wonderful. You won't believe this, but I'm actually excited for tonight."

Urbosa sipped her crystal, "I told you, you would feel better when the time came. You just needed to clear your head, that's all."

Impa nodded, chewing her small bite of fruitcake while Purah adjusted her glasses. Meanwhile, Adeline was in a whirl of preparations. Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by a busy beehive of ladies in waiting who were spinning me around, flinging my garments off while others were placing new ones over me. Streams of fabric floated in the air as they wrapped around me. One girl would arrange, whereas another would modify where I stood. I could hardly speak; they were moving so fast.

Purah chortled, "Well, at least if all else fails, you can wow them in that gown. I don't think any of the men will be paying attention to what you're praying on about if you're dressed in that."

Instantly, and beyond my control, I could feel my cheeks flushing a hue redder than the sweet Hydromelon juice we had just partaken. Adeline's eyes narrowed, turning towards Purah, "Pray excuse me, but these are just the undergarments, not the dress in its entirety."

Impa suppressed a chuckle at the realization, and Purah blinked, adjusting her spectacles once again. "Oh, well, I-I knew that," she defended as her sister continued to chuckle, much to her annoyance. "Cut it out with that horse laugh. It upsets the princess."

"No, it doesn't. I don't mind—" I began, only to squeak as another lady lifted my arms to add yet another layer of pompous clothing.

Purah huffed, "Well, it annoys me!"

Urbosa smiled and stepped closer to appraise the situation. "So, does he have a name or what? You've been smiling the whole time you've been here, Little Bird."

My cheeks blazed with heat at the mention. "Um, well, it's Helmsworth, Sir- Helmsworth." That was all I managed to say before the sentence on my tongue was interrupted by the door to my bed chambers swinging open.

Immediately, everyone fell to a reverent hush. My maids paused their work and fell to one knee. My father had arrived. I had initially thought he would be pleased to see me as I was for him, but that was asking too much. His face was stern, his eyes devoid of warmth. Although it was the peak of summer, an icy chill filled the room at his presence. Nobody uttered a word. His proud blue eyes scanned the room, noticing the fuss and busyness of my ladies. Clearly, he wasn't satisfied. And then his firm voice filled the room.

"No need to rush on my account, we're already late anyway," he stated scornfully, not at my girls, but at me. The ladies remained bowed, except for Impa, who dared to peek at his position. She immediately shut her eyes again, realizing he was standing right beside her. He stepped further into the room, evaluating my state of dress with disapproval. He fidgeted with his shirt, fixing some non-existent crease—a habit he had when disturbed or anticipating a confrontation.

I braced myself. Here it comes.

"What's ten more minutes anyway?" he remarked, glancing around the room. "As you all were," he commanded. "But I would like a moment alone with my daughter. I apologize for the delay, but it will be just a moment. I have something I need to discuss with her."

With his words, my shields—my friends who had always been there to bolster my courage—departed from my chamber. As they exited, Father ambled over to the window, peering out at the terrace overlooking the gardens. His tone remained just as severe when he spoke again.

"So, I see that you decided to return after all. And just where, exactly, have you been, young lady?"

Nervously, I attempted to swallow the frog in my throat. Does he know? What do I say? "Papa, I... I just—"

"Not another word!" he interjected, turning away from his contemplative gaze outside. His eyes, as frosty as their blue hue, fixed upon me. "I have been informed of your adventures."

I stood, tongue-tied on the gowning stool, half-dressed, my body frozen in fear.

"You were gallivanting through the streets of Scrapbottom again, weren't you? Weren't you?! Even after I expressly forbade it after your last attempt!" he accused, pointing a finger at me.

Stepping off the stool, I almost tripped over one of its three-legged pegs. It would have been disastrous, but I managed to catch myself just in time. My voice trembled. "Papa, I didn't think it would be a problem because I—"

"Zelda Araleia!" he interjected, shaking his head in disappointment. Hearing my given name was a jolt; few knew it, as it was almost a secret. We royal ladies all bear the name Zelda, but each of us also possesses a unique given name, ours alone. He hadn't used mine in years, not since Mother... His loud voice, filled with disapproval, jolted me from my thoughts. "How many times must we go through this? You're not to visit the commoner districts alone, or without my permission and adequate protection! You could have been taken!"

I stuttered, struggling to formulate a response. But when he was this upset, it was nearly impossible for me to interject. It was as if I had regressed to being five years old again.

"Can't you see that you're courting danger with these reckless escapades? Threats have been made against your life!" he admonished, his voice echoing a blend of concern and exasperation in the stony silence of the royal chambers. "I won't risk the life of my only daughter. You are precious to me...You are all I have left."

His words made my heart sink. As upset as I was, I began to understand his point. But it wasn't like he imagined. "But, Papa, I had an escort. I wasn't alone. And besides, he is a trained guardsman! There was nothing to worry about."

His face flashed again with anger. Whatever emotional sentiment he had went flying out the window he was staring out moments earlier. "Oh, and is that supposed to make me feel better? Now you tell me that all that stood between those Yiga savages and having their way with my daughter was a single, solitary guardsman? And what's worse, you admit that one of my own household guards can't be trusted, and not only that; that he has the gall to betray my orders. By your own lips you doom him for treason! Don't you realize what I must do now? The position you put me in!"

My knees trembled at his declaration, and I nearly fell back. The words caught up in my throat again. "Treason? Father, that is unfair and ridiculous…" I could feel my fingers clench, tugging at the sides of my gown as I raised my chin up to face him. I snapped. "He only beckoned to do what I wanted because it was at my command. Leave him out of this! Please!" I found myself defending my mystery knight.

Yanking on the illustrious lapels to his suit he shook his head in confirmation. "Enough! You deliberately disobeyed me. Once more, the start of the ceremony begins within the hour, and you're late for your gowning. The eyes of the entire kingdom will be upon you this evening. Don't you realize the importance of this day? This is your ascension!"

"I know, as I'm constantly reminded," I said, turning my face down and away into my shoulder, to hide the tears welling up in my eyes.

"Then?" He questioned. "When will you cease with these childish antics of yours?"

That comment stung. Too often have my thoughts and opinions been dismissed because I was just his little girl. ""I'm not a child any longer. I'm nearly a woman grown now! Old enough to make my own decisions about when and where I travel within my own kingdom—"

"Nearly, a woman!" he interrupted. "But, even still, you will always be my daughter! And since you're so eager to prove your ladyhood and independence these days, perhaps now you will act like one. With that, comes responsibility. And the wisdom to abandon these foolish kid's game of yours. From now on you will behave as such. Your place is here among court and the other nobility. You will reframe from being seen in the lower districts, is that clear?"

I had demands of my own. "And who is it that has been watching me?"

"That is not of your concern."

I stood my ground, not taking a non-answer. "Which one the weasels from your council has had me followed? Was it Galivan? Was it him? Hmm?"

My father only shook his head, now standing in the doorway. I was no longer frightened. I was too upset and too full proud to be. I wasn't a little girl no longer, nor will I be corralled like one.

"No, not him." His voice rose again. "Not that it concerns you which of my counselors speak with me. I am the King. Where and whom I speak with is none of your concern daughter. Your concern should only be the next three days. Is that understood?"

"Well, was it him?" I prodded. I needed to know who the culprit in my father's inner circle was that was spying on me.

And just like that, like summoning a black crow of misfortune, out from the shadow behind my father came the devil in disguise himself skulking in from the hall. "Good morrow to you too, Princess," he said, with a sugary slick tongue. Though, in reality, he had a slippery viper's tongue.

I was in no mood for cruel japes, least of all, for him. "It's beyond half pass the break of day my lord." I corrected. "The hour of the rustling grass, if you may." I couldn't help but narrow my gaze at him. That man disgusted me though he despised me no less as well. Except when, I was of convenience for him.

Galivan slid into room, as if he were wearing silk slippers. He was dressed in his usual gaudy attire adorned with amulets, trinkets, and all sorts of priceless rings that he no doubt must have swindled lords from their riches for the promise of salvation. "My pardons, excuse me, My Princess. You are correct. I was just distracted by your radiance, that's all," He said with a phony bow and arm across his chest, glancing only to where I can see, a sneaky grin and a glimmer of a strange malfeasance in his eyes.

His stares frightened me, but I wasn't about to let him know it. Father looked at me and was about to say something else but thought better of it and cleared his throat instead. High Priest Galivan took the free air to speak his mind instead. "Oh, I do not believe the princess knew the danger she was in your majesty, after all, she is still a child to us all, regardless that she will ascend to her rightful place by your side tomorrow." He then sighed the falsest sigh I ever heard. How can father be fooled by this man's charade?

Galivan stepped by and lifted his hand in grandiosity, as if he was speaking and honoring the maiden goddess herself. "I mean, it feels like only yesterday she was just a babe swaddled in her sweet mother's arms, isn't that right, Your Highness?"

The king only stood and stewed on his words before raising a hand of his own to speak. "Yes, you are right Galivan. The time has come much too soon." The king shook his head, as if he was sadly reminiscing. "Much too soon indeed and I fear we are not ready. I am not ready."

"Papa, I—" I took a step out and reached for him but he turned away too soon back into the doorway behind Galivan.

"I hope you reflect on the words I've said, sweet Daughter. They weren't meant to hurt you. But, guide you into the lady I know you were born to be. One that will make your mother proud. Know that I love you and I always will." He said softly over his shoulder, back turned toward me. I stood stiff in the middle of my bed chambers.

Galivan cleared his throat before I could utter a syllable back. "If I may, Your Grace, a word with the princess? For preparation on tonight's jubilee."

My father nodded solemnly. "As you wish" he said to him, not before turning back for a final time to address me. "I'll be in my solar finishing up on some charters that need attending to. I won't be long so don't delay. I trust going forward today that you will behave?"

All I could do was nod. He did have a point. I wasn't just some mere farmer's daughter. I was the first daughter of the royal family and with that came a massive responsibility. Not only to him, but the entire kingdom. "Yes, father. I will." I said like a humbled mouse. "Forgive me for my outbursts."

"Very well, then. I'll see you at the top of the hour." He finished. And just like that he was gone, leaving me alone with that vulture of man, Galivan.

Making absolutely sure that my father was out of hearing, Galivan took off his mask of pretended piety and chivalry. The serpent had shed his skin indeed. "My oh my, how you have grown indeed, my dear." He said, pacing closer to me before encircling me with his steps. I couldn't move. For some strange reason his creepy stares were like an army of hands holding me into place. I couldn't budge an inch. But, when I looked around nothing was there. No restraints holding me back. Just a man, using sweet tasting but poisoned words.

He continued and with every step he took, it was one more piece of clothing he undressed me with his eyes. I couldn't help my face from reddening in shameful disgust. It was already bad enough he found me partially gowned, with mostly still in my small clothes save for be some modest pieces of fabric covering me. Thank the goddess. But, I practically did half the work for him. Gross.

"Quite the lovely flower you have become. So fair, gentle, delicate and unspoiled….a woman now, indeed." The lecher licked his lips and my belly twisted at the sight. With all my might I fought the urge to show any fear of him.

"I wonder, are you excited for today's ceremonies?" he asked but I didn't reply. I held firm, hoping that he would just go if I ignored him. But that was for naught. It seemed to only excite him further. Then he did something that totally caught me off guard. I had no time to react. He leaned forward, reached for a lock of my hair and sniffed at it like a hyena about to devour a prey.

"I can't help but think to myself what would happen if something were to go awry in tonight's big debut." He let loose of my hair and stepped back, crossed his arms as if evaluating me on an auction block about to be sold to the highest bidder. "Oh, whatever shall we do?" he said. "Perhaps, there might be a way to mitigate such unforeseen mishaps? Maybe, if there was a certain someone willing to carry the people forward even if the princess were to miss her marks? Tell me, do you think something like that may fair for her better?" he said unleashing a viper's smile while his long red nose pointed at me. "After all, through me, things could go easier."

He continued and I found myself following and counting his steps, praying that his next would be his last to leave me be or the very least, trip and break his neck. "After all, it is a lot of words and deeds to remember and get right. So many verses, rites to herald and movements to follow. Very easy for somebody, anybody, let alone a young lady to misstep and draw all the wrong murmurs among the crowds. All the realm will be watching. If only there was someone, she could rely on to shoulder the burden?

"Perhaps, even make the whole thing go by easy for her. Though…a risk such as that does come at a cost." He said, thumbing his chin as if recollecting a dozen solutions when he already one. He then stared at me long and hard waiting to see what I would say. Out of my control I chewed my lips to stop them from quivering nervously. Damn it, don't let him get to you. You're stronger than this!

"It wouldn't be much, rest assured, just a trifle really…Call it, a good-will blessing." He leaned and reached for my chin as if for a kiss, but I pulled away before he could escalate. "It would be my gift to her if she offers me her gift, first." He smiled.

And there it was. What he wanted. It wasn't some treasure or priceless heirloom of mine. It was me. A man more than double my age and not for some strange love he may have had but for his sick carnal lusts. To be another trophy that he can mount on his wall. I felt like I was going to wretch. And his poor wife. Does she even know the man she is married too?

I snapped. I had enough. "How could someone like you ever rise to the ranks of High Holiness at the Citadel?"

He smiled devilishly. "I ask myself the same thing every waking day, Your Grace. And yet here I stand and so do you. Now, do we have an agreement? I will be kind, rest assured...I will be your first, I trust?" he said with a snorting laugh that sounded like a cruel trumpet. Not only did he shame me with his offer, but he had the audacity to question my virtue. The nerve of this man.

"Never! I would rather leap from the window and meet the goddess herself than ever give you the satisfaction." I stomped, taking a step toward the window. Not that I would jump, but out of sheer instinct it was almost as if I was really going to make good on my threat.

"Why, you break my heart princess, tsk, tsk." He said with a shake of his head, feigning to act like he cared about me. Except, that I knew better, it was my body he wanted. "Careful now, you know that I have many allies in your father's court. It will be such a shame for someone you care about to suffer because of your disrespectful words to a man of the cloth."

"You wouldn't dare, I'll tell!"

"You will do no such thing little princess. Remember, your grace only ascends through my good graces and we wouldn't want an unfortunate event to befall your big debut would we? And by only her holy light are you worthy at all. Remember that."

I flinched. His words stung like the venom. His lips curved into a cruel jape of a smug smirk.

He then laughed again. "But, I can be a reasonable man, and I do have such a tender spot in my heart for young ladies who need my assistance, as you know. Call it a weakness of mine." He paced closer yet again. "Tell me, your highness, are you willing to pay any price for the love of your people?"

"I told you; you can't possibly think I ever would do such a foul thing. How could you ever think I could have eyes for someone like you. Have you no shame?"

"Well, If it meant securing your reign or losing it, maybe you might reconsider," He said with a crooked crocodile smile, slick and slimy as ever.

"You wouldn't dare! Enough of this! One word to my father of this sickening proposal of yours and you will be given up to the Weeper." I stepped away, about to leave my room when he snatched my wrist firmly and twisted. "Let go, you're hurting me."

"I don't think so, sweetling. Not as much as you hurt me today. Besides, your father wouldn't dare besmirch or offend the faith of her holiness. Not at a time such as this. Lest you forget, I have the ears of the faithful and that includes all that rabble out there" he said, his chin pointing out my window. It was true. I could hear all the shouts, laughs, sounds and noises from the city. It was almost to a bursting. Everyone would be here for tonight.

"From lowblood to high born, salvation by her holiness lies through me," he affirmed.

I was on the verge on slapping him when he let loose and softened his expression. What was he up to?

"Alas, your devotion won't be needed. I can see now how much this upsets you," he said, suddenly walking away as if he was willing to dismiss the whole thing. "I don't want that sort of trouble. At least not right now." He cupped his chin and turned to face me once more, his deceptive, dark eyes looking at me from head toe. "But, I believe we can both be satisfied with a compromise. Perhaps, another prize. One of similar beauty but less worth?"

Curse this frog in my throat. I wanted to scream at him but all I could do was listen. Instead, my eyes filled with tears, but I quickly shook them away.

"I'm an easy-going man and not hard to please," he assured. "That Adeline girl you're seen running and giggling with around the castle halls. What about her? Would she be able to see the light where you have…not?"

"You swine, how dare you!" I took a step forward. Fists curled at my sides. "She is but a maid of only six and ten."

"As are you if I recall?" he defended. "Or, you will be by the marrrow's twilight if recollections serves me right. Is that not the age when girls flower into ladies? Why else would the entire kingdom be bowing in supplication at your coronation these next few days?"

"Never! Out of the question. I will not—"

"Then I will have no choice but to leave you to your own devices during the faithful rites and ceremonies. See how the kingdom reacts to their princess when she fails them for all to see." He sneakily leaned closer to me and I stiffened like a stone. There he whispered into my ear. His breath smelled of lavender and the perfumes he wore all but tried to mask his ill intentions with delightful aromas. "Imagine the look on your father's face, when his only daughter proves the tongue-waggers true. A paper princess indeed."

"How could you?" I managed to eke out. "You know how important these few days are, why are you doing this?" I was on the verge of tears. Don't. Don't give in. Stand strong.

His demeanor softened slightly out of nowhere as if he had an epiphany. But, I knew it was only a temporary respite. "Easy, easy, we don't want you upset before your esteemed guests see you, would we?" he inched closer. His sour sweet breath in my face. "Also, your ladies have done so well to fix your dress." His grubby fingers hovered over the small of my back then gravitated down as if to caress my buttocks through my clothes with only the air between. "It would be such a shame for tears to spoil and spot your gown."

I was at my wits end and just when I was about to break, he stepped back for a final time and spoke. "I'll give you time to ponder on what I said, sweetling. Think about all the things I can do for you, if you only but give me a sliver of what I ask. Your friend….The honor and all that entails of the realm can be yours for the taking. And all without hardly any effort on your behalf. If you are kind to me, I will be kind to you."

Before I could utter a phrase back, the sickening swirl of his words ate at my belly and as I lifted my head from the shame, I found myself alone. He had gone as he were never there at all. Free of prowling eyes, the dam broke. I collapsed to my knees, tears drenching the floor. So much for being brave…Oh, Helmsworth, if only I had your strength.

Thinking I was alone I bore it all. My head buzzed and the once happy sounds from outside my window now rang like the chimes of dread in my ears. The time was now. But then, a small voice spoke from behind the veil of my room, where my wardrobe stood.

Out from hiding bolted over to me was Adeline. "Shh, shh," she said, trying to calm me.

"We were, just…just, having a conversation," My voice raced and was sporadic. Get a grip. You are the first daughter of Hyrule.

"It's alright, I heard the whole thing. Don't you worry about him. Leave him to me."

"No, you couldn't possibly, he is a very powerful man Addy." I sniffed, wiping the red tears from my eyes. Frantically, trying to explain to her, warn her, anything.

"I'll be fine. He won't touch me. You know me, if he tries, I have a present waiting for him alright. My strong boot." The girl smiled, trying to lift my spirits.

I smiled back, halting my frustrations. "When did you become such a brave fighter?"

"When they insulted my liege and friend, that's when. And besides, I know that if I didn't do anything about him, you would and it wouldn't be pretty. You may not know it, but there's a lioness in you just waiting to be freed."

"I always was told there was an eagle, a loft-eagle within me. The scion of my house." I sniffed.

"Even still, both are not to be messed with or provoked." Adeline nudged. "Now, we heard your father. We mustn't be late. I'll go fetch the other girls to help finish you up. Screw that pervert Galivan, you'll prove him wrong. You don't need his slimy help anyways. You can do this all on your own, just you watch. You are the princess of Hyrule, heir of the goddess, and what is he? Hmm?"

I had to reflect on her words. She had a point. There was truth in that. What was he? She was right. I'm the one with the blood of the divine and he, he was just some upstart from a low noble family. Not even high nobility. A man who cheated the way through the ranks. He had to of. Right?

She nodded firmly, wearing a smile. "That's what I thought."

I sniffed again, also returning back a smile. " Thank you Adeline. You're right. I won't let the likes of him spoil my mood. Not now. This is my moment. Not for him, but for my people, my father and my mother's memory."

"Don't forget Sir-Helmsworth now, I bet he will be eager to see your ascension."

"Adeline! I'm serious." Just as when I though we were sharing a moment, she decided to jape instead, by bringing boys into the mix.

"As am I," she returned with a wink of mischief. "Now, wait here, I'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail."

And before I could blink, she vanished. There she went, through the hall and down the steps to where the others were likely waiting for me in the foyer. The time is now.

Authors Note: Sorry, I know I said I would be taking a break, and this time I really will. Expect me back in like three weeks. I hope you enjoyed this tidbit to hold you over until the big chapter coming next. Link's pov. Let me know your thoughts and what you think will happen next. See you around!